The price of lowering springs

[njstang97]

Just a few weeks after putting in the Ford C springs, I've had my first bad encounter with concrete. I was pulling into a driveway that was less-than-flush with the road and was greeted with a nasty scraping sound. After getting out, I found that the damage was limited to whatever that black piece of plastic/rubber is that sits a few inches back from the front bumper (I have a 97). It looks like some of the fasteners have popped out, and the thing itself is split, with one part hanging loose (oh so ghetto).

Does anyone know what this piece is called so I can call around various junk yards to get a replacement?

Thanks for the help

[SquirrelNutz154]

If I'm thinking of the same piece that you're talking about, I believe it served its purpose well.....to protect the pieces around it when you do bottom out. I'm not even sure it has a name....just describe it to the guy at the junkyard, you'll be fine.

[Dom]

You mean the cover on the gas tank?

[WhiteStang99]

i deont think he means that. theres one under the car, below the front bumper.

Mine took out a possum one morning. I don't like cats, which is what it looked like, so I didn't slow down. I got closer and it moved it's 2 foot (at least) tail and I was like oh shit!

Too late. No damage (to me ) though

[Dom]

Oh that? Don't even worry about that. It'll look better without it.

[njstang97]

I think we're on the same page with this now - as long as it's not necessary, I'll just pull the remaining parts off.

Thanks all!

[Tbird232ci]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dom Oh that? Don't even worry about that. It'll look better without it.

but those are rather important for cooling purposes

most places will call those an "air-dam" or "valance" maybe something like that

[Dom]

It sets like this
_
|

How does that help cooling?

[tealstangman]

I broke the same thing on my 95 mustang. so i just cut off that plastic thing and it was all better.

[01mineralgrey6]

it directs air , to help with cooling

[Brent]

Is this what your talking about

[WhiteStang99]

if i'm not mistaken, yes.

[njstang97]

Yes. That's the piece.

[njstang97]

Actually, there are 3 pieces in that same area - there is one part in the middle, then 2 (one on each side) like you had circled - all the same material, all held in by plastic fasteners.

[njstang97]

It's the middle one that's busted up.

[Dom]

I say yank it off. All it really can be doing is stopping air from going under the car. Get a chin spoiler of something instead.

[MarkuzLS1]

Quote: Originally Posted by 01mineralgrey6 it directs air , to help with cooling

As you drive, it directs air up through the radiator from underneath the car. You might be able to get by without it.

[Dom]

Mark, I'm in love with you car.

[Ponycarman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dom All it really can be doing is stopping air from going under the car.

Partially, it also redirect cool air into the radiator and prevents the fan from sucking hot air out of the engine compartment under the radiator and back into the engine compartment.

If you remove it and notice your car runs a bit hotter, well there you go.

Steve