Rear bumper heat shield

[greglepore]

I'm doing a repaint on an '85 Targa. When I disassembled the rear bumper, the studs holding the inner heat shield to the valence snapped. I could certainly drill them out and replace, but I'm curious as to whether I need the heat shield at all. Will the paint on the bumper blister without? I'm tempted to eliminate both it and the valence. Anyone with real world experience?

[autobonrun]

I'm not sure if I have a heat shield on my 79SC. If it was on from the factory, I assume I do. If so, even with the shield, the paint on my bumper over the exhaust is faded and won't shine up even with polish. I'm sure its from the heat. If you have one on, I'd leave it in place.

[APKhaos]

Bought a new valence a while back, which did not have studs. The heat shield rattled like crazy. I drilled two holes where the studs should be, and fitted stainless machine screws with nylocs - worked beautifully.

Though about painting the heads, but the ss was fine - can't see 'em anyway. Over time, the heat will toast your paint and the seal rubbers in that area. At PCA Techs we see lots of them that have had this happpen. Keep the shield.