Front lower Valance Filler Panel question

[usraptor]

My original lower filler panel (I think that's what you call it) was broken in half when I bought the car.  The previous owner had purchased a NOS replacement from Chrysler that I have painted.  I went to test fit it tonight, (I know, should have done that before paint) and found it very difficult to get into position.  Basically the two center plastic pressure clips on the bottom of the filler panel that slide over the metal of the lower valance did not want to slide on.  After some delicate sanding I got them to slide over the metal but the center of the filler panel exposes more of the metal than the sides and I'm not sure if this is correct or is it supposed to be even all the way along the edge?  I tried to find some close up pictures of original cars, but couldn't find any closeup pictures of this area.   I've attached some pics of the area I'm concerned about circled in red.  Is this correct or should the metal show equal distance from the edge of the filler panel the entire length of the panel? 

Second question; screws attach the upper outside corners of the panel.  Are these supposed to be a chrome headed or black phosphate screw and what size?  The panel has a fairly large indent where the screw head goes in indicating that the screw head is fairly large.   All the grille fastener kits only show four chrome headed screws which I assume are for the head light bezels.

Lastly, does the the rest of the filler panel attach to the valance metal tabs with the same size hex head screws that are used with the grille?  I did numerous searches for filler panel fasteners and couldn't find anything listed separate from the grille fastening hardware and the service manual does not show enough detail to be of any help.

[Cuda_mark]

I know that the reproduction one I bought didn't fit as well as my original. I ended up punting on using the repro and just restored my original instead. The reproduction ones come with the Mopar part number and pentastar so maybe it's possible that yours is a reproduction?

[anlauto]

MEGA Parts sells the hardware kit.....the back three are just large push pins...
http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=132-VIH344

[usraptor]

Thanks Alan.  The information is very much appreciated.       I just ordered it.

[Jim AAR]

R/T Specialties also sells them for $6.00 instead of $10.00

http://www.rtspecialties.net/proddetail.asp?prod=1000344

[filmsurgeon]

What E-bodies are these front valance filler panels used on.  My '70 Challenger doesn't have one, but the previous owner who 'restored' the car might have decided not to deal with it.

[usraptor]

What E-bodies are these front valance filler panels used on.  My '70 Challenger doesn't have one, but the previous owner who 'restored' the car might have decided not to deal with it.

Sorry, I not familiar with other years or e-bodies besides the '70'Cuda.  Alan would know if he checks back in.

[usraptor]

R/T Specialties also sells them for $6.00 instead of $10.00

http://www.rtspecialties.net/proddetail.asp?prod=1000344

Thanks Jim.  I checked R/Ts and Mega Parts sites several times and could never find them.  Guess you have to use the correct terminology when doing a search.     

[filmsurgeon]

What E-bodies are these front valance filler panels used on.  My '70 Challenger doesn't have one, but the previous owner who 'restored' the car might have decided not to deal with it.

Never mind.  A quick Google search seems to indicate they are used on 'Cudas, not Challengers.

[Jim AAR]

R/T Specialties also sells them for $6.00 instead of $10.00

http://www.rtspecialties.net/proddetail.asp?prod=1000344

Thanks Jim.  I checked R/Ts and Mega Parts sites several times and could never find them.  Guess you have to use the correct terminology when doing a search.     

Got me the first time as well because I did a search with valAnce but I had seen them on R/T before, so I tried valEnce and there they were.

Both sites spell it valEnce and not valAnce, but neither really fit.

I would think that valAnce is a better fit. 

Definition of valEnce: the combining power of an element, especially as measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can displace or combine with.

Definition of valAnce: a length of decorative drapery attached to the canopy or frame of a bed in order to screen the structure or the space beneath it. 

[C_B5]

What E-bodies are these front valance filler panels used on.  My '70 Challenger doesn't have one, but the previous owner who 'restored' the car might have decided not to deal with it.

Never mind.  A quick Google search seems to indicate they are used on 'Cudas, not Challengers.

The lower valance insert is used on all 1972-74 Dodge Challenger models

[HEMICUDA]

MEGA Parts sells the hardware kit.....the back three are just large push pins...
http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=132-VIH344

Negative, 70 used bolts, not push pins like 71-74.

[anlauto]

MEGA Parts sells the hardware kit.....the back three are just large push pins...
http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=132-VIH344

Negative, 70 used bolts, not push pins like 71-74.

Would like to see proof of that please.

[HEMICUDA]

MEGA Parts sells the hardware kit.....the back three are just large push pins...
http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=132-VIH344

Negative, 70 used bolts, not push pins like 71-74.

Would like to see proof of that please.

I need to prove that to you? Nope.  I've never worked on a 70 that had the push pins and neither does my 3,900 mile survivor 6pk.

[anlauto]

MEGA Parts sells the hardware kit.....the back three are just large push pins...
http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=132-VIH344

Negative, 70 used bolts, not push pins like 71-74.

Would like to see proof of that please.

I need to prove that to you? Nope.  I've never worked on a 70 that had the push pins and neither does my 3,900 mile survivor 6pk.

Yes, could you please show me pictures ?