81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

Hello,

I decided to add a air deflector under the bumper of my recently-acquired 1984 Silverado and am having some issues. I had one on my previous 84 also, but didn't have anywhere near this headache.

I purchased the shorter height aftermarket version from LMC and the fit was terrible. After working for hours to even get it lined up, the deflector was wavy and peaked in the middle. After giving up on the aftermarket part, I decided to try something else.

I ordered a GM part from Classic Parts and received the taller style, generally used on 3/4 tons and 1-tons. Against my better judgement, I attempted to install it, but it also fits different than the straight version on my previous 84. The middle appears to bulge forward and just doesn't appear "right" to me. See pics below.

So now, I have two spoilers with no use for them, and the shipping to return them costs more than the parts are worth. Any suggestions?

Has anyone else had fitment issues with these parts, and what did you do to correct the issue?

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

As I recall that's how the were meant to be from the factory. I just pulled a real nice one off a mint burb in the wrecking and it does the same thing

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

My factory 84 has the centre bulge.

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

I think I got mine from LMC and it fit just right. No bulge or anything. Went on my 85 K-10

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

Thank you for all the information. I can't remember where I got my previous one, but I remember it fitting flatter without the bulge. I may try shimming it and adjusting the holes to make the fit better.

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

Ya try enlarging or slotting the holes some, that should flatten it out I believe...

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

FYI... There are 3 differant chin spoliers... 1 for a 4x2, 1 for a 4x4 w/o tow hooks and 1 for a 4x4 w/tow hooks. The 4x2's take the short one and the 4x4's take the taller one.

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

The last 2 I bought from Rockauto. I had to elongate most of the holes and at the end, it still looked like the one you just put on. I did massage it with a heat gun. Although at the end it wasn't perfect, I was happy with the look.

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

Design intent is for the air dam to be straight from the peak to the outer corner.

Original, as installed by the factory:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...k/100_7085.jpg

Replacement part from LMC (I believe from LMC) is acceptably straight (not warped to the degree shown in the original post):

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/...k/100_8140.jpg

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/...k/100_8733.jpg

Sucked in a little, maybe, on the driver's side. The passenger side looks right.

K

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

good grief the fit looks awful hope you get it adjusted i am planning on putting one on my 87 gmc i hope i don't have this problem

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

I have used several of these from Lmc and they all are a little wavy. The way to fix the is take off the valance buy some 1/2" by 1/2" aluminum angle from lowes. Clamp the angle on the inside of the valance sitting on the bottom inside ledge. Drill along the bottom edge and rivet the angle to the bottom lip with aluminum rivets. This will make it straight and correct the wavy. Let me make this clear there will always be a peak in the middle so you will have 2 aluminum angles on on each side. This works awesome! Done it many times.

Re: 81-87 Chin Spoiler / Air Deflector Issues.
 

I've had trouble with factory ones too, currently have an otherwise good condition OE one on and its bunched up in the middle too. :confused: