Can anyone tell me where I can procure the retaining clips for the wings (at the wheel well, where they attach to the bumper) on the 4x4/FX4 front valances for the '01~'03 Rangers? I ordered some from Ford and they threw a pack of speed nuts on the counter. They said that was the part number and there isn't anything else they can do to help. I'm not even sure what they look like since that valance isn't on my truck, so if anyone knows what they look like & can post a photo (or tell me where I can get some of the infernal contraptions), i'd appreciate it. Shane (fx4wannabe01) said he would get a photo of them for me, but if someone else has one, it would save him the trouble. Thanks.

 

I hate those little things. No pics though, sorry.

 

Oh that's ok. I'll get it figured out sooner or later. I'm guessing it's a metal clip that grips/bites into the plastic tangs on the valance, and then clicks into the grooves on the bumper. But I don't know where to find them.

 

Thats exactly what it is. Maybe Autozone or some place would have them? They came with the valance when I bought mine.

 

some serious epoxy and a c-clamp and u dont even need them.. thats what i have to do for 2 reasons.. 1) my bumper got wrecked and someof those pieces broke off 2) i was hurrying when i reorderd my new bumper and ordered a non-edge model so i got some customizing to do.. sucks

 

I've looked at Autozone & Advance Auto, and haven't found what I think they are. Since i've never seen them, that's the biggest problem. I picked up some Toyota-spec. clips that almost work.



They are just a little bit too big. Is that close to what i'm looking for?

I could silicone it on, or some other method, but i'll try to find the right retainers first, so it's "right".

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Yep thats very close

 

You should of spoke up a couple of days ago, I just through my old valence out with them on it :(

 

Theres a couple listed on here:

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/For...eners_s/63.htm

Not sure what size the ones on the ranger are though..

 

oh i want that bumper/valance

 

Argh.


I looked through all of them. Again, I don't know exactly what they look like, but this is as close to what I think they may be like:

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/For...r_p/a21020.htm

Ford is proud of those Level II tow hooks let me tell you.

Thanks again for the legwork fellas. I'll get this sorted eventually. It's the only thing holding me back from installing it. Bleah.

 

Try here:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fr/full.aspx?Page=22

 

I don't see them on that page.

 

Haven't seen that page before w/ a fiche. Nice. I'll bookmark that site. I still don't see those stupid clips. There should be 8 total. The parts guy said it may be an item that you have to buy the valance from Ford to get. I'm starting to believe him. I can't believe i'm the first person in history that's needed those clips :o(

 

go to a body shop take the valance i bet they will have some clips

 

I'm sure there has to be some way to find them. I'll take one off and go to the autoparts store to see if they have any clue where I can get one from. I'll let you know tomorrow.

 

I appreciate that. You don't have to remove one of them. Surely someone will happen by here tomorrow that has one they can take a photo of and measure. Shane said he would, he just hasn't been around.

I see your location is Boone. You ever see Doc around there?

 

I have not but I went to his bluegrass festival this year and it was incredible. I'm sure 80% of this site won't know who your talking about lol

 

More like 95+%. Doc's an American treasure. I wasn't sure if you would know who he was to be honest. I'm going to see him in Johnson City weekend after next @ the Down Home. I've seen him 4 or 5 times, but he's 85, and I want to make sure I see him at least once more.

I've never been to Merlefest, but most folks say it's gotten so huge it's not as much fun as before as far as campground picking, and just the size of the crowd is unmanagable.

I wasn't sure if he lived in Boone, or if him & Rosalee still lives in Deep Gap where he was raised.

Thanks again for your help. Very much appreciated.

 

Yeah Merlefest was nuts, way more people than I expected. I went to another one that he was at but I forget what it was called. Honestly I have no clue where he lives, probably Deep Gap I would have heard if he was here.

 

i know i've been slackin on getting you those pics!! lol. this afternoon..i promise you'll get your pics posted in this thread!! AND in a pm!! lol.

 

It's not a problem Shane. I'm sure you have hells to do like the rest of us.

I'm imagining them to be a little more springy, or a little more arch, to snap into the bumper. Or a keeper clip or something. The ones I have are awfully sturdy. Measurements would be dandy.

 

 

Thanks Shane!

Boy, those are really close to what I have. How hard are they to pop, or, how secure do they hold? Looks like you can pop them fairly easily? I may be able to dremel the ones I have down just a bit and make them fly.

And is it easiest to install the on the valance and pop them into the bumper, or put them in the bumper and push the valance clips into them?

 

put them on the valence then pop the valence into the holes