Movers Hurt my Valance - Fix or Shop?
 

Recent move did not go well for my valance. It was pretty straight and no rust-through.

I will file a claim but realistically, I'm not sure I could find a replacement easily... it's a one-year 70 Tempest/LeMans part so likely available used only. There is a NOS part on EBay right now at $2K but I think not... ;)

How hard does this look to straighten? I have low skills/experience but not afraid to try if it avoids a bigger hassle finding and shipping one in better shape.

Mike


http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1695935021

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1695935118

That doesn't look all that bad. If you don't want to try it yourself it looks like a part you could take to a body shop and let them do it.

Or first try FranksPontiacParts in CA or Desert Valley around Phoenix.

Ain't skeered.
It's fixable, but it would be wise to have the car with fenders mounted to verify the contours against them.

You must know me!

Or at least my car....

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1696031312

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1696031224


Thank you... good advice.


I'll have to wait for the claims adjuster before I do anything but I can definitely campaign to get it repaired.

I've had good luck with both Frank's and DVA recently, so can check with them too. I just expect shipping would cost more than the part but if they had one, it could establish value.

Mike

It seems to me that any expense for repair or shipping should be the responsibility of the shipper who did the damage....

After the movers literally ignored our claim, calls, and emails for 3 or 4 months I was finally able to get it settled by opening a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

So I can finally move forward on the valance. I'll try to straighten it out but if my limited skills prove inadequate for the task, I got a few dollars out of the movers to go shopping for a replacement.

Mike

Doing one thing the wrong way may squish the chances of having it repaired correctly.
Let a pro do it.
It needs to be bolted down and pulled the same way it was dented.

Doing one thing the wrong way may squish the chances of having it repaired correctly.
Let a pro do it.
It needs to be bolted down and pulled the same way it was dented.

I've fixed much worse. Some time with a body hammer and dolly will go a long way. I just finished one from a 70 Lemans and had to remove the brackets for the turn signals to get behind it.

Thanks for the encouragement Jack

I will definitely work on it myself and I'm optimistic about my odds. It's next on my project list, as I need the turn signals to get the car drivable.

Mike