...914-6 Factory Rear Lower Valance. Please send inquiries to ajserrano@msn.com - Was listed on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150647960294&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

This part was taken off my factory 1970 Porsche 914-6 http://www.pbase.com/9146gt/image/22232746 shortly after I started the 914-6 GT conversion. Never damaged, never repaired and with ZERO RUST! The green color is an etching primer, but the part is now sprayed with Black semi-gloss paint. Additional information about the two types of 914 Rear Valances.

O.K, this is from my slightly foggy memory and after a couple of glasses of wine (how’s that for a disclaimer!).

The original 914-4 & 914-6 had a longer rear valance with a "port-hole" in it for the tailpipe exit. It was soon discovered the 914 cars suffered from vapor-lock conditions due to high temperatures under the car which overheated the fuel pump located under the car at the end of the floor pan. The Porsche factory cure was simple, design a shorter rear valance that had an "eyebrow cut-out" for the tailpipe instead of the longer rear valance with a 'port-hole' to let the hot air escape. Additionally, the factory also incorporated a pair of “plastic flaps” at the end of the floor pan to turbulate the air under the engine and gearbox in an effort to further reduce these temperatures.

Here is where my memory is a little clouded... The 914-4 2.0 liter (shorter rear valance w/eyebrow) bolts on to the 914-6 and fits perfectly using the very same pre-existing bolt hole locations. This was an obvious "no brainer" upgrade, not only did it look better, but it also produced the desired results by reducing the temperatures and curing the 'vapor-lock' problems. The factory also implemented a design change on the later 914-4’s (75’ &76’s) by relocating the fuel pump from under the engine to the front trunk area of the car, just under the fuel tank. This change further improved the vapor-lock issues.

If your plans include showing your factory built 914-6 at a concourse event and you must have a 100% correct factory original car, then you should look for a 'port-hole' type rear valance, but I would certainly not use the early valance on a daily driver.

The general consensus is that the later improved valance is much nicer than the original "port-hole" design and truly compliments the body lines of the car. By the way, early original 'port-hole' type 914-6 rear valances have recently sold for approximately $1,200 when you can find them. The price of the 'eyebrow type' rear valance I'm offering in this auction started for less than half at only $500.

Thank you for looking!