47-55.1 Lower Rad/Grill Support Valance

[Driver_WT]

I am missing the lower rad/grill valance from my 1953 Chevy Truck. This part
https://www.bobschevytrucks.com/1947...l-846-106.html

Is it possible to use this part when I am using an S10 chassis? Is this part important/required?

It did not come with my truck.

thanks.

Wade

[MiraclePieCo]

That part is more important than people realize. It deflects air upward into the radiator and is a necessary part of the entire airflow system.

I used one on my S10 conversion but had to cut it pretty severely to fit. To keep the integrity of the airflow I filled in the gap with a vinyl truck mudflap:

[Driver_WT]

Thank you. Makes sense for airflow. I will see if I can fabricate something to make sure the airflow goes through the rad.

Wade

[oldman3]

Hey Wade, here's a link to Russ's (joedoe) build and how he makes the panel. Starts at post #143, hope it helps...Jim http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=782525&page=6

[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Hey Wade, here's a link to Russ's (joedoe) build and how he makes the panel. Starts at post #143, hope it helps...Jim http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=782525&page=6

Thanks Jim. Greatly appreciated. I learned about a new material from that post too (Kydex) - I will have to check that out.

Wade

[65blackfleetside]

I too made that panel for my s10 frame build. I used a very hard Polycarbonate called Lexan. Picked up a piece 24"x 50" for under 20 bucks at a local surplus store. It was white. Very easy to cut with my jig saw. Then just used a black rattle can of VHT Paint made for plastics. Advanced sells it. Installed it looks factory.

You could buy that metal OEM style valance but you are just going to hack it all up to fit the S10 frame.

[Driver_WT]

Thanks for the input. I am going to make my own.

Wade

[mr48chev]

As Miricalpieco said about his, you have to do so much trimming to fit with a subframe swap or with the S-10 swaps where the cab doesn't sit six inches or so off the frame rails that it isn't worth the cost of buying a new one to cut up. The piece not only directs air flow though the radiator rather than under the truck it also adds a big part of the structural integrity to the front end with the stiffness it adds.

[joedoh]

this is now much needs trimmed, it isnt "so much" that anything loses integrity, especially with my outrigger style of mounting the front end (on rubber mounts) instead of center mounting.



I was just under it tonight and I made note that it could be trimmed even less, and will be on the next.

[whitedog76]

Did all AD trucks come with the lower valance? I know on the two 54's I've owned, neither one has had one. I've looked at a few earlier trucks that didn't have it either.