[Irishking]

How difficult is it to install a new rear valance on a 1966 Mustang and make it fit right? It appears that the reproduction valance I have is about 1/4 inch wider and creates a gap where it is supposed to tie into the rear quarters.

Any ideas and help how to make the new rear valance fit properly would be appreciated. Thanks.

[66 restomod]

I had the same problem. My rear quarters were original and not damaged so the difference was not from a wreck.
I ordered the valance from 2 different parts houses and they were both the same with the gap. I just split the difference on both sides.
I have seen pictures were people have welded a strip on it and "bondo" the gap only to have it crack later. I thought about using seam sealer in the gap but decided against it after seeing lots of cars at the car shows with the same problem.
Looks like tooling problem for the repro valance...

Also, save yourself some headaches and buy new mounting bolts for the valance that go into the clip. Best 4 bucks you will spend for not having to fighting it

[Ivy66GT]

Irishking,

Just as I am about to order a new rear valence this isn't exactly what I wanted to hear but it doesn't really surprise me. My previous owner must have bought his drivers license at Montgomery Wards; both the front and rear valences have hit many curbs, etc.

You say the new rear valence is too wide. How does that make a gap, looks like that would overlap the quarter panels at the ends? Could you trim 1/8" from each end? Or did you mean it is too wide top to bottom?

My original but mangled rear valence measures 59 7/8" wide at the top and 55 7/8" at the bottom. The ends are 8 3/4" wide measured parallel to the angled cut of the ends not counting the formed lip at the top with the screw holes in it. How does that compared to the repro?

[Irishking]

Thanks for your input 66 restomod. Did you just cut your valance in 2 and take off the gap differences in the middle? That sounds like the logical thing to do.

As for using 'bondo' to fill the gaps, I agree that it's a poor idea. I hate bondo and won't use it, period.

And thanks also for the tip about buying new mounting bolts for putting on the new valance.

[Irishking]

Ivy66GT
When I said the new repro rear valance was too wide, I meant that both ends of the valance hang out beyond the rear quarters by about 1/4 inch and do not fit flush. 1/4 inch gap on both ends.


I don't believe that I can cut the ends off the new valance to make it fit snugly or flush with the quarters because they are curved ends. I tried grinding some of the excess or overlapping rear quarter panel thinking that would help make the valance fit better but that didn't solve the snafu. All it accomplished was 4th of July fireworks.

[Ivy66GT]

1/4" at each end? That makes it 1/2" too wide - not even close. The ends should have the metal folded over and if you try to cut or grind enough to make it fit the ends will be a single ply, raw edge.

Are these like a lot of the other parts, no matter who sells them they are all made in the same factory?

Maybe I need to work harder on the mashed one I already have. What with backup lights, exhaust cutouts and license plate there isn't much metal that will ever show anyhow.

[Irishking]

Ivy66GT
You're absolutely right about the ends of the metal valance being folded. Those folded ends make it impossible to get a snug fit to eliminate the gap(s) on both ends where the valance is supposed to tie into the rear quarters.

I don't know who or where this repro valance was made because it was an extra part that I got with the car.

If you can repair your mashed or dented one, you're probably better off than messing around trying to get a repro valance to fit properly.

[66 restomod]

I purchased two 66 valances (without the exhaust holes) and both of them were 1/2 inch too short. I misunderstood you that yours were 1/2 inch too long.
I also replaced the tail light panel and it was a pretty good fit.
Seems like it is a crap shoot on what your going to get and how i will fit with repro parts

[Irishking]

Maybe they intentionally made my new repro valance a little too long.


A barber can always cut some off for a proper look but can't add some back on.

[Ivy66GT]

So its plus or minus 1/2" - double ouch. If I had to choose I think I would prefer too short. Correct would definitely be nice.

After seeing how much work straightening was going to be I was suckered into thinking a new one was so cheap, why bother. Silly me! Its back to the hammers and dollies. At least the panel I have is the right size but now a bit lumpy.

66 restomod; mind telling us where your 2 came from? You can PM me if you wish.

[Irishking]

I would say it is plus 1/2. I am going to make it work and get it on but it's going to be more time-consuming than what I originally thought.

[66 restomod]

One was from CJ Pony and the other was from Laural Mountain. It is the one with back up lights only.

[Ivy66GT]

Originally Posted by 66 restomod

It is the one with back up lights only.

You wouldn't think that part would make any difference but who knows?

[66 restomod]

True.
My old one had a small ding by the license plate where someone had backed into something so I replaced it. The original fit snug into the quarters but the new one left about 1/4 inch gap on both sides. It is also lighter gauge metal and not nearly as stiff as the original. Not good or bad, just something to be aware of when deciding to replace.
NPD sells a "better fit quality and thicker metal" valance for 5 dollars more as well as the standard repro
I wish I would have know because I would have bought it from NPD for the higher quality and less headaches

[gtjoe]

What happens with some of the jigs for the repop parts is they "grow" over time, getting out of whack from the original dimensions. I have not replaced the valance on my '65 so I have no personal knowledge of fit from any of the aftermarket suppliers.