I'm having a problem attaching the front lower valance to the bumber on my 75.  For some reason the holes on the reinforecment bracket do not align with the holes on the bumber and lower valance.  One option is to drill holes in the reinforcement bracket to match the holes on the bumber and lower valance.   Another option is to just bolt the lower valance to the bumber with a bolt, washer and nut.  I like this idea as it will be easier to do.  On the other hand want to make sure I do the right thing.  Does anyone have any suggestions?   I know I have the correct reinforcement bracket.  No matter how I try to fit it I cannot get the holes to match.

Not sure how it changed in '75, but on the '74s, the lower valance bolts to the bumper cover, then thru the reinforcement across the front. It is bolted along the sides to the front fenders, and in two places towards the center it is bolted to brackets that attach to the front crossmember/vacuum tank. It can be a pain to get all of the holes lined up...ya gotta remember these cars were never perfect to start with. Add to that the replacement/reproduction parts that have manufacturing tolerances that are all over the place, and you get one big jig-saw puzzle that may, or may not have all the right pieces!
Was your original valance missing? if not, do the two match up?

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Joel...It is the original reinforcement bracket & a new reproduction valance.  When I purchased th 75 it was stripped of paint and had no front bumper.  I put on a new flex bumper and then painted the car.  I was saving the lower valance install for later.   I figured it would be easy.   Boy was I wrong. :) I'm wondering if I should have installed the lower valance before painting the car.  I may of had more play in manuevering the bumper to match the holes.

Rich, I replaced mine a few months ago the orginial on mine was riveted in place I had full intensions to use the old one but too much rust and damage. I setted for a new one and had the same problem you are having so I alined the brace with the bottom of the bumper and drilled new holes. Instaed of rivets this time I got bolts, nuts and small lock washers and bolted it to the bumper. Then attached the lower valance takes time and ajustment but it did go on. Its stable and solid and seems to be fine. Next I added the air dam (spoiler). The same bolts you use on the lower valance are the same that you use to connect the air dam. After these all together everything supported itself. Just remember if you hit anything now with the air dam it will break off and you really will be saying DAMM that air dam. This is just my process I'm sure others have thiers. Thanks

So, it sounds like maybe the bumper cover is the real culprit here? If the valance matches the reinforcement, but not the cover...looks like you'll be punchin some new holes in the retainer after all.
The '75 is obviously different from the '74, as far as how the three items go together...I didn't have any trouble at all with mine, or the others I've done. Lucky you, eh?


btw, Guy...I'm on my 3rd NOS air dam...and I have NEVER hit anything with the front of my car...just flimsy materials that flex while driving...

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Adam, Joel your right about hitting things moving but I'm like the worse parking a Vett you will find. I always hid something while parking. Even with my C5. I pulled up beside a camaro one day and said OH I'm just as low to the ground as he is and have the basic same design. Didn't work though it was like the movie Titanic hitting a ice berg. got through it though.  Your a better parker than I thanks.

Guys,