71 Grill area questions

[Harmon C.]

Getting ready for paint.

On the top in the area where the grills mount on the right hand side their are five oblong holes that look like factory cut holes. On the left hand side their are three holes cut the same way. Is this correct?

On the top of the fiberglass in the front valance area their is a black tar paper like air deflector stapled on. Was this on when 71's were painted and would show body color overspray?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 Grill area questions

Lyle,

Regarding question two, there is no overspray on mine, and since there's plenty of yellow overspray down there I'd assume that if the part was in place during paint, my car would have it. You can see the part near the "bottom" of each picture.

I would suggest it was installed after body drop. I could verify later this week if you wish.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 Grill area questions

On #3, the 'tar paper' deflectors served two purposes:

(1) Protect the headlights from road debris when they were in their lowered/closed position

and

(2) Enhance the car's cosmetics by masking light reflection off bright work items with the headlights closed (e.g. keep everthing behind the grilles looking uniformly black).

So, the deflectors should be black and absent of body color overspray...

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 Grill area questions

Lyle the oblong holes are for 1970 grills they had studs for mounting. The paint deal I would say the norm would be no body color but I have seen over spray from factory or dealer touch-up paint. Should add behind the holes the fiberglass is thicker at one end then the other so the speed nut would seat flush and not at an angle. Paul 18046

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Grill area questions

Hi Lyle,
On my 71, #6589, the part you describe and the AIM calls a "shield lower pnl.", is made out of the same material as the a-arm dust shields.
It has quite an intricate, die cut shape and was fastened to the valance panel with 9 staples. Like Patrick's, mine shows no body color. The shield is available in reproduction.
My car has 5 oblong holes in each side. 2 with screws and j-nuts and 3 empty.
Regards,
Alan

[Harmon C.]

Re: 71 Grill area questions

Thanks Allen

My shield lower pnl is in good shape but I need to remove some paint and mask it off before paint I paint the car. Only two holes are used.
Thank you