I was reading in the assembly manual about an extra deflector that attaches to the regular lower deflector/baffle, and was wondering if all 442s came with this extra part? What is it's purpose? My 71 442 doesn't have one . Also, I notice there are extra lower rubber support flaps available per ILT, that help direct air towards the rad. Is it necessary to have the additional attached deflector in order to use the special flaps? Are these really helpful and do most 442 owners have these? Thanks.

 

I believe those two parts are completely separate...the rubber flaps (ILT you mention) mount up behind the grills (maybe attach to the radiator support) and the "air dam" piece is a metal "air dam" or reinforcement that somehow attaches to the plastic air dam (I think....don't have an Assembly Manual nearby).

Check your Assembly Manual (Product Information Manual).....it may show that the metal piece was only used on W30 cars...not 100% sure but I recall some discussion here or over on ROP.com some time ago about the metal piece.

Also check the '71 Assembly Manual on the extra rubber flap deal...those may have been a '72-only type revision.

I've had my hands on one of the metal "reinforcement/air dam" pieces and it came off of a '71 W30 car. Rare enough piece to make me think it may have been "W-30 only".

 

I thought the metal piece was 72w30 only. But that's just what I've heard. Mine has it but I've seen more 72 W30s (real ones) without it than with it.....

There are flaps/seals down near the bottom of the radiator to help keep air flowing properly I guess. They sort of sit on top of the plastic deflector (mine always flop out of the corner and need to be tucked back up).

I don't think there is any mechanical relationship between the flaps and the metal reinforcement piece.

 

That part is P/N 410410. In 1972, it was used on all W30's regardless of transmission and 455 Cutlasses with M/T only - so non W30 455 A/T Cutlasses of any kind did not get it.

 

Probably has to do with rear gear, the lower the gear the more air needed to keep cool. JMO

Johnny

 

Interesting info. In practice then it seems it was confined to the W30, but in the 71 assembly manual they indicate it applies for 4400 models. W30 isn't mentioned.
As I mentioned, my regular 442 doesn't have it, so that agrees with what you guys indicate.
I know of an original owner 72W30, so I'll check it next time for curiousity sake.
Thanks.

 

Correct Costpenn, the '72 455/M20 cars used the metal ounce as well. Hard as heck to find. Not sure rear gearing had anything to with it. My U code 442 has 3:23s but no metal deflector, my V Code also has 3:23s and it does have the metal piece.

In any case, it's hard as heck to find one nowadays.
Terry

 

My 71 W30 has it, but I have seen many W cars without. I am not sure if they just goy tossed, accidents, or what? I did have a 1972 442 with a 350CI and a 4 core rad that had the metal air deflector. I thought just the big blocks got it, but the car was untouched and clearly came from the factory with it. It also had highway gears. It was a unique car in any case.