dumb question about stock lower valance

[DSP74]

Can it be unbolted on an 88 model. I want to add a new front bumper/valance, but don't want it OVER the stocker, I want to remove it entirely......

Or does it need to be 'cut off' as in it's part of the body work.


How about in the rear?

[Jean]

Front valance can be removed w/o any cutting, it's just bolts/screws.

Rear is part of the body.

[DSP74]

THANKS!

BTW nice Sig.....Wondered if I was the only one.

[Stu]

Front valance can be removed w/o any cutting, it's just bolts/screws.

What about the 'seam' where the valance meets the fender, just below the grilles? Isn't it bonded somehow? My car didn't have this because the valance was replaced...but other cars appear to have a seam at this point.

[Hon2BMW]

that .75" of body colored metal below the headlights is part of the front metal valance. So if you remove the valance, you'll have a nice big gap between your bumper and the headlight grills.

I really don't see how you can mount any of the aftermarket valences securely without the stock metal valance in there,unless you want to ghetto rig them into the bottom of the bumper somehow? It will probably start flopping around at highway speeds and will more than likely disintigrate and take out your a/c condenser, fan, radiator and oil cooler in one foul swoop should you meet even medium sized debris on the highway.

Don't do it.

It also helps hold your fenders in place not to mention its what the screws on the headlight grills attach too.

I found this picture on R3v so i hop the OP doesn't mind me using it. I've circled the are below the headlights. The valance is a big piece, and gives the front body work much of its rigidity. I would not remove it if I where you. trust me, in the last two month I've had the thing on an off the car about 6 times.

[Jean]

What about the 'seam' where the valance meets the fender, just below the grilles? Isn't it bonded somehow? My car didn't have this because the valance was replaced...but other cars appear to have a seam at this point.

Old valance, two parts



88+ valance, 1 piece.

[Stu]

I guess I didn't post that very clearly. When I say "seam," I'm not talking about the upper part of the late-model valance (which Hon has circled in his pic)....but the seam where THAT piece meets the fender.



Look under the outside edge of the lowbeam, just under that there is about a 1/4" seam where the valance meets the fender. There is a bolt on the backside joining the two...but isn't there also an epoxy-like bond?

[Yakinho]

Nope, just a little screw.

[DSP74]

Ok so then I need to either score another valance so I can put mine away. Cut it up so that just the upper portion is still there and call it a day. OR source an upper portion from an early car.

I intend to remove the valance, bumper, and bumper shocks and add a 1 piece F/G part pinned (yet securely-ive got a few ideas) in place. And to help support it a VERY big front splitter. Sticking out about 8" or so and running all the way back to the fender opening forming an undertray.......Trying to minimize weight, and maximize downforce at autox speeds.