AIR DEFLECTOR install for Boxes

[turbo2256b]

Thought I would begin this thread.
First part needed is a Box Panther body
Second is the Air Deflector I used PN 39-7400 from LMC truck.
Used the same one from another vendor the first go around but it was warped a bit it just came in a bag LMCs came bagged but in a box. Price around 30.00
They have other versions with tow hook openings aand another with fog light openings. Think any of them would work. There are chromed ones also but guessing bending them a bit to fit the bumpper would screw up the chrome.

[ootdega]

I found the catalog page, for others interested:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csd/t.aspx?Page=54

I've been looking for something to replace the practically useless plastic deflector/front spoiler thing boxes come with, so I'm curious how this turns out.

[Brown_Muscle]

Cheap! And wouldn't look bad if it's matches up. If you or anyone else decides to get that, keep us posted!

[87gtVIC]

He's done it and posted a couple pics in a couple of threads. Sounds like Dave will compile the pics and work needed to install it in this thread here. It involved disassembling the bumper and welding additional pieces on the underside to provide mounting points.

[turbo2256b]

Yes, the bumper must be removed and dissasembled.
There are 2 styles of attaching the bumper some are bolted on and some are studs. The stud style can be a pain to remove do to rusting. A fix for this is spray some form of liquid wrench on the threads. T hat dosent always work out all that well so its best to purchase a 10mm x 1.5 die hex style so a wrench can be used on it as a typ die holder wont clear. Run the die down normaly as if cutting a thread back the die off then run it down again backward facing if you will so threads are perty much cleaned up to the top of the nut.
Failer to do this could mean busting a stud, breaking the stud loose from its "L" bracket or both. The bracket is not easy to find, access or repair.
Once th bumper is removed it has to be completely dissasembled for fitting of the deflector.

Finished it will look like this. I cut a slot in my bumper to let more air into the rad. Its not realy necessary except maaybe a realy juced up engine but i ran without the cut out with no problems

[ootdega]

That sounds a lot more complicated than it should be.

Why must it be entirely disassembled?

[pantera77]

So you know, that air deflector only fits good on 79-87's. It doesn't come close to fitting on the 88-91's.

[johnunit]

I gotta admit I also don't get why it can't just have the bolts that are at the underside of the bumper run through it. Looks neat, but why take the bumper apart?

[turbo2256b]

Some factory bolts are used and some are not some are added.

[ootdega]

So you know, that air deflector only fits good on 79-87's. It doesn't come close to fitting on the 88-91's.

Ah. Could still learn a few things from it and get some ideas.

[turbo2256b]

After disasembly of the inner and outer bumper. The rubber strips dont have to be removed but the nerf bumperetts do. Insert 7/16 bolts in the lower holes the bumperetts attach to. Best to do the nut side up as shown. Also needed are some small "C" clamps or something similar to hold the deflector in place while making adjustments.



The inbord oval holes in the deflector are set up as shown on each side. Basicly center the defelector in these holes left and right fore and aft baset on the nuts of the 7/16 bolts. This dosent finish the alignment process but at this point a couple C clamps 3 or 4 should be used inbetween the bolts to hold the defelector in place



These holes in the deflector will have nothing to do with holding the deflector to the bumper in the end. The simimlar outer most holes in the deflector wont either but they will be discused later on.

[turbo2256b]

NOTE THE INCERCLED AREAS on the inside edges of the bumper and deflector END up closest in these areas.


From above it shuld look like this. Close to perfect between the nerf bumperetts.

[turbo2256b]

Next the the deflector needs to move forward to keep allignment to the bumper. To do this the center holes need to have 1/4 probably closer to 3/8 of an inch cut out to allow the deflector to bend.

Cut between the arrows


Should end up looking like this. Dosent matter if the cuts a bit wide. Infact best if they dont quite touch after bending to allign with the ends of the bumper. A little extra trim might be needed

[turbo2256b]

The pencel line on the bumper is about were the front edge of the deflector will bend to after allignig it to the ends of the bumper.

Going to need a few more clamps to hold everthing in place next.

[87gtVIC]

You mention

Insert 7/16 bolts in the lower holes the bumperetts attach to

Is there any reason besides just filling up the hole?