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69 valance - normal curve?

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Locrian

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Good evening all,
After a nice break I'm back to fighting front end assembly on my 69. Please see the pics in the links, they are from my valance panel. The lower/bottom end is curved, I tried to capture it on the pictures. Is this normal? The top is straight and stiff but the bottom has a curvy bend to it.

I'm thinking that curve might be introducing a flex in the valance, which is decreasing the width between the fender extensions, which in turn is not "pushing up" on the fenders to the full extent that it's meant to, which may be contributing to the "droopy" fender.

Does anyone have a pic handy of the bottom of their 69 valance that I can compare with?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

val3.jpg Photo by locrian12 | Photobucket
val2.jpg Photo by locrian12 | Photobucket
val1.jpg Photo by locrian12 | Photobucket


Thank you,
Mark from MN
 
#3 ·
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Apologies- yes, it's a photobucket thing, apparently. Can you try these links?

http://littlebeginningschildcare.com/news/val1.jpg
http://littlebeginningschildcare.com/news/val2.jpg
http://littlebeginningschildcare.com/news/val3.jpg

Meanwhile, I kept searching and found an image on Ebay for a valance for sale, and the bottom looked straight (although it's hard to tell from the angle of the photo). I'll wait for some of you experts to weigh in, and I'm thinking of ways to straighten it if need be.

Thank you,
-Mark
 
#5 ·
I think your valance has too much of a curve
Here is a few pics of mine. They arent direct shots but they kind of give u an idea
 

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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thank you Steven. Your front end sure lines up well. I hope to get mine as good as yours.

I am coming to agreement about the curve, it's not right. I wonder how it happened, as I'm not seeing any obvious accident damage. I suppose a few "kisses" with a curb or something might do it, who knows.
What I'm thinking about is to clamp that edge on a straight board (like a 2X4) and slowly bend it into shape, using the top edge angle as a reference. I can visualize getting it close, maybe not perfect.

Thank you,
-Mark
 
#7 ·
Thanks Mark it took alot of work lol

The bottom of the valence should have the same contour as the front chin spoiler.
Its pretty much straight

I would get another valence panel it looks like it might be just a little too much work to straighten yours out

It may mess up other areas on it
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
I appreciate the feedback, replacing that valance (and the header panel) has been on my mind, being repro parts are more readily available. On the other hand, there's a ton of advice on fixing your old parts as they fit better than repro. Since I've gone through a chore of fitting a repro fender, I know exactly what they mean. That being said, maybe a repro valance & header are worth a shot? If I need to bend and chop something up, I'd rather it be a repro part.

Thank you,
-Mark
 
#9 ·
Locrian said:
I appreciate the feedback, replacing that valance (and the header panel) has been on my mind, being repro parts are more readily available. On the other hand, there's a ton of advice on fixing your old parts as they fit better than repro. Since I've gone through a chore of fitting a repro fender, I know exactly what they mean. That being said, maybe a repro valance & header are worth a shot? If I need to bend and chop something up, I'd rather it be a repro part.

Thank you,
-Mark
Click to expand...
no problem.
it really doesnt hurt to try an aftermarket part some are better than others def.
the way your valence bows, i feel if you try straightening it it may mess up the parking light bucket curves then you will be in real trouble.

ive learned over the years that mixing original metal with aftermarket metal you end up having more fitment problems than if it were all original, all aftermarket.

good luck:grin2:
 
#10 ·
stamatisg1977 said:
I think your valance has too much of a curve
Here is a few pics of mine. They arent direct shots but they kind of give u an idea
Click to expand...
Don't mean to be a nit-picker Steven, but since you're still in the build stages and prior to paint, I'd suggest checking the fender/header panel alignment a little closer. The drivers side appears to be slightly droopy or the passenger side is a bit perky, which is it ?:eek: The grill surround fit will tell...
 
#12 ·
The Camaro Guy said:
I would use the same brand after market front cap sheetmetal. I got mine from NPD and it fit fine with no modification. Fenders, cowl hood upper and lower valance.
Click to expand...
NPD isn’t really a brand of sheet metal. They are simply selling it and source it from multiple sources. Pretty sure they are not too concerned with fit and quality over cost....

Don
 
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