69 front valance repair
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: BUFFALO NY
69 front valance repair
Hi I am new to the forum. I was wondering has anyone started a thread for lower front valance repair. I was curious of how easy it was and I info on how to replace it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi T,
Welcome!
First Post!!
And, a 69!!! Good for you!
Fortunately the front valance is a single piece that runs from side to side.
There's a 'seam' at each side where the valance panel is bonded to tho lower part of each front fender.
The valance panels are readily available.
Looks like you'll need some grill and trim parts too.
Has the bumper-ette or it's brackets been damaged?
You may not be able to know just what all you'll need until you get under there and begin to take things apart so you can get a better assessment.
Folks on the forum have done this repair and I'm sure will be along to offer you their advice and help.
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First Post!!
And, a 69!!! Good for you!
Fortunately the front valance is a single piece that runs from side to side.
There's a 'seam' at each side where the valance panel is bonded to tho lower part of each front fender.
The valance panels are readily available.
Looks like you'll need some grill and trim parts too.
Has the bumper-ette or it's brackets been damaged?
You may not be able to know just what all you'll need until you get under there and begin to take things apart so you can get a better assessment.
Folks on the forum have done this repair and I'm sure will be along to offer you their advice and help.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 29, 2017 at 07:45 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
if you have the pieces a good fiberglass man can repair it.
proper alignment of fiberglass is important if you want to bolt everything back together when your done.
if not buy a replacement lower valance and install.
jack the front end up to work on it, makes it much easier.
proper alignment of fiberglass is important if you want to bolt everything back together when your done.
if not buy a replacement lower valance and install.
jack the front end up to work on it, makes it much easier.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: BUFFALO NY
Thanks
Thanks for the reply. I am in unsure how much is damaged. Also what's the difference between press mold and hand mold for the front valance besides the price. Also do you need the bonding strips.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi T,
The press molded part is made in the same way as the original piece was. It's worth the $ if you care about the car.
Depending on the condition of the bonding strips (was one or both of them damaged?) you may or may not need them.
My answers have been predicated on the idea that the valance panel will need to be replaced. Your answer to those questions about "do you have the broken parts" would have an impact on whether you repair what you have or purchase new parts as needed.
Regards,
Alan
The press molded part is made in the same way as the original piece was. It's worth the $ if you care about the car.
Depending on the condition of the bonding strips (was one or both of them damaged?) you may or may not need them.
My answers have been predicated on the idea that the valance panel will need to be replaced. Your answer to those questions about "do you have the broken parts" would have an impact on whether you repair what you have or purchase new parts as needed.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Will you do this repair yourself? Have you worked with a fiberglass body before?
If you're going to need at least one side then replacing the entire valance will allow you to only have to rework those 2 seams.
The Forum's resident body-man DUB will likely see your post and offer his advice.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Will you do this repair yourself? Have you worked with a fiberglass body before?
If you're going to need at least one side then replacing the entire valance will allow you to only have to rework those 2 seams.
The Forum's resident body-man DUB will likely see your post and offer his advice.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi T,
Quite truthfully this is a good place on the body to gain some experience! It's tucked down out of sight and even originally the area wasn't even close to great.
Having someone with fiberglass body experience to help is a good idea and will ensure this repair go well!
Regards,
Alan
Quite truthfully this is a good place on the body to gain some experience! It's tucked down out of sight and even originally the area wasn't even close to great.
Having someone with fiberglass body experience to help is a good idea and will ensure this repair go well!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 29, 2017 at 06:49 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I have done this and in your case buy the whole panel......carefully cut where the seams are......this is important....as well as the overall height of it from a reference....say the bumper boss above it......
Mock it up about ten times, get it where you like it and you are comfortable, using body clamps......then glass it in......
Jebby
Mock it up about ten times, get it where you like it and you are comfortable, using body clamps......then glass it in......
Jebby
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: BUFFALO NY
Thank you. For all your help. Once the weather gets warmer I will tackle this job and take my time at doing so. It's the first of many to come. I am not trying to get show quality I just what a nice complete front for it. Has anyone purchased this piece from a good company or know of a good company that has a great product. I have been liking on corvette Pacifica and Wilcox.
Last edited by Trivon56; Mar 29, 2017 at 07:14 PM. Reason: Miss spelled word.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
As far as I know, there are 2 companies that make nice original looking valance panels, and there were 2 original GM panels on eBay a few days ago. Everyone that sells a "black" fiberglass panel gets them from the same places, I presume.
I remember returning the one I got that was made by corvette image because the edges were ground down too far.
I remember returning the one I got that was made by corvette image because the edges were ground down too far.