Snowplows - just ineterested, Who is still using one? Options

[Pat Garvey]

I know that the "snowplow" rear valence is rare, but am wondering about those who have one.

Is it mounted?

Mine cannot be mounted until the car comes off from jackstands because the jack will destroy it.

Just wondering.
Pat

[smontanaro]

Pix? I have no idea what you're referring to Pat.

Skip

[Pat Garvey]

The "snowplow" rear valence was standard on 70-72 models. It is larger than the subsequent model, with the tailpipe exiting through the metal, rather than underneath in 73-on valences. It was referred to as the "snowplow" because, in cases of 6 inches or more of snow, it "plowed" the snow up & under & aroung the muffler/valence area. Resulted in fairly rapid rusting of both parts.

It is a very rare part, and is different for the six and four.

This is what the "snowplow" looks like:

[6freak]

yep its on mine anyway .dont know where my Dads is? prolly the attic

[Pat Garvey]

yep its on mine anyway .dont know where my Dads is? prolly the attic

Nice!

This past summer I saw a snowplow that had been "modified" horribly to fit the twin-pipe sport muffler. he vibrations from the muffler had created stress cracks all over it valence. Sad waste of a very valuable/rare part.
Pat

[Jasfsmith]

I know that the "snowplow" rear valence is rare, but am wondering about those who have one.

Is it mounted?

Mine cannot be mounted until the car comes off from jackstands because the jack will destroy it.

Just wondering.
Pat

Mine is still mounted, however I always heard it referred to as a snow scoop.

I drove my 914-4 for a year in the snow and was always going to the car wash to remove the ice packed snow from the ends of the rear valance.

[Pat Garvey]

I know that the "snowplow" rear valence is rare, but am wondering about those who have one.

Is it mounted?

Mine cannot be mounted until the car comes off from jackstands because the jack will destroy it.

Just wondering.
Pat

Mine is still mounted, however I always heard it referred to as a snow scoop.

I drove my 914-4 for a year in the snow and was always going to the car wash to remove the ice packed snow from the ends of the rear valance.

Yeah, did that too, but I did it in my driveway. Once I "fitted" the Bursch exhaust to it, it died from vibration in a year. Thankfull to have found a perfect one.

This one will die with me/the 914.
Pat

[realred914]

didn't they change the design to help reduce heat under the car? that is what i Heard anyway, that si why the later vlaances are shorter, to allow better under car air flow. anyone know for sure ?

[Jasfsmith]

didn't they change the design to help reduce heat under the car? that is what i Heard anyway, that si why the later vlaances are shorter, to allow better under car air flow. anyone know for sure ?

Yes. Though more likely to keep the heat down in the rear trunk....

[Pat Garvey]

Engine heat was defintely higher with the snowplow. When I switched ('76) to th shorter version the change was noticeable. Vapor lock went away.

Have a friend who had a six & had the snowplow louvred. Helped with heat dissipation, looked really cool, but (because it was a winter driver), accelerated the rust process of the valence.

My 914 will get driven infrequently, so the "plow" will go on - cost too much not to enjoy.

[74914LE]

Does anyone know, if the rear valence was used for the entire 72 model year, or if it changed to the later version mid production, like the front brakes? I have a late production 72, with the late style front brakes, and since everything else is stock, I want to make sure that I get this correct.

[Pat Garvey]

Does anyone know, if the rear valence was used for the entire 72 model year, or if it changed to the later version mid production, like the front brakes? I have a late production 72, with the late style front brakes, and since everything else is stock, I want to make sure that I get this correct.

They did not change to the later version until the 73 models, so far as I know.

Mine is a late 72, vin 4722918725, and came with the snowplow. Is your vin later or earlier?
Pat

[74914LE]

Yes, mine is 4722921445 So it was 2,720 cars past yours. It would be interesting to find out if there is a later 72, and what it had. I have seen a couple of early 73 cars that have the doors without the side impact beams, so I know that there were situations where things changed in the middle of the production year.

[Michael N]

I remounted mine on the car several years ago because I wanted the original look. I also like that the front and rear valances match the height of the rocker covers and give the car a balanced look. I understand why so many removed these off the car as after longer drives not only does the trunk area get warmer than with a short valance, but the rear quarter panels also get very warm.

[rwjames]

Pat,

I have the original rear valance on my Tangerine 1970 914-6.

The original owner of my first 914-6 hacked about 6 louvers in the center of the rear valance as he thought that would help reduce heat around the exhaust system. What a crime he committed in destroying that valance. You may have seen that yellow 914-6 back in the 1970's and 1980's as the owner lived in Louisville, KY.

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

Here's an O.E.M. valence on a '70/4.

[McMark]

Here's one I did. I don't feel bad about mod-ing it, since I started with a total POS. I consider this saved, compared to what it was!

[Pat Garvey]

Anyone see the six version on eBay for $1250? And it needs work!

I'd sell my perfectly restored for valence for less than that, though not much.
Pat

[Pat Garvey]

Pat,

I have the original rear valance on my Tangerine 1970 914-6.

The original owner of my first 914-6 hacked about 6 louvers in the center of the rear valance as he thought that would help reduce heat around the exhaust system. What a crime he committed in destroying that valance. You may have seen that yellow 914-6 back in the 1970's and 1980's as the owner lived in Louisville, KY.

You are probably right. I won't fault you for not giving the owners name in public, but a PM would be appreciated.
Pat

[nathansnathan]

I think I read that only the nla stock muffler will fit through the hole. The bursch exhaust, you are supposed to have to go to the notched rear valance I think.

I was excited to have found a stock 1.7 muffler so I can use the 'snow plow' that my car came with. - I had no idea the early valance was so rare

I think the muffler-out-the-hole looks really cool. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)