82' Box Merc meets Volvo lower valence

[79lincolnlover]

I'm looking forward to the finished product.

[johnunit]

This is cool. Any chance you could report on mileage or high-speed handling changes when you're done? In theory keeping air out from under these things is one of the best aero mods possible.

[IPreferDIY]

This is cool. Any chance you could report on mileage or high-speed handling changes when you're done? In theory keeping air out from under these things is one of the best aero mods possible.

+1 with respect to hearing the results

I actually came across a website recently where someone claimed the stock deflector on later models wasn't particularly significant. I managed to find the site again, and here's the link: http://www.postandcourier.com/articl...2107/130429428

Here's the pertinent quote:
"TOM: Does it make a big difference in your mileage? No. It’s only a factor at higher speeds. But manufacturers work in fractions of a mile per gallon, knowing that they all add up. So to them, it was worth the small cost. Or maybe it was worth the cost for all the money they’ll make later on replacement air deflectors!"

I would be interested in messing around with mine if there is a significant benefit to be gained.

[marquis_82_withneons]

i heard about the GM truck ones and was looking to find one at a yard for quite some time now. wasnt till bout 2-3 weeks ago i put 2 and 2 together and realized i had a lower valence i could use. thus what you see here. i knew modifications needed done. and since im gettting more confident in my glassing skills i figured id be able to make whatever i want out of it.

the way the valence fits originally is that it has 2 outer fog light cutouts. and 3 middle cutouts for styling/airflow. the middle most cutout is being glassed solid to hide where i had to cut the thing in half. the other 2 will remain open. it will be body matched in color and my fogs relocated from the bumper to the outermost valence holes.

it will look much lower in the front after im done. after the 1" drop ive already done this will look nice. there is another drop still to come as i feel its still not the right stance. i didnt expect to see much of a mpg difference but you all seem pretty convinced that something however small should happen. im excited to see. thanks for the support glad you all like the concept and ill try to keep you posted as i progress. it will be slow goings though.

[IPreferDIY]

... ill try to keep you posted as i progress. it will be slow goings though.

No rush here. Good luck!

[87gtVIC]

I have one of those GM truck ones with the fog light holes. It fits the 79-87 bumpers pretty damn well.

You sir are too secretive. Please share photos!

[sly]

Now that I see that shopped pic... I say to heck with lining it up with the body... just test fit it whole and centered on the bumper and see how that looks. If it lines up with the body, bonus... if not, it'll probably still look good.

[marquis_82_withneons]

the shopped pic is with it cut and glassed and fit on how i want. just without paint. theoretically that should be the finished product that i posted

[sly]

in that case... YES! do that!

[marquis_82_withneons]

made progress on it. its not the final by any means. but ive determined the final mounting position. heres how itll be mounted up after a bit of trimming.

the 2 halves have been paired back up and are coming together nice. foamed it in and got the rough idea. trimmed it back and now im filling in low spots. might be looking at getting the fiberglass layed on today. so far its coming together.

[slack]

I like how it's coming along! Should look really good when it's done.

[sly]

are you planning to keep the fill in the middle or shape a nice vent hole in that spot as well?

[IPreferDIY]

made progress on it. ...

Nice job so far. I can see why you're sick of the lights covering the chrome. I'm looking forward to seeing the lights in their proper place.

[marquis_82_withneons]

just ran across a post that reminded me of this thread, thought id update it. a while back i got some more progress done, little more solidly mounted, reworked my fog light bracketry, and also added in my LED fogs. overall it fits quite well. needs some more finess. im really happy with it and love how it looks on the car. in the end it will get a coat of gloss black when the car is painted.