cicch95

Hello. The front air dam on my buddies 81 is badly damaged. It needs replacing....BUT...he has heard some horror stories about the fit of the pieces you buy from Ecklers, Corvette America, etc. Has anyone changed theirs?

-Was there problems with fit?
-Was installation tough?
-Where did you get it?

I am not talking about the black rubber part of the air dam. I am talking about the plastice piece in the middle of the two fender parts that brings air to the radiator.

Thanks,
-Rick

C3 Shark Tank

I bought mine from Ecklers a few years ago, the fit was pretty close but you will have to drill your own holes for mounting as it doesn't come pre-drilled...at least the fiberglass one didn't. I think only one spot was off to where I couldn't get a good hole drilled, but that was really no problem. I also replaced the rubber and metal strips, the fit was right on for those. Pretty easy job actually, get the car on ramps and it's even easier. Some small C-clamps will help when marking and drilling holes.

My original one was so bad that the faster I went the more it would drag on the street, and it really sounded bad too.

Dalannex

I got mine from Mid America, although they are probably all the same thing. Mine fit good. I too had to drill the holes for mounting, but everything went just fine. Oh yeah, mine is the fiberglass replacement as well. I would suggest that after he gets it put on he makes a bracket to hold the point in the center up to the tow hook area. It prevents it from sagging down in the center.

-Justin

VegasJen

even one you have to do some trimming to fit is better than a badly damaged or missing one. it is absolutely essential that you make sure that thing is in place and functioning correctly. i almost cooked an engine once when i removed mine for some mods.

hunt4cleanair

Clutchdust is right on...you don't want to drive without it and as you indicated..."it brings air to the radiator. John Hinckley in this months "Corvette Enthusiast" talks about C3 cooling and explains the rationale for the air dam...it's essential.

cicch95

Thanks for the advice so far guys! It is much appreciated. A few of you mentioned that you got the fiberglass replacement. Is there another choice? Looking in Ecklers I only see the fiberglass one.

By the way, here is a pic of my buddy Ken's C3....the one in question!!!



Thanks,
-Rick

81' Corvette Guy

Nice car..reminds me of one of the other guys car here on the forum. Hope you get the air damn situation squared away...bye!