Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

[Steven L.]

I'm trying to figure out how the headlight rod brackets on the lower panel attach to the radiator support. The brackets on the car were pretty mangled, so I ordered a set, but I can't see how they will work unless they are bent to go around the edge of the radiator support that projects rearward. The assembly manual shows them mounting in front of the radiator support, between the support and the rod coming down from the headlights, but there is no hole in the lower panel in that area. The only holes that are there are behind the radiator support, towards the rear edge of the lower panel. If anyone has, or can supply, a picture of what those brackets are supposed to look like mounted, I'd appreciate it.

[Richard M.]

Re: Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

Steven, This thread should give you a wealth of information with many photos.....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...921#post788921

[Steven L.]

Re: Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

Steven, This thread should give you a wealth of information with many photos.....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...921#post788921

Hi Richard,

Thanks so much for your reply and the link, as the pictures were super helpful. Having tried to work with the assembly manual info to figure things out, it perplexes me how GM could have published such misleading info. I can only wonder what the assembly line workers were thinking when they were building these cars. Having now seen the location for where the holes are supposed to be, I'm curious as to why my '66 doesn't have them. Not a problem, though, as I can certainly drill them where they are supposed to be. It appears that they are directly in front of the existing holes, so do you have a spec or measurement to properly locate them, i.e. how far forward of the existing holes they should be?

Though I've been restoring Impala's for many years, and serve as a technical advisor to two different fullsize clubs, this is my first C2. Working without any solid factory documentation is a little frustrating in terms of trying to understand how and why things like this exist, but thanks to you and the other members who have anwered my posts, I'm learning quite a bit.

Thanks,
Steve Leunig

[Richard M.]

Re: Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

Steve, Glad it helped....

It may be that your lower valence was replaced at one time. Original GM replacement panels did not have those forward drilled because they could be used for the 63-65 cars where the rearward only holes were used. They do not have extra holes in the forward position for the 66-67 cars with their "tilted" supports.

I have recently seen the identical condition as yours on a later car. The lower valence was changed and had the 2 rearward "standard" holes for 63-65 but no forward holes for the L-bracket Phillips 1/4-20 screws. We took a measurement from a known original and the holes were just about 2" apart front to rear.

To be sure, get your L-brackets properly in place to prepare to drill the holes. Take some measurements, tricky to get in their though, and drill small pilot holes to be sure they line up. Once certain, drill for the 1/4" size or slightly bigger holes and you should be all set. Don't tighten too much and use a flat and lock washer as shown in the AIM. Those were installed at factory build before paint, so after they're in there you can touch up with your color and a fine brush.

Rich

[Steven L.]

Re: Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

Hi Rich,

Took a look, and the nose had had some work in the past, and though I'm no expert, it does appear that the lower valence may have been replaced. Referencing the picture that shows the forward hole with the bracket removed, do you know if it's 2" exactly, center to center?

Thanks,
Steve

[Richard M.]

Re: Help needed with 1966 front lower panel bracket question

Hi Rich,

Took a look, and the nose had had some work in the past, and though I'm no expert, it does appear that the lower valence may have been replaced. Referencing the picture that shows the forward hole with the bracket removed, do you know if it's 2" exactly, center to center?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve the original car we used as reference was exactly 2", but only one sample. All lower valences had the rear 2 holes but I'm not sure when the other forward holes were drilled, either at fabrication of the valence, or drilled when the core support was installed as a means to handle variations in assembly.

Best to measure and test before drilling.

Rich