No, I'm not hitting the curbs with it. 2 of them have broken now and it seems like the bolt holes are not lining up and I have to bend it a little when I've installed them (they're hard plastic).

I've heard there are 2 designs for the 85. Can anyone shed some lite on what might be going on?

Thanks

 

Yes there were 2 designs, one was the standard and the other was z51 version which is about 1 inch taller. If you get frustrated make one yourself out of flashing material. The flashing is aluminum so it is really easy to work with. Measure across including the cutouts in the side pieces, then add about an inch or so depending on where your mounting bolts hit. A fair pair of metal cutters (they sell these everywhere for less than $10 for left, right and strait cut) and have at it. To make the bend for the bolt lip I just used some long wood strips and 2 clamps (woodworking because they reach across and hold good. Then I took a rubber mallet and made my lip by going back and forth and bending the whole length slowly. After I was done with the bending and cutting mark the holes and drill them. I set mine up to go a little behind the two side pieces so I could pin them at the bottom for strength. When I felt done I cleaned the aluminum up real good, it was time to paint to match the two sides. I used what I had laying around for test and it turned out it matched the side pieces almost perfect(well I can't see the difference). I used Krylon rust tough enamel part number RTA 9203 semi flat black. If I get home before dark I will try to get you some pictures. At least with the aluminum you can bend it back to where it was so it will work better and last longer. GOD, I hate those high tire stoppers at parking lots!!!!!
I hope this helps and I really wish I had photographed and made a template as I went along so I could pass all that along but it really looks good, surprised th heck out of me.
I hope all this helps as at over $23 a pop for the center section it gets expensive to keep it looking well.
P.S. I am doing all the restoration on my 84 myself so I will input more in the forum as I go along. I just did a post two weeks ago on the window ribbon replacement.
Best of luck.
Woody

 

Theres a supporting vendor,that sells the Big Mouth lower air dam set up,I think his user name is golfman2008 .
Its an aftermarket set up and just throwing that idea your way if you didnt know about it.This doesnt answer what you wanted to know but another alternative to the lower pieces down below.

 

Heres a link to a thread he has going.If you already seen or replied there,I didnt notice.Just copied the link for ya and others.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1761946