Rear valance install ? 72 barracuda

[ShadeTreeFixer]

So I got a nice NOS rear valance for the cuda and I am at wits end trying to bolt it on. I’m assuming there is an easy way to get it on. Questions
Do I need to take the bumper off first to get the balance installed?

What hardware do I need as I cannot find the correct bolts/screws in my shop

And info or links would help.

 

[pschlosser]

Yes, remove the bumper.

Although the below linked kit of aftermarket fasteners on epay says its for the 1970-71 Barracuda, it's under $30 shipped, and it will contain most (if not all) the hardware you may need.

Rear Valance Valence Panel Bolt Set Kit Fits 70 71 Challenger Barracuda Mopar | eBay

The studs going in to the u-nuts can be a real PITA to install. Actually, the front and rear lower valance panels find me using cuss words when I need to pull a lower valence, because it's a tight fit to get the 1/4-inch ratchet with a 7/16? socket into the curve of the panel.

That said, I cannot say for certainty this kit is "correct" for a 1972, but I feel confident it will get you started, and perhaps, provide all the fasteners you'll need to get it installed.

The studs are used to connect the panel to the lower portions (left and right sides) of the valance, and the screws are used along the top. The kit looks pretty darn close to original fasteners (at least for a 1970)

This kit looks slightly different, but still functionally the same:
Rear Valance Bolt Kit 71-74 CUDA | Roseville Moparts

 

[Challenger RTA]

If you don't have this you might one to download it.Service manual

 

[MoparCarGuy]

The 1970 Barracuda diagram may help but download your 1972 service manual to be sure.

 

[ShadeTreeFixer]

Perfect thanks guys

 

[Xcudame]

Prior to replacing my rear valance on my 70 Challenger, I had taken the original off to facilitate access for removing the gas tank and replacing some rusty trunk sheet metal. I can honestly say putting the original back on was just as much as a hassel as replacing it later with an AMD valance. Something about how the lower quarter panels flex once the rear valance is removed. So be patient and best wishes for your endeavor.

 

[Ronbo73]

So I got a nice NOS rear valance for the cuda and I am at wits end trying to bolt it on. I’m assuming there is an easy way to get it on. Questions
Do I need to take the bumper off first to get the balance installed?

What hardware do I need as I cannot find the correct bolts/screws in my shop

And info or links would help.

I bought a rear valance bolt set from MEGA parts Mega Parts USA - Reproduction, NOS and Used Mopar Muscle Car Parts I installed my original rear valance with AMD quarters and quarter extensions. You do not need to remove the rear bumper to install the rear valance. I have a 73 Barracuda using the 72 rear bumper brackets. Make surre that you have the brackets that MoparCarGuy posted. You need those for sure.

You can access the mounting bolts just below the rear bumper. Put those bolts in first and leave slightly loose. Then flex the rear quarters to meet with the valance. Do one side at a time and leave the nuts loose until both sides are done. Tighten the bolts below the rear bumper. Next tighten the quarter to valance nuts while aligning both pieces.

It might take some finagling but it will go together. I had to do the drivers side first then the passenger side for some reason.

 

[Xcudame]

Assembling everything loose like Ronbo73 mentioned is key!

 

[ShadeTreeFixer]

For f#%k’s sake that was a serious PITA!!!

@Ronbo73 your trick got me to the finish line.

@pschlosser you weren’t kidding on being forced to throw out some colorful language on such a seemingly simple task.
Now the damn bumper is inspiring bad words that would make a $5 hooker blush.

Thanks everybody and next up is changing the intake manifold gasket… I must be a sadist.

 

[pschlosser]

Thanks everybody and next up is changing the intake manifold gasket… I must be a sadist.

That may actually be simpler, by comparison. Take your time on the intake gasket. Get everything clean, and enjoy torquing some bolts. That's on my TODO list, as well. I ordered a new gasket, but it arrived bent up. I tried bending it back, then it creased and I'm worried it may leak. I whined to a friend about it, and he said he rarely uses a new one. Go figure.

 

[Xcudame]

That sounds like a very typical rear valance install! Welcome to the club!

 

[ShadeTreeFixer]

That may actually be simpler, by comparison. Take your time on the intake gasket. Get everything clean, and enjoy torquing some bolts. That's on my TODO list, as well. I ordered a new gasket, but it arrived bent up. I tried bending it back, then it creased and I'm worried it may leak. I whined to a friend about it, and he said he rarely uses a new one. Go figure.

Thanks and yes it was much simpler. I am currently going through the carb just cuz. When I went to change the thermostat gasket I found there was no thermostat..,,????
I’m reading people will run no thermostat but that just sketches me out. No wonder it was running so hot this summer.

Keep in mind I just purchased this beast from a guy who said the front wheel makes a terrible noise and will smoke… I bought some bearings and when I took the breaks off I noticed the pad was ON BACKWARDS!!!!! Brand new so that was an easy fix. But I’ve now got to go through the entire looking for possible disastrous “upgrades”.

 

[Challenger RTA]

the pad was ON BACKWARDS!!!!!

Post it. Things not to do!

 

[ShadeTreeFixer]

Post it. Things not to do!

Will do