Under-dash Fuse Cover Panel

[Jamison]

Greetings:

I'm from the USA. It is Thanksgiving holiday and I'm spending time with my beloved CS. Current restoration project - under dash region ; specifically the swinging door panel that covers fuse area.

I purchased my 1972 CS without the black door panel that covers the fusebox area . Left hand drive vehicle.

I was able to source a replacement part. Yet it is clearly missing some parts / key operational components!? Please see pictures

I'm reaching out to this group to perhaps:

1) source a better panel with proper hardware
2) source hardware in order to utilize the door panel that I've purchased
3) see pictures of other CS owner's fusebox door panel area so that I can see and understand how it attaches and operates mechanically
4) identify proper bolts (3) to secure this door panel to the bracket near firewall

Any guidance , parts,

and/or recommendations welcomed to complete this under-dash panel project.

Thanks to all .

 

[BarneyT]

No real help, but it appears you are missing the push button latch…no key or lock on that door

 

[rsporsche]

you are also missing the clear cover over the fuse box - it is available from Walloth + Nesch

 

[boonies]

Also appear to need the wire guide that limits the door travel.

Oil’s design (member here) has them.

 

[Thomas76]

It's a tight fit, you may have a problem operating the door with that non-stock bolt protruding on the left kick panel down there.
Someone may have installed that long threaded rod to hold a door closed at some point, won't be needed with new latch.

 

[e9Leveque]

Here are some pictures of the area, was just putting it all back together today. I have upgraded my fusebox and the plastic cover keeps falling off so no need to tell me that part. I tried to take these from outside to in. picture 4 is the underside of the latch mechanism. The last picture shows the three bolts (the leftmost one is hidden a bit by carpet)

 

[Jamison]

It's a tight fit, you may have a problem operating the door with that non-stock bolt protruding on the left kick panel down there.
Someone may have installed that long threaded rod to hold a door closed at some point, won't be needed with new latch.

Hello - why would prior owner have installed that bolt? How is the kick panel to left of pedals secured to the sidewall? I can only fathom he bolted it in place since it would not stay on its own. Very strange since clearly it obstructs the swinging of the fuse panel door . Clearly I need to remove it . Any thoughts or insight welcomed.

 

[Jamison]

Here are some pictures of the area, was just putting it all back together today. I have upgraded my fusebox and the plastic cover keeps falling off so no need to tell me that part. I tried to take these from outside to in. picture 4 is the underside of the latch mechanism. The last picture shows the three bolts (the leftmost one is hidden a bit by carpet)

This is very helpful - thank you! Now to figure out what size and thread those 3 bolts that tether the door to brace are....

 

[e9Leveque]

Try an M6 with a 10mm hex head. They were pretty standard bolts as I recall. About 16mm long.

 

[bmw2800cs]

No real help, but it appears you are missing the push button latch…no key or lock on that door

The push button latch comes in two flavors - based on another thread in this forum. The metal/chrome one is nicer looking but is problematic (mine is a pain), the black one that rotates is all plastic, doesn't look as nice but generally works.

Found it:

Post in thread 'FS: lock for fuse compartment'

Jun 30, 2025

So, I recently saw another post on the forum about the black fuse compartment knob. As most of us know, the chrome type has a lever that moves down in order to disengage from the metal fitting attached to the bottom of the dash:

Depending on the locating of the metal fitting, it may remain in contact with the fitting even when depressed, or become re-engaged if you push up on the door as you push in on the chrome button.

The post indicated that the little catch in the black knob retracts, which makes it more reliable thant the chrome pin.

• Ohmess

• 

 

[e9Leveque]

Looking at this a bit more, I think that the protruding bolt went through the hole with then likely a wing nut holding it closed. The side kick panel is secured along its edge closest to the door by some small trim screws - I think two or three of them. It's more wedged in there with a few screws holding it in rather than being securely held. The fusebox dropdown door has those three bolts at its far hinged that bolt upwards into the frame - those are the ones that I think are likely M6. When it is opened its drop is limited by the wire loop that is going around the plastic washer on the central portion underneath the steering wheel (pictures 2 and 3 of my 6 above). I think that your sidekick panel looks a little ragged, if the thin wooden/cardboard backing is warped you may want to fashion a new one. I think that @rsporsche has a thread in the info section with many of the panels diagrammed with dimensions, or you could use your current as a template. Also, if you need to reflock that area let me know - I had ordered more black flocking material than I can use and it will cost more to send it back than its worth, so happy to send a 1/2 lb to you (and to anyone else, I have 1 lb worth and you don't need more than 1/2 lb) for just the cost of shipping.

 

[Thomas76]

Hello - why would prior owner have installed that bolt? How is the kick panel to left of pedals secured to the sidewall? I can only fathom he bolted it in place since it would not stay on its own. Very strange since clearly it obstructs the swinging of the fuse panel door . Clearly I need to remove it . Any thoughts or insight welcomed.

Someone already answered your question below.