I removed this front valence off of a April of 1973 built Maverick. I also have an NOS front valence. This valence I just removed has brackets welded to the inside. Looks like they are for lights or something. The NOS valence I have does not have these brackets. I don't recall any of the other 1973 valences I have had ever having these brackets. Anybody else have seen these?
Does it look like the original valance ? All the bolts and clips correct? Maybe get a Marti Report, and see if anything comes up....where was it built ?
Yes, it looks like an original valence. Brackets are "spot" or "plug" welded just like the factory. It was built in Dearborn. I have the build sheet and it has a body buck tag. Just a plain, jane 2-door Maverick. It helps...just tells me I am not the only one who has never seen these.
I've never seen them. My guess is that they were added on by a owner. Spot welders are not hard to find.
With the car being that late in the model year run ...maybe some engineering change? ... or maybe there was tentative plans for something other than park bench bumpers the next year .... It does look like an extra bit of bracing right behind the ridge, and that makes it look to me like it is a couple steps beyond backyard engineering. With that slot next to the bracket ... no added brace to the rad support on that car? Maybe a place to add an air duct? It sure is odd .... Seems to me that if Ford was going to use it to attach a light, they would mount it to something firmer. That spot looks like it would flex a bit with enough weight swinging off it unsupported.
I agree owner added, just like the bucket seat reenforcements on my 1969.5, somebody had a spot welder.
Maybe that valance is a factory replacement part meant to work on 70-72s and 73s (even though it wouldn't look "correct" on the earlier cars with the expanded opening). Any chance there is a part number on it?
Here are a couple of pictures taken from my 73 Comet 302 2 door, July 73 build date, bench seat front bumper, small rear.......... Mounting bracket is attached to frame assembly of front bumper "shock" absorber, RH/LH views.