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Hello,
I need a replacement black plastic front air dam for my 69. Is there a vendor that supplies an exact fitting replacement for this? I read on this site that the new replacements do not fit properly. Is the some way to remedy that or a source for getting one that fits properly?
Unfortunately the replacements are all the same. They do not fit correctly where they turn up at the corners. I was able to get a replacement to fit
better by heating that area and forming it. I would not so this on the car though. Make a wooden template of that aera of the valance and then use
that to do the forming when you heat the plastic air dam, this way no chance of damage to vehicle.
This can help the fitment, but I could still not make it perfect.
Joe
It depends on your skills.
You need to heat the new air dam enough to make it plyable, but not too much to melt it. You can still tell on the fitment, but much better.
There are other ways to tell as the plastic if not exactly the same, plus the new air is is injection molded and you can see the nubs on the
back side of the air dam on the stiffening ridges. You cannot see those from the front, but they are there. If you are trying to pass NCRS
judging then you will need to find a good used air dam, but that is very difficult.
Joe
I replaced mine a few years ago.. Believe I got it from Corvette America.. I think they are all the same. I had to drill one new hole in the spoiler (drivers side) to get holes to line up correctly on the fiberglass lip. No biggie. There is a slightly larger gap than the original one, but overall I am pleased with the outcome. (Shipping charge is more than the part!!!)
Here is a pic.
VS Replacement spoiler
I soaked mine in a hot bath for an hour then massaged it into shape and clamped it before fixing it. Worked out ok but very frustrating that they can't get such a simple part correct!
Original front air dams were about half the material thickness allowing them to be more pliable and also conform better when installed. It always seems that when a reproduction item is made and is imperfect the supplier or company does not wish to invest in a redesign of said item. It is always buyer beware when it comes to reproduction items, have seen hundreds of items that are close but have issues.
Is the some way to remedy that or a source for getting one that fits properly?
Agree, these items are overpriced and don't fit. I fill in the gaps in each corner with some black caulking and not very noticeable if you do it carefully. One option for you anyway, and let us know if you find a good vendor. It does not look like it would be too hard to make one that fits, eh?
front air dam replacement
