What is the black thing that's in front of the front tire...it looks like it goes across the whole front fender. It seems like a splash guard of some sort?.. I've seen these on a few C3 corvettes but it doesn't seem to be stock. Are they easy to remove or is it a pain in the you know what?

 

It's the front spoiler. It pushes air through your radiator.
Ultra important part. The one in the photo is a Indy pace car style one. Much better than the stock one that came on your car.
You can remove it. It's held on with bolts. But then only drive in very cold weather.
You could put the stock, much smaller one on. It doesn't work as well or look as good. But it's better than nothing.
Clearly the previous owner had a clue.

 

That spoiler is a stock spoiler for the later 1970's C3's and it is a nice piece to have on the car. It will assure your engine has as much air as it needs to stay nice and cool. Removing it should not have any negative affect on your Corvette.

The spoiler is a nice feature to have if the engine runs excessively hot. I use 12.25-1 compression in my 427 which makes for a very high operating temperature which is normal on my engine. Compression makes heat and lots of it. With this extra heat it is important for the radiator to be well sealed allowing the air to be forced through the radiator. I have driven for years with no spoiler on my C3 and never had issues because of it.

I have tried that same spoiler on my 1968 C3 with it's 427. It was nice and worked okay until you get near obstacles in a parking lot and then it can break very easily. With the spoiler the engine temperatures would be a tad lower, without it the engine would run hot like normal for it. It is worth while to keep the spoiler on the car.

The spoiler is there for "looks" in most cases since you also have a stripe on your car. It will help your car a bit when on the car as it pulls the nose "down" while driving very fast. If you remove it then the car will most likely be perfectly fine year round. I don't believe the spoiler was put there for excessive heat but for the looks of having one. If you have a modified 427 in your car might have different needs and require the extra air.

Your car should be fine with or without that spoiler on your Corvettes front end. It is a good looking spoiler if nothing else. I think they look really nice on a C3.

 

Perhaps paint it body color to blend it in. It didn't come on that car but neither did your hood and stripe. It is a functional piece I suggest keeping it

 

If you have a competent body shop, you may want to consider taking it to them. They can remove it, paint it and reinstall it. I can't imagine it taking more than a few days.

 

I understand your wanting to know about removing it. That one looks much larger than others I’ve seen and definitely jumps out at you. On the side it almost looks like a mud flap put on in reverse order. I agree with statements about airflow, but would personally prefer one thats maybe a bit more petite.

 

Many auto body supply shops can mix up matching paint in an aerosol can they even have hi quality clear already in a can that works well. I wouldn't use the crap from like orielys auto zone etc. it really isn't like touching up a hood or something. You really can do good job that way.

 

That spoiler adds to the overall look of the front besides being functional , I like it and would keep it. Been looking for one for my 76 just not ready to pay price for a new aftermarket piece.

 

Yes, an Indy Spoiler is on my list but just can't seem to pull the trigger at this time.

 

Having a '69 myself, that spolier looks strange to me knowing what the original looks like. If your BB is running correctly, that big spoiler is not needed. I've been driving my BB summer only for 17 years in 100+ weather in Texas and have never had an overheating problem with my "tiny" spolier.

As with everything, to each their own, and everyone has an opinion!

Here's the original look, so sleek

 

You NEED it. THe radiator needs air that is forced though the bottom of the car and pushed up into the radiator compartment where it flows through the radiator if all the seals are in place. THe small petite one that is stock for a 68 or 69 wasnt enough and was enlarged in 70 and in 71, an even bigger piece was added to fix the issue. You can go with a smaller aftermarket version that doesnt stick out as far and will function well but that one will look better painted to match the body. If you think you can live without it box it up and send it to me. I will pay the shipping. It would look great on my car!!