[79 Phoenix]

Well, I have gotten nothing done this week. Out of town 2 days and sick the rest!

But I did sell my driver's door that was beyond my capability to fix. In removing the door panel, it is apparent that the vinyl surface is actually in good shape. The cardboard behind is warped. It doesn't show much in the picture but does show when it's mounted on the door. QUESTIONS:

1) Is there a way to flatten the cardboard back out?

2) If I re-mounted the vinyl on a flat cardboard, would cardboard from another A Body door panel work? , Which models and years would have the same cardboard as the Pontiac? I know where there are some Olds Cutlass and Chevelles...Maybe a Skylark...

I'm going to stick the new door (purple)on temporarily and then get back to work underneath the car.

[Scarebird]

I would use another material - poly signboard may be a good candidate.

Why use something that is guaranteed to warp?

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

I would use another material - poly signboard may be a good candidate.

Why use something that is guaranteed to warp?

You mean the stuff they use for yard signs? Sounds like a great idea.

[Scarebird]

not quite, thin 0.150" with a foam core. A sign shop may have it for sale.

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

not quite, thin 0.150" with a foam core. A sign shop may have it for sale.

Okay, thanks. I know just where to go when the time comes. I appreciate your input!

[79 Phoenix]

Well, I'm back after being sick with covid and a sinus infection for 3 weeks--then out of town for 3 weeks...

I plan on being at spring Carlisle in a couple weeks and I want to take advantage of Ames' free shipping for orders made in advance. I hopefully will get the rear bumper off tomorrow and want to see if it can be re-chromed. If not I plan on ordering a new one from Ames along with some other stuff I will be needing.

One of the things I'll be needing is a new rear valence with cutouts. Has anyone used one of the plastic ones? I understand the edges are flat (straight) not curved. Anyone have a picture of one installed?

[79 Phoenix]

Removed what was left of the rear valence and the rear bumper. Took the bumper to a chroming place. Not surprised but it's too far gone to re-chrome (deeply pitted) As first photo shows, last time my GT-37 was on the road was 1992.

Has anyone used one of the plastic rear valences? I understand the edges are flat (straight) not contoured with qtr panel.. Anyone have a picture of one installed?

[Skidmark]

So this plastic valance is original (I believe) to my 72 lemans sport. It's definitely worn out, cracked, and broken and appears to have come with the car when new.

I'm pushing the driver's side up because the tab is broken, to give you and accurate depiction of the gap. Passenger side is not broke.

I purchased a repo years ago from NPD. Wasn't impressed with the quality, but might still use. When I repaint the car I am going to see about using a metal valance.

I can dig out the repo one if needed and take a picture ( if I can find it lol).

You can see that the gap is quite substantial, at least in my case.

['ol Pinion head]

GT-37's used the metal "GTO" rear valance, they're reproduced cheap, & fit fine.
Most '72 LeMans came with plastic (no cutout) rear valances, many of them were damaged early on & replaced with the no cutout '70-71 style rear valance.

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Skidmark

So this plastic valance is original (I believe) to my 72 lemans sport. It's definitely worn out, cracked, and broken and appears to have come with the car when new.

I'm pushing the driver's side up because the tab is broken, to give you and accurate depiction of the gap. Passenger side is not broke.

I purchased a repo years ago from NPD. Wasn't impressed with the quality, but might still use. When I repaint the car I am going to see about using a metal valance.

I can dig out the repo one if needed and take a picture ( if I can find it lol).

You can see that the gap is quite substantial, at least in my case.

Thanks for the pictures. I think the repro plastic ones are flat on the ends not contoured like your original one. Confirms my decision to go with a metal repro from Ames.

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

GT-37's used the metal "GTO" rear valance, they're reproduced cheap, & fit fine.
Most '72 LeMans came with plastic (no cutout) rear valances, many of them were damaged early on & replaced with the no cutout '70-71 style rear valance.

Yes thanks for that info. I ordered a metal one from Ames. They say the fit is pretty good. I'll be picking it up this Friday at Spring Carlisle along with a bunch of other stuff..

[79 Phoenix]

I've been struggling getting the upper bolts off my rear shocks, but I'll get there.

Meanwhile my brother helped me put my "new" door on today. Lots more work to do on the door but I can do it while on the car. Right now concentrating on underneath the car.

Tomorrow, off to Carlisle!

[vertigto]

Nah...those shocks are fine.

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by vertigto

Nah...those shocks are fine.

Probably installed in the 80's. I considered wrapping soda cans around them and painting to look like new... but thought better of it!

[79 Phoenix]

Picked up some needed parts at Carlisle last week...rear bumper and valence, weatherstripping and battery tray, door panel boards--all from Ames. Also got some rubber door bumpers from Restoration Specialties and a decent used LH taillight lens to replace my broken one.

Hope to get two "New" repairable front fenders this week.

[kingbuzzo]

Originally Posted by 79 Phoenix

Probably installed in the 80's. I considered wrapping soda cans around them and painting to look like new... but thought better of it!

Whoa, good used car salesman idea there...

[79 Phoenix]

Question: Should 15 X 7 wheels off a 77 Can Am have 4 3/4" bolt pattern?

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Yes , they would.
And Can Am had White & Silver paint scheme on their R2 wheels.

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

Yes , they would.
And Can Am had White & Silver paint scheme on their R2 wheels.

Great. Thanks for the info!

[79 Phoenix]

Came across some great deals on parts I will definitely need this past week.

Both my front fenders are rusted beyond my ability to fix...fender and bracket rusted away. Also, there is evident bondo in both current fenders. Passenger is also bowed out somewhat. So, instead of getting patch panels I was able to get these fenders that I can fix myself. Brackets are solid and fenders are straight and otherwise in pretty nice shape.

I also was fortunate to get and exceptional set of 15 X 7 HW code Rally II wheels that came off a 77 Can Am... Super clean and a great deal!

BTW, if anyone is looking for a nice set of 15 X 7 HW or HM Rally IIs, priced reasonably,, he has another set in excellent shape. Let me know and I will get you contact info. Wheels are in NJ.

Tomorrow back to working on underneath the rear.