Replacement Valence

[Pyral]

I was looking at Rock Auto and I saw a replacement valance that fits below the bumper. Its pretty cheap (shipping not so much), $13.

I would like to replace my current valence because the previous owner hacked it up pretty well fitting in fog lights, and also used wood screws to mount a front license plate.

Anyone know if this replacement will hold up well enough and fit too?

Update: Tried to calculate shipping only to learn that my nanny ***** state of California wont let me ship it because it doesn't comply with prop 65. You know, that proposition that basically tells you literally everything can cause cancer if your willing to grind it up into a powder and snort lines. Guess I'll ship it to Oregon if it turns out to be good.

 

[Brian.]

You're wondering if a part, that costs $13, is any good and will hold up? Really? That's a mighty fine joke to my ears (eyes).

If it's surprisingly cheap, it will be junk quality. It's been true for the ~4 decades I've known to pay attention to that. It's why there's a saying "If it seems too good to be true, it (probably) is".

If you want the best for the least, find an OEM at a parts yard. This option replaces money cost with time/effort spent looking.

If you're okay with something that's simply not hacked up but the fit and longevity aren't up to OEM, then look to the Chinesium stuff.

You'll get what you pay for. I wouldn't expect a $13 valence to fit well (doesn't mean it can't be Made to look like it fits well), or look good 5 years from now.

 

[5VZ-FE]

I will actually disagree with above, and since you’re in the Bay Area I can offer some advice. My ‘99 has the ‘96-‘98 (non-fat lip) bumper and when I bought it there was no valance. A friend of mine mentioned Eco Auto Distributors in Rohnert Park and I checked it out online. It’s kind of a funky website and a little difficult to use so I called and they were incredibly helpful. Found the valance I wanted and it was like $55. I waited a month or so because of travel and when I got back the price had dropped to $25. I ordered, (I think the shipping was only like $15 because I had it shipped to my mechanic, so if you can do that it’s a plus). It’s prefect quality as far as I’m concerned. Didn’t come with any hardware but that was fine. They also have CAPA and non-capa. As far as I can tell capa is ‘certified’ so that’s what they use in body shops when insurance is involved. The guy said it’s a marginal difference, and I’m happy with my non capa.

So I guess my point is sometimes those crazy low prices are worth it, if they don’t get you on the shipping.