Hello! I'm nearly done with the whole gas tank operation for my '71 Mav. I noticed on the rear valance--the part that the license plate attaches, concealing the gas tank--that the left side valance-to-lower trunk bracket is missing. It was originally spot welded, but sometime in the past millennium it must have fallen off. It's no big deal since I have all screws to fasten the valance onto the car, but I figure since Ford had it there, I ought to also. I've included a photo of the right side bracket. Anybody know where I can get one of these--when it goes in for a repaint, I'll have it welded on. Thank you! Renton5 (Daniel)
A similar bracket is found on a Mustang valence. You could buy that, cut it off, and weld it to your valence.
Hi Craig and Frank! Thank you for your responses! I think I'll forgo buying a whole valance, to get the part. Since it's been driving fine without it, I think I'll forgo it. Here's a new problem: In my '71 Mav, 200 engine, I just put in a new donut gasket at the exhaust junction. I turned the engine on for the first time since April--gas tank and carb issues--and at first there was no problem, then as the engine warmed up, I smelled something burning then turning it off, I saw smoke rising from what might be the junction area. The air cleaner heat tube plate (off the manifold) was blocking my view. There doesn't appear to be a fuel leak, no oil dripping, so I'm drawing the conclusion that because it's new, the donut is burning off some chemical residue or there was some remnant of the chemical cleaner the shop used when they rebuilt the carb...but it didn't look like it was coming from that. Any thoughts? Thank you! Daniel
Neither oil nor grease came in contact with the parts. I've done some research after I posted my query. It's looking like that due the composite nature of the materials (or production process) used in the "donut", the engine heat will "burn off" some of the outer surface. Today is Saturday as I write this, on Monday I'll call a couple mechanics and maybe a "donut" manufacturer to be certain.