While waiting for the rest of my suspension parts to arrive and the shocks to be rebuilt I got to thinking about other projects. My car came with one of the side valences left, but falling apart. They will need replacing.
I hate being held hostage by vendors who have a monopoly or borderline monopoly on things and charge a disproportionate premium. I don't mind paying for quality, but sometimes...
Anyway, I see Steele has the rubber strips for the sides for $227 which look suspiciously like a $16 rubber garage door weatherstrip from Lowes which has had an edge trimmed off. I will report back on that soon...
My main question is, does anyone know the dimensions of the "L" shaped valence which runs along the back underside of the trunk/bumper area covering the gas tank? Is it even supposed to be rubber, or is it sheet metal? The only source I can find for these is Metro Rubber weighing in at $480!!! Thanks, but I'll try to figure out how to fabricate something, but I need to know the dimensions like how tall, and how wide the lip is which secures to the body. Thanks.
Nevermind. Seems the answer regarding the rear valence lies here http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=98871.msg101074#msg101074
It appears that the rubber ones are for a 1940 LaSalle, but metal was used in 1939. Turns out Steele has the 1940 version while Metro Rubber has them incorrectly listed for 1939 as well.