Air dam question

[mr18436572]

The 97 is missing the air dam and I'd like to know exactly what I need to buy from this page:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

If I remember correctly, I need to get at least these 3 parts. Shield (#12), deflector (#14) and springs (#15). Is there anything else?

[OnDaGround]

I wouldn't waste my money. Hit up the junk yard. For what it's worth don't waste your money on the springs. After time they get worn out and flex too much. Go to lowes/home depot get some angled brackets and bend them out so you can have a perfecr 45-60 degree angle all the time. It helps with cooling and performance if it's stiff all the time at that perfect angle.

eww.. that sounds gross.

[OnDaGround]

Get something like these. Then bend them to the appropriate angle. Just pick up the deflector from the junk yard. I'm sure new it isn't cheap and it's easy to find one that isn't damaged. There are two 10mm bolts that hold it in and two expanding pop rivets. So pack a 10mm and a screw driver and go to town. Very easy to install very easy to remove. It takes 2 seconds. Drill some holes into the flap and screw/bolt it on. Keep the springs as back up if you just screw it in so it doesn't fall off. I prefer a bolt and nut but it's up to you.

[mr18436572]

Thanks for the help. But this is for my parents' car and they live in another state. I will tell them to check the junkyards but its more than likely they'll just want to buy new. I would imagine its cheaper to buy from getsaturnparts.com than going to the actual dealer. I want to order all the parts for them but I need to know exactly what I need.

[madpogue]

Depends, of course, on what's missing and what's left. _Typically_, the only things missing after a parking curb brush-up (the usual cause of death) are 14 and 15. The whole kaboodle, 14 and all four 15's, should cost about $20-30 at the dealer or getsaturnparts. At the salvage yard, you'd be crawling around in the mud trying to get this stuff off a car that's probably lying on the ground right on that part, in order to save maybe ten bucks.

If you use anything stiff, you're much more likely to tear it off again; the whole point of the springs is to allow it to flex on "impact", and not tear off. There's a very popular grocery store in our neighborhood, with one driveway into the parking lot, that would immediately remove the air dam from any Saturn if it were mounted with hardware store L-brackets.

[OnDaGround]

Originally Posted by madpogue

If you use anything stiff, you're much more likely to tear it off again; the whole point of the springs is to allow it to flex on "impact", and not tear off.

Stop trying to run over the kids that walk through your lawn and you won't have that problem.

[PlasticCarsRock]

Originally Posted by madpogue

If you use anything stiff, you're much more likely to tear it off again; the whole point of the springs is to allow it to flex on "impact", and not tear off. There's a very popular grocery store in our neighborhood, with one driveway into the parking lot, that would immediately remove the air dam from any Saturn if it were mounted with hardware store L-brackets.

Yes, do not use a bracket, it will not be able to flex if (when) you park over a sidewalk, curb, or divider. When my springs broke (they rusted away) I just "sewed" it back up with thin wire (large twist-ties). I thought it would be a quick fix until I could get new springs, but it's been there a few years now, and it is flexible but not at all lose, so I don't intend to do anything more unless I need to.

[Low Saturn]

Originally Posted by mr18436572

The 97 is missing the air dam and I'd like to know exactly what I need to buy from this page:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

If I remember correctly, I need to get at least these 3 parts. Shield (#12), deflector (#14) and springs (#15). Is there anything else?

Depends on whats damaged or missing. Usually #12 is still there. #14 is what gets torn off damaging the four #15's.

The price for #14 and #15 isnt too bad. Almost comparable to junkyard prices. #12 is a little high, but not outrageous.

Might also need two #13's if #12 is missing as well as two 10mm bolts.

[mr18436572]

Alright thanks guys