GT6 Engine Valances

[john2502]

So as i will hopefully soon be finished with the front suspension/brakes on the MK3 I was starting to think about ordering the engine valances, old original ones were looking a bit worn so what's the general consensus aluminium vs original style?

As far as i can see they cost about the same, i suspect original will not last as long but have less possible rattle than aluminium ones.

[WIMPUS]

I've got black alu ones on my spitfire, bought from a guy on ebay .
Seems i don't have rattles or anything from them (for now  ;D ), but screwed them very tight.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/adunn9
If they are now on his ebay, just ask him or if you want regular alu (if you are a polisher  ;D )

As for the cardboard ones, i found it to much for what it is..
And when they are getting wet they are going to be not that nice anymore after a time (that's what i think  :B ).
The alu ones you just clean off with some water and they are like new ..

[rotoflex]

I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to have them in heavy-duty plastic, like that which now lines wheel wells of cars.  Easy to wash, no rattles, won't deteriorate when wet.  I've been sort of stuck as to what to scavenge the plastic from.

[Velocita Rosso]

My own personal opinion on side valances is, twofold so its down to the individual to decide.
One answer is yes , they make under the bonnet looking neat and tidy,basically what they were designed for
Contrary, not having the side valance allows more cold air to circulate around the engine and give better running and cooling
We all know how hot the GT/Spit gets inside the cockpit so more cool air the better
More air can get around the exhaust/manifold and also the fuel and oil systems.

So yes they can look tidy and aluminium would be  more sturdy and better than the original card
Our Spit and GT run with no valances except a funnel type at the front ,top and side of the radiator    

[Velocita Rosso]

rotoflex wrote:

I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to have them in heavy-duty plastic, like that which now lines wheel wells of cars.  Easy to wash, no rattles, won't deteriorate when wet.  I've been sort of stuck as to what to scavenge the plastic from.

You can buy grained effect black poly carbonate sheeting

[john2502]

rotoflex wrote:

I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to have them in heavy-duty plastic, like that which now lines wheel wells of cars.  Easy to wash, no rattles, won't deteriorate when wet.  I've been sort of stuck as to what to scavenge the plastic from.

Sounds a great idea. Would be interested in these. Probably go for the aluminium ones for now i reckon

[Sheepy]

rotoflex wrote:

I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to have them in heavy-duty plastic, like that which now lines wheel wells of cars.  Easy to wash, no rattles, won't deteriorate when wet.  I've been sort of stuck as to what to scavenge the plastic from.

What about being different! Make them out of clear Perspex!  :)

[MikeTeesside]

I have the black powder coated aluminium ones the TSSC sells (likely from the same supplier as the others).

Not fitted them yet, they'll be last as access to the engine/suspension is easier without them. :P

[JSBulmer]

4058 wrote:

What about being different! Make them out of clear Perspex!  :)

I do like the Perspex idea.  Would they stay clean / unscratched long enough or would they simply become another problem to work on?

jb

[byakk0]

I found a local supplier from a plastics company, but you buy the stuff on amazon. Kydex and ABS are common.
This is just one sample. Look for ABS textured plastic.
http://www.amazon.com/PLASTIC-CUSTOM-STEREO-TEXTURED-SMOOTH/dp/B00AKKGVM6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1390967245&sr=8-6&keywords=textured+abs+plastic

[Hughbert]

rotoflex wrote:

I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to have them in heavy-duty plastic, like that which now lines wheel wells of cars.  Easy to wash, no rattles, won't deteriorate when wet.  I've been sort of stuck as to what to scavenge the plastic from.

Try searching for Polypropylene Black Pinseal Plastic Sheet as polypropylene is what they use for inner wheel arch covers on automotive vehicles. It is better than ABS which tends to be ridged and can shatter if struck with a stone etc. Polypropylene Black Pinseal Plastic Sheet is used to make domestic chopping boards for home use cooking food preperation.

[Docman]

michael_charlton wrote:

You can buy grained effect black poly carbonate sheeting

Polycarbonate has the WORST chemical resistance of any plastic resin, not what you want for under bonnet!  ABS isn't much better.

Polypropylene would be better, but Tony Dunn's louvered aluminum pieces are extremely nice and they will likely allow a bit more air flow than solid panels.  Fasten them securely with rubber washers and they should never rattle.

[Hughbert]

3106 wrote:

Polycarbonate has the WORST chemical resistance of any plastic resin, not what you want for under bonnet!  ABS isn't much better.

Polypropylene would be better, but Tony Dunn's louvered aluminum pieces are extremely nice and they will likely allow a bit more air flow than solid panels.  Fasten them securely with rubber washers and they should never rattle.

Polypropylene is not just better it is what ever car manufacture in the world uses for under bonnet,inner wings,under tray,etc so it is the material of choice. Polycarbonate is not the worst of all the plastic composites chemical resistance and ABS is a well used and tried material in the automotive industry too. Many OEM car companies us PC ABS 20% talc for for their front grilles,windscreen trims,bumpers,exterior trim,etc.

I have powder coated louvred aluminium engine and radiator valances they are nice yes but not for everyone  ;)      

[BrendanD]

Powder coated louvred aluminium. Look great and work well.

[GT6chris]

Another vote for http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/adunn9
I have his powder coated louvered aluminium valances and rad cowl on my car – look good and fit well but do nothing for accessibility.
In the dim and distant past I ran GT6’s and spitfires as daily drivers with no valances without any problems.
Chris