Topic: 65 Reproduction Valance

[ChrisV289]

Curious who sells the best rear valance that fits. Everyone offers just one type but NPD has another that is 1.2mm thick and says it fits. Wondering if anyone on here has used it or what is best. Most of the NOS I see are for either dual exhaust or no back up lights. Would hate to cut one of those for back up lights.

[CharlesTurner]

Any cost savings for repro will be made up in getting the thing to fit, versus just buying a Ford replacement to start with.  I would actually recommend looking for a nice original before a Ford replacement.  As far as back-up light holes, I see no issue with cutting them if needed.  Not a big deal.

[67gtasanjose]

Curious who sells the best rear valance that fits. Everyone offers just one type but NPD has another that is 1.2mm thick and says it fits. Wondering if anyone on here has used it or what is best. Most of the NOS I see are for either dual exhaust or no back up lights. Would hate to cut one of those for back up lights.

You need NON-GT, With B/U lamps I guess by reading this?

I have a NOS red primer, GT version and haven't listed it yet for sale. It does not have backup lamps holes but I have the instructions to cut them in. I've already marked the inside of the valance using a grey primer, providing a silhouette where the back up lamps go. (using a template created from an original GT, dual exhaust outlet type).

If this helps, PM me.

[ChrisV289]

If a car didn't have backup lamps to begin with would the plug ins still be there on the harness? Also would the holes on the quarter panels underneath have a rubber plug? Thought about going the route of maybe not installing the back up lamps.

[jwc66k]

Backup lamps in 1965 used a different harness than without. There were four harnesses, hard top and convertible with and without, and Fastback with and without. The harness hole was not punched in the trunk drop off panel (I think, I don't remember - in any case Charles addressed this question a while back).
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

If a car didn't have backup lamps to begin with would the plug ins still be there on the harness? Also would the holes on the quarter panels underneath have a rubber plug? Thought about going the route of maybe not installing the back up lamps.

If the car didn't have the lights originally and assuming the turn-downs are original, you'll have to drill the holes.  Best to find examples of originals, might be some here on the forum.  Be sure to use the correct lights with the smaller wire grommet size where the wires pass through the trunk turn-downs.  Repro's usually have the big ones like 67-8.

[ChrisV289]

So the NPD valance did not fit right. The brackets that hold the studs are about an inch off from middle to middle compared to the original. Also the top holes are circular even on the NOS pieces I see on eBay. My holes on the original valance are more oval. Guess I need to find an original valance or rethink the exhaust on this car. 

[65Ford]

Bummer.  I was depending on NPD's being close enough.  Hope mine is salvageable - It has a thick layer of bondo like my tail panel.  I swear the repo valance from the late '80s fit better...

[CharlesTurner]

So the NPD valance did not fit right. The brackets that hold the studs are about an inch off from middle to middle compared to the original. Also the top holes are circular even on the NOS pieces I see on eBay. My holes on the original valance are more oval. Guess I need to find an original valance or rethink the exhaust on this car. 

See 1st reply...   

[ChrisV289]

See 1st reply...   

I know    So I went to my friend's shop today, who by the way has a lot of parts running aroud that he is eventually going to be cataloging and selling soon.  Actually directed him to the wanted section and kept saying I have that and that and that.  I know he has a couple of cardboard heater plenums...Anyways he had two original valances both with stamped date codes and each one had different holes, one oval the other circular.  Was there a transition period on the type of hole?  One was off a 65 (oval) the other I am not sure...

[CharlesTurner]

Which holes?

[ChrisV289]

The top holes where the screws go into the back of the car above the license plate

[CharlesTurner]

Haven't paid attention to that detail, guess round would be early.

[ChrisV289]

Mine are oval with a 10/1964 build date.

[ChrisV289]

Was at my friend's shop again today and found another valance with oval holes at the top.  Date code was stamped in July.  Sent back the repro valance with a letter explaining how off it was and the different holes at the top.  Hope they do more research for early 65 Mustangs and produce a better fitting rear valance...