1981 Front Valance

[mikejpss]

1981 Front Vailance

Would it be possible for someone to send a pic that shows the proper position of the front vailance- it's orientation to the rest of the nose? When I removed mine for the paint shop, it was high-centered-very noticable when looking at the car from ~20 feet .
I noticed that there is a metal plate in front of the vailance, attached to the frame, that seems to hamper the correct position of the vailance, that is, the vailance sits on top of this metal bracket (actually a metal hook of sorts), seems like the vailance should fall somewhat . Problem is, I have no way to verify which piece/part needs "adjusting", if I cannot find a model , I'll start grinding this metal plate/bracket down to allow the vailance to fall. A pic would surely help. Thanks!Mike J.

 

[platato]

Holy Cow your scarring me!

First rule: thou shall not cut

Second rule: Thou shall not grind

I had what sounds like the same problem. When you looked at the front of our car the rubber valance was higher in the middle then then the ends. Turns out someone had bent the metal bracket that retains it in the middle, I'm guessing on a curb. In any event, with a little adjustment of the bracket we were able to pull the valance back down into the correct position and the bracket held it tight.

I don't know if were talking about the same thing but if we are this worked for me. Look real close at my picture to the left and see if that looks familiar

Platato

 

[mikejpss]

yes sir, your're making sense- sounds like the same problem, however, i can not understand how you made an adjustment to the metal bracket and still have the bracket "hold it tight". This is why I'm asking for a pic, to see what the standard is suppose to look like. The metal plate/bracket (on mine) has a metal hook-like piece on the rear of the bracket. This hook-like piece was (when I bought the car) underneath the valance, holding the valance up and obviously, too high up. Still confused as to how this metal hook plays a part....
Now I hope that I"M making sense.
Man, a couple of close up pics would surely help.
Mike J.

 

[platato]

I dont have a digital camera or I would go take a pic. Hopefully we can get some good soul to post a few. I have a buddy who took my pic you see here, maybe I can convince him to help us out.

I will take a real good look again at my Vette tomorrow and try to talk you through it if nothing else. If I am remembering right, the valance pulls down to the bottom of the "hook" and tension holds it in place. I seem to remember having to pull the bracket back down (unbend) to make up for the curb strike bending it upwards. I think I used a tire iron. Hang tight I will post again tomorrow

Platato

 

[LannyL81]

Thought I would throw what I have found out...as this was a question I have had on my car..but my bracket is missing.

The center piece is supposed to be supported at its point by this bracket; it just lays on it.

As was mentioned though, this bracket will get bent upwards by parking blocks, driveways, etc.

Just bend this bracket down until the rubber extensions along the front are at the same height from tire to tire.

I sure wish I had your problem....I've got to weld a new bracket or support onto my car. Cause without it the center drags on the pavement as its pushed down from air flow.

Later,
Lanny

 

[mikejpss]

Thanx to Platato and Lanny, I managed to figure it out and bent mine back into shape. A small torch helped by heating the "finger" thats attached to the bracket, this finger is now bent to the underside of the valance to keep it from falling with wind resistance.
A piece of double sided tape is keeping it from blowing up, the tape made a good wedge between the valance and the bracket.
Looks like new (almost) ...

Now if I can only get me new weatherstrip kit to fit the doors, I will be in good shape.

 

[platato]

I'm Back!

Mike !

Sorry for the delay. Lanny is correct. I just went out to check and it all came back to me. The problem, as stated, is that someone has bent the bracket upward due to an encounter with a curb.

You will have two metal brackets. The first is attatached to the front frame and is roughly "triangular shaped with a big hole in the middle. Welded to the rear of that is a metal bracket that resembles a hook. Either piece could be bent, but it is most likely the hook. The plastic part of the dam will rest in the bottom of this hook. Simply use a big pair of channel locks etc. and bend the hook downward until everything is level again. Do it a little bit at a time so you don't overstress the metal. If the dam has been out of wack for a long time it may take quite awhile for everything to settle and look perfect again but it is sure to look far better than it does now.

Lanny!

If your just missing the hook it is a very simple fix to make and weld up another one. A flat piece of steel and a few bends and your there. You shold even be able to get a salvage yard to cut one off of a junked car for you.

Hope this helps & STW!

Platato

 

[mikejpss]

Platato- I did exactly what you were refering to- came out PERFECT !!!!!!
Thanx for all of your concern, and your help.
Tomorrow- Moving on to the door weatherstripping,then going to the inside ! Man I cant wait........... will send some pics soon. Mike J.

 

[Ludigdrums]

Picture

I know this is probably after the fact, but I just read this thread and thought you might still like to see a pic. So, I just ran outside and snapped a few. The hurricane's a commin!

By the way, what the heck is that thing for anyhow?!

Enjoy...

- Jeremy

 

[Ludigdrums]

Another Pic...

 

[mikejpss]

Ludigdrums- Thanks for the pics- Now I know that there are at least 2 different styles of "brackets" under the nose of an 81, mine looks similar, but different too. Mine has a half moon shaped piece on the rear of the bracket you've shown, with a "finger" near the bottom that supports the valance. The pics you sent were a big help. Thank you very much for your effort. One day, when I learn this new digital camera stuff and how to download, I'll send in a pic of mine. It's hell to get old (I'm 50 y.o.) and can not grasp all this new "stuff" ....
by the way- I've repaired mine and it looks like a factory job now.
Thank you for your help. Mike J.

 

[platato]

Bowling Green VS St. Louis

Holy Moley Andy!

Our 1981 is a St. Louis car. The pictures of the bracket are very different from what we have on ours although we do have the skidplate. I ran into the exact same problem when it came to locating the horns, we honestly thought they were missing until a member here advised they were buried in the fender wells (none of the manuals advised of this). All the manuals show BG set ups which are far different from the STL cars. We need to start telling each other where our cars were built. It will undoubtedly save on confusion. Just my two cents, what do you guys think?

STW! Platato :eek

 

[greydbj]

This would be a great idea.....the more I read the posts, the more I see that there are some subtle, yet real differences bewteen the SL and BG cars....I had the same problem with the horns as others, ie they WERE NOT where the assembly manual said they were supposed to be.....with the valance, these latest posts confirm that mine is different because the ones I am comparing to locally are all BG built....not a big difference, but enough to know that I am not totally out to lunch....always a treat to read these notes guys and gals......now, batten down the hatches....dbj

 

[Ludigdrums]

Unfortunately I don't know where mine was built as I have a state issued VIN number. I think the car was stolen at one point. I think my only hope is the tank sticker...

Also, I have some suspiscion that my car may have at 1 point been an 82. I have an 82 style hood, Cross Fire Tach, 82 Center caps on the wheels. The engine doesn't have the AIR pump and it's got a Holley Carb with Edelbrock Performer intake and such. AND, the body has the Duntov Turbo kit on it. So, I don't really know other than it's always been registered and was sold to me as an 81.

- Jeremy

 

[platato]

Where was my car built?

Hi Jeremy!

Vin 1G1AY8764BS400001 thru
Vin 1G1AY8764BS431611 = St. Louis

Vin 1G1AY8764B5100001 thru
Vin 1G1AY8764B5108995 = Bowling Green

Your VIN should be on the drivers windshield pillar, the sticker on the inside of the door or on the build sheet. I can even tell you the month built looking at your VIN tag, door tag or Trim tag. The trim tag will be on the body and is visible when you open the drivers side door and look near the hinges.

If I can be of any help just let me know!

STW! Platato

 

[Ludigdrums]

Thanks Platato, but my VIN isn't like that at all. It was state issued because it was once stolen. I don't know why they do that (replace the VIN tag) but this is a picture of the inside door where you described. Also, the pillar one is the same thing. :-(

Thanks though!

- Jeremy

 

[Dave L.]

Here is how the lower air spoiler should be attached. The vertical bracket in the center has a tab on it in which a small bolt goes down through into the center front portion of the spoiler. This bolt is VERY important in keeping the spoiler from dragging to low or being 'mashed' in like in the picture on Ludigdrums pictures.

Dave

 

[Ludigdrums]

Hahah, thanks Dave. I didn't really know if mine was right or not. Ours look different though. Your shot doesn't show the whole thing though right?

What's the point of it anyway...what's it do?

- Jeremy

 

[Dave L.]

Jeremy - I'll take a better picture this weekend when I can raise the car up. Actually its a very important to have the spoiler attached properly. It directs air up into the radiator(and air cleaner if the stock air cleaner is still in use) at highway speeds. Earlier C3's (prior to 80)had cooling problems. This spoiler helps to keep more air flowing through the radiator to keep the engine running cooler. Thats also why 81-82 vettes and some earlier L82's had the electric cooling fan built into the fan shroud. The way your spoiler is pushed up in there like that is not allowing a clear free path of air to cool your radiator. I'll post some more pictures on Saturday for you...

Dave

 

[platato]

My favorite poster!!

I just knew if we kept this up long enough Burglar would come to the rescue!!! Look forward to those pics especially the back side of the air dam. Don't ever leave us Burglar!

I will be at Funfest this weekend, hope to run into some of you there!

STW! Platato :BOW