Front Air Dam
 

Thinking of adding a front air dam, can anyone recommend a link or two to check out?

I really like the look of MagicV8's air dam picture in the cooling issue thread, not too prominent and seems a functional improvement. Maybe he can chime in...:D

Thanks!

:cheers:

Back in the day I used a '69 Z-28 spoiler on my '67.

front air dam
 

If you mean a front spoiler, Ecklers sells one , Part number 10187, for 120 bucks, for a C-2.

I don't know were this one comes from but here's a picture of mine.
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o...=june07005.jpg

Ordered the Ecklers one, thanks!

Can't tell if it's the same one as the '63 above, looks great though!

Will update after delivery and installation.

Black or body color? Hmmm...

:cheers:

Here is the Ecklers link:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...7&dept_id=1353

Curious if you are doing it for looks or cooling?

That one from eckler's looks like mine.

I put it on there to keep the front end on the road.

Howy

Mike Snelling at Mid Valley Auto Body in East Moline Il has the mold that mine was made from (about $100) 309-755-1134

http://home.mchsi.com/~magicv8/index...mask.70pct.jpg
Improves mileage, keeps bugs off the suspension, helps the cooling system, and gave me a place to mount deer whistles.

I'd tell you it adds to high speed stability, but I've had it on the car for 16-17 years - way before Montana went without a speed limit and I went berserk on US-2 three summers in a row. I have never noticed a high speed handling problem, but I also run tail high - which some c2 high speed drivers claim also adds to high speed stability in c2s. I do it because I like the "look".

Well, in theory I'm doing it for the front end high-speed handling. I haven't had a problem with such things YET, but eh, prevention beats cure right?

I don't have any cooling problems (knock on wood, knock on head), rarely goes above 180 even on hot days in a highway traffic jam.

And yeah, I do like the look, although I'm more after a subtle "touch", not a cheesy ground effect appearance. Keeping it black seems like it would make it stand out less, but I will deal with it when I see how it looks installed.

MagicV8, what I really like about yours is that it appears to NOT extend to the parking lights, instead just sort of fading away under the nose. I dig that. I'll see how the Ecklers piece looks with or without modifications, since it's already on it's way here. If I'm not happy with it, I'll probably give your damn dam molder guy a call and go from there, will keep ya posted.

Thanks all!

:cheers:

Magic do you have another pic of the spoiler, it did not come out very well

I've always liked magic's spoiler too...Maybe I will give that number a call.. I would like to see some other photos, maybe with the car on a lift to see a shot looking up. What I most want to know is how it is mounted. I don't want to make any modification to the car...want something that is 'bolt-on' and just as important 'bolt-off' should I want to remove it.

Magic, can you fill us in on the mounting for the spoiler?

Thanks
Darren

I put the picuture in Paint Shop Pro and killed the contast, nice looking spoiler. :thumbs:

This pic was actually taken to show off my homemade grille. http://home.mchsi.com/~magicv8/magic...tom.grille.jpg

I thought someone once posted a pic of that setup also, and
It looked simialr to magicv8's which I like too :thumbs:

I really like the Grill, but I know it is not likely I will do that I know it is rather unique.... Also I like the relocation of the plate...I may just be able to put the front plate back on if I do that....what exactly did you do to lower it?

Magic can you tell us if the spoiler is just bolted on....looks almost like it could be held on with existing hardware, I know there are a couple bolts under the chin area (not sure that would be enough) and also a gap between the factory fiberglass and the radiator support which you might use as another hard point.

Here's another angle outside.
[IMG]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o.../june07003.jpg[/IMG]

Nice pic:thumbs:

Diggin' the look more and more.

It should get here tomorrow, antici.............................patio n persists. Hopefully the rain will not.

:cheers:

I look forward to seeing your results, and hearing about how the spoiler attaches. I am considering the Eckler unit as well. I will paint mine black and I wonder how it compares to MagicV8s....Keep us posted.

I have been thinking about one of those myself. Do you have side view? Thanks. :thumbs:

I will take the cover off the vette tonight and take a side view picture.I am leaving for work now so i will post tonight.

Howy

The air dam is held on by the two bolts that anchor the nose support rods. Here's the pic from my web site details page at http://www.corvetteforum.net/classic...e/index5.shtml
http://www.corvetteforum.net/classic...airdambolt.jpg
Look for the .25x20 bolts next to the bumper brackets.

From personal experience I am a true beliver in the stabilizing effects of a front air dam. This seems to be re-enforced by the fact that just about all production cars have had them as original equipment for many years. I too installed a first gen Camaro one on the front of my Corvette some years ago.

F-body parts I can get right here at work. Do you have pics or information on what you did to fit the 1st gen Camaro spoiler? :cheers:

Thanks MagicV8,

Wow if it is a two bolt deal I am in....I will wait to hear how the eckler one fits and mounts but I think I like the straighter flatter look I see on MagicV8s car....but it is hard to really tell how much difference there is from photos. This is something I have long wanted to do and now is the time....looking forward to our original posters install and photos.

Side view,not my best picture but you get the idea.
[IMG]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DCFC0087.jpg[/IMG]

Nice web site magicv8!
Very informative.:thumbs:

If you are running bumpers, you will have to cut out (notch) the 2 sides where the bumpers will protrude through the spoiler. No bumpers, no cutting required. Enjoy!:thumbs:

Air dam arrived, did not install yet.

I'm no expert on fiberglass, but all in all it seems decent quality, gray finish. I have to notch it for the bumpers, but it seems to be the same piece as Howy's if you want the visual.

It came predrilled with 3 holes that don't seem to align with any existing bolts, and the center hole is slightly off-center. That's minor, can redrill.

I think however that I prefer MagicV8's damn dam, particularly for the endcap design (minus the deer things...). Before I install this one and end up less than happy with it, I'd rather order from Magic's man. Group purchase anyone?

To Magic, you said you've had yours for over 15 years? Is the maker going to have any idea WTF I'm talking about if I call asking for Magic's air dam?:D

So......anyone interested in a brand new un-notched Ecklers front air dam? :cool: It was $120, I'll sell it for $100 plus shipping, unless you're within driving distance hehehe...

:cheers:

Glen, I cut a couple of notches for the bumper brackets, drilled some very small holes in the front valence and used small dia screws [#6's] to attach. The Camaro air dam is a touch too wide for the car maybe a 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch per side but you can't really tell unless your laying on your back under the car.

Here's a couple pictures of mine
 

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/DSCF0002.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/IM000138.jpg

Probably not if you ask for Magic's air dam. Magic indicated he had a mold so if you call him and explain you bought one from Ecklers but saw one of his you like better he should have a good idea what you want. Can't believe he would have more than one mold for a C2. If he has access to the internet, point him here.

Mechanic....

I'll second a group buy, assuming a realistic price on a par with the eckler piece...thats a group of 2 so far.

It is the flatter shape and ends that I like better too...less the deer whistles..I'm pretty sure any city deer around here will hear me comming miles away...:)

Let me know if you track it down, I'll do the same...

Thanks
Darren

I too would be interested. When I had the restification done on the '64, they were supposed to put the Z28 air dam on (I even provided it), but they didn't. :toetap:

If this is a simple bolt on (and already notched would be great), I could be in on this. A little Krylon Semi-flat black, and we'd be good to go.

http://www.largescaleonline.com/eima.../DSC_00032.jpg

Thanks for the info!!! I'm going to take a look at an F body spoiler today.:cheers:

I forgot; Did you use a 67 -68 or 69 spoiler?

I called an hour or so ago, there was no answer after about 15 rings. Will try again later, and give a heads up that he may have multiple orders of the piece to mold.

And yes, I have a little more sense than to call asking for Magic's air dam:D , but sometimes it can help to have the name of the customer who referrered you, especially 15 years later.

As for the shape, I definitely prefer the endcaps of Magic's, the way they truncate and fold back instead of meeting the parking lights. The straight angle looks mean, while the curved Ecklers piece has a sort of classy appearance. Personal preference is all it really comes down to.

And those deer things, man, I had a buddy who put a set of those on backwards, damn deer followed him all over Jersey for the entire season.:leaving:

By the way, the Ecklers piece was $119, not $120, so a whopping $19 dollar discount for any of you liking the look.:thumbs:

:cheers:

:iagree: Magic's airdam is better looking, larger front lip (More airflow) and the end caps are nice.....Go with that one. Where can you get it?
I assume that Magic's comes unnotched?
Ecklers is cool with returns:thumbs:

I agree, Magics' air dam is the best looking one, let us know if you find one like it.

Jeff

If you get the call through to Mid valley, tell Mike that Dave posted a pic of the air dam he made from a mold of the the original on the white roadster with the MAGICV8 plates.

The old original was flimsy and lighter. Over the years, I damaged it and had to repair it a couple of times, since the original maker was out of business. Along the way I modified it: to keep it an inch higher off the ground, and to have bumper holes. Mike made a mold of it the last time it was damaged, and gave me a stiff repop of it a few years ago.

I just tried calling MidValley and got no answer too. If I get time later, I'll go see Mike and ask why he doesn't answer. I know collision shops get noisy, and phones get ignored. He's running a body shop, not a mail order company, so phone answering is such a low priority he doesn't have an answering machine or a cell phone.

[QUOTE=toddalin;1561622389]I too would be interested. When I had the restification done on the '64, they were supposed to put the Z28 air dam on (I even provided it), but they didn't. :toetap:

If this is a simple bolt on (and already notched would be great), I could be in on this. A little Krylon Semi-flat black, and we'd be good to go.[QUOTE]

Add my name (and my '64) to the list of interested parties, especially if a pre-notched unit is offered.

Question, Toddalin: Why not paint the unit the same as your new body color? I'd think about painting mine Emine White, although black would probably work just fine given the color of my hood's stinger/interior.

The ball is rollin'.

I just got off the phone with Mike Snelling at Mid Valley, seems like a nice guy, didn't take long to pin down who's car I was talking about. He said he'd have his guy lay the piece and give me a call when it was done. I also told him he may be getting more calls than just mine, it seems to be a hit of a design.:thumbs:

He also said that the mold itself isn't totally perfect after pulling it from Magic's car, but I have no problem doing a little finishing work. It'll most likely end up being flat or semi-gloss black anyway, and I think in the end it'll have exactly the look I am going for.

So, will update when there is something to update.

Mike also asked if I knew of anyone who might be interested in L88 427 hood inserts (underside I believe) that he either made or was able to make. Apparently someone got a deal on an original, and Mike was able to make a mold from it. So anyone who might be interested...there ya go.

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, and MagicV8 for the hookup.

:cheers:

I Forget to......... '69 I think.

:cheers: SatanicMechanic - What is the price that he is charging you for this gem? And how long will it take to make?

I measured a 67-68 and it's 52 inches long and 5 inchs deep for the spoiler. Heck, it is only $29.95.:cheers:

I think Toddalin's would look good body color too, some cars/colors the body color works better than others, however I would wonder about how these hold up to chips and such being so close to the road. I will be doing mine in black, which will go with my yellow with black stinger car, and a little rattle can spray paint will fix the road damage.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by macdarren (Post 1561625733)

I think Toddalin's would look good body color too, some cars/colors the body color works better than others, however I would wonder about how these hold up to chips and such being so close to the road. I will be doing mine in black, which will go with my yellow with black stinger car, and a little rattle can spray paint will fix the road damage.

---

Good point re: fixing road damage. Either way, I'd be interested in such a modification to my front end.

[QUOTE=Cobra66;1561624754][QUOTE=toddalin;1561622389]I too would be interested. When I had the restification done on the '64, they were supposed to put the Z28 air dam on (I even provided it), but they didn't. :toetap:

If this is a simple bolt on (and already notched would be great), I could be in on this. A little Krylon Semi-flat black, and we'd be good to go.Am anticipating future touch-up and Krylon Semi-flat (same color as used on our dash inserts) is easy to get with little lot-to-lot variability.

When I was going to have the Z28 spoiler put on mine I went down to Classic Chevy and hand fitted the 67-68 and 69. The 69 was the best fit and has a symetrical bolt pattern. The prior version has an a-symetric center bolt hole.

Neither of them are a direct (or even easy) fit and either will require additional work. I wanted the body shop to make a "plug" out of styrofoam that would meet the body contours, go around the bumper supports, and provide a mount for the spoiler., but this just wasn't to be. :rolleyes:

You can count me in on the order as well. Dave I'm sending back the templates for the shields as well. Thanks for your Help. Tim

He said he wouldn't know quite what to tell me as far as the charge, I just mentioned the "around $100" that MagicV8 posted, and what I payed for the Ecklers piece, and that seemed to go over fine.

As for how long, he didn't say. Maybe someone better schooled in the art of fiberglass panel making can make an estimate...? I imagine at least a few days depending on how busy they are with other stuff. Better done right than fast.

And yeah, I'm all for that flat black rattle-can road repair kit:D

:cheers:

wonder if I should call now or wait and see how yours turns out....I don't mind a little refinishing either but if the first part damaged the mold the second might make it worse.....I think I will get my order in....thanks for getting this moving as I said I have contemplated it for a long time just didn't follow through

The 69 first gen Camaro spoiler is 51.5 inches long and 4 inches deep. In case anyone is interested. :cheers:

Glenn,

Do you by chance have a photo of the camaro spoiler on a camaro or better still installed on a vette?

Thanks

Here's the '69 Camaro front spoiler: :thumbs:

No, pictures yet. I have not got the spoiler (trying to get a damaged one here for test fit) on yet. The 69 spoiler looks to be the best choice of the first gen Camaros.:cheers:

I happened to stop by MidValley as Mike was boxing up a 2 out of 3 airdams he finally got around to making. I took the third one home and marked up the dam for the position of the bumper holes (measured off my 66), then went back and marked the 2 being shipped.

After that I stuck the third dam on a 42k mile 67 435hp car with a factory valence, and we squeezed fresh bondo between the taped valence and the dam.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...rholes2(1).JPG

The bondo gives the dam a firm mounting surface that exactly matches the valence. That makes the dam stiff after mounting.

Mike plugged the bumper holes and says he will make a mold that has no holes, but raised lines marking hole locations, and a flatter mounting surface (than the twice broken air dam he made the original mold from.

My story, back in the 70's my 65 coupe was very unstable above 120. I was ready for a repaint and added a small, 3" spoiler in the front as well as the back. After the repaint drove down to my sisters. At 140 I could take my hands off the wheel, wow what a difference !!!!!!!

same result with the one I made for my 62, BUT I ended taking it off beside it would drag on the pavement at driveway approaches.... :willy:
Bill