Fibre glass v metal valances

[Ron]

I was following the thread on here a short while ago on the debate about the pros and cons of fibre glass versus metal valances. Some suggested that fibre glass looked just as good, having no experience I can't dispute this. I need a new valance for my Vitesse project and the savings of fibre glass over metal are considerable and something I need to take in to account.
A thought crossed my mind as to how best to fit the actual metal bumpers on to fibre glass, would rivets simply pull through the fibre glass? If so what other method of mounting them could be used that would look reasonably good?

Thanks

[Zendervision]

My bumpers were riveted onto the fibreglass (front) valance. There weren't any real issues although the rivet had torn through in one place after the bumper was caught by the bonnet. A properly adjusted bonnet would have prevented that.

I removed the bumpers to repaint the valance, and lacking a rivet gun re-attached them with those little flat screws with the square nuts, I forget what they're called. Anyway, it's not correct but they look good and make the bumpers easily removable. Also used some large washers bent to shape behind them to spread the load a bit.

[CharlieB]

You can get "load spreading rivets" which open out much larger behind the panel & are ideal for fibreglass.
Or if you want it removeable you could use "jack-nuts" & screws.

[Steve Cureton]

Ron, take care when buying a fibreglass valance as some seem to have the corners cut short (mine for one). This is something I've seen a few times but I don't know if it's down to a specific manufacturer or a mod by previous owners (I bought mine secondhand). As daft as this might sound I didn't even notice this on mine until after the restoration was complete, but obviously the full wrap-around looks better and I don't think bumpers will look right in this situation.

[TedTaylor]

When putting pop rivets into grp you should always use a washer, plate or something to spread the load behind the panel.  You can get special washers for this purpose but any medium/large washer or small piece of metal with a hole in it will do.  If there is a problem of access behind the panel when wielding the rivet gun so that the washer/plate cannot be held in place while the rivet is pushed though simply stick it in place first with aradite or similar.

The splitting rivets are/were commonly used in caravans to spread the load when making fixings into the plywood lining sheet because as the rivet is pulled up the back of the rivet spits into four curly things and spreads the load.  Not easy to get unless going to a specialist fastener shop but most caravan service/repair places would have them - I got loads for free when a caravan dealership closed down and I was allowed to remove all their shelving and any other useful items I found.

Ted

[GrayFox]

It was our Wanted advert on the Club website for a decent front valance for the Herald Estate that resulted in being given one with a whole convertible still attached to it.  I have since managed to find a reasonable metal one for the estate.  The rear valance on the convertible was beyond saving but we managed to source the three sections via eBay.  Have now made a start on the restoration of the convertible front valance.  It was wafer thin in parts and I am cutting out the rust and welding in new steel plates before finishing off with a bit of filler.  Just thought the photos might encourage some to try to salvage their metal valance rather than scrap them and go for fibreglass.  Its a fiddly job but it can be done.

[mikeyb]

Nice work!

I'm on the lookout for a cheap fibreglass rear centre valance for the Herald rally car if anyone has on lying around?