1974 Front Filler Panel Dilemma
 

I replaced my front filler panel about 15 yrs ago,with an nos piece. It started cracking last year. At Gettysburg it cracked everywhere,maybe heat. I looked at a 74 with the fiberglass filler,there in show. Looked good at each end.In middle it sat back about ,.1875 (3/16)to .250(1/4) inch.So it needs work if you use it. Ames still has filler pieces listed should I get another nos type or modify fiberglass one?Another guy had replaced his with nos piece but hasnt had cracking. Is there a process to stop this cracking on nos pieces?

I doubt there's a way of stopping the dry rot of the rubber. The fiberglass piece is doable, just takes time and patience. I'm surprised no one has tried to reproduce an ABS or other Poly plastic piece (maybe a warpage thing).

The urethane used by Pontiac for this filler piece is the same as the like-era Grand Am noses. Both are notorious for disintegrating, even when the car has lived a sheltered life. I would go with a fiberglass replacement, just for the piece of mind.

Thanks for the info. From the looks of the fiberglass piece, ( on 74 it was on) it needs to be cut in middle. Both sides brought out that 3/16",in middle, then fastened,glued back together. Then the ends will need work as the move-turn.I'm noooo body man though. Sooo it will be a learning experience experience. I keep hoping for a better piece to be available.

Our host has a 'new'(not nos) rubber panel.No complaints yet tech told me. Ordered one plus a fiberglass one for comparison.

Bob, any updates/thoughts?

Bob, I think my 74 has one of the rubber ones our host offers. It was on the car when I bought it and was not painted. I had it painted and have had no issues at all with it. I am pretty sure I have a receipt in all the paperwork that came with the car. I’ll dig it up tomorrow and confirm my thinking. Not sure how long it was on the car before I bought it, but you can see it in some of the photos from previous owners,, so I suspect several years before I bought it and had it painted.

BJ

X2 on the replacement from Ames. I did one last year. I had to do a little fitting but with a good epoxy primer under it the top coat and clear seem to be holding up.

Haven't done anything with the new filler panels. Doing wife's wants now.I promised after Gettysburg and Norwalk.

Me too
 

I have a 74 also and my filler panel just crumbled too. I haven't been able to get to it yet, I had one knee total replacement already and another one for next month. So my question is when I get fit what does it take to replace it . How do I go about taking what off to put the new one on? Any help? Thanks.

I replaced the one on my "75 last winter with the urethane version from Firebird Central- Fits nice, and looks great-