A few years back I purchased a used set of 2+2 fender louvers (mine were missing). I cleaned all the many layers of paint off with brake fluid and was going to paint them. But after I saw a few cars with the bare chrome louvers, I liked the look and decided to try it. On Sunday I finally got the courage to drill 16 holes in each front fender. I had gotten the drilling measurements with the louvers so just made up a template, taped it to the fender, and drilled the 16 small holes. Then I removed the template and drilled to size. Only a couple holes on each side needed to be slightly ovaled to straighten out a louver (same template). I really didn't want to remove the inner fender wells to attach the nuts to the louvers so I glued them on with silicone. The back two are accessible from the door side so nutted them. Only problem with bare chrome is the flaws show. Someone down the road got carried away with a sander on a few as you can see in the picture. So they will need to be replaced and there are a couple more with one stud. I know these are hard to come by but does anyone have a partial set. I'm thinking 4 for sure maybe 5. I'd best give the measurements before I loose them. OK, for the louvers: First hole is located 2.875" from the back of the fender to the center of the hole and 3.00" down from the horizontal body line to the center of the hole. The bottom hole is exactly 3.00" from the top center to center. Each successive set of holes is exactly 1.858" apart from each other center to center, for a total of 8 sets of holes that measure from first to last center to center of 13.00". This is exactly how it was written out for me.
-- Edited by JC2+2 on Tuesday 10th of September 2013 12:00:22 AM
-- Edited by JC2+2 on Tuesday 14th of June 2016 08:28:29 PM
I worked with a mechanic who bought a 69 Impala new with a 327. I believe the 350 replaced the 327 mid year in 69 for Chevy however Pontiac never had a 327 in '69
I worked with a mechanic who bought a 69 Impala new with a 327. I believe the 350 replaced the 327 mid year in 69 for Chevy however Pontiac never had a 327 in '69
Ummm, Todd? Derailing is not allowed unless you live in the Pembina Triangle District! (lol)
Looks good....what's holding the louvers in place? Nuts or clips?
Must have been fun getting those on, how many did you drop behind the fender?
"I really didn't want to remove the inner fender wells to attach the nuts to the louvers so I glued them on with silicone..."
Great job! I too like them paintless... When I was assembling my Rag, looooong before paint, I had them stripped and on the fenders!
The biggest decision I had to make was cutting the original hood in my '70 for the hood tach.... Not easy drilling a pilot hole and attacking the hood and decent paint with a jig saw! It took some mulling over to finally drill the hole........
Thanks guys for all the compliments. You're right about that first hole being the hardest to drill. After that it's too late to turn back so give-er hell. This photo (prior to cleanup) is not as blurry and shows those bad ones more so - the rear two. But they will do until I find better. And Clint, you are so right about without them the car is just a regular Parisienne. Next, rocker chrome.
-- Edited by JC2+2 on Tuesday 10th of September 2013 10:07:19 PM
I worked with a mechanic who bought a 69 Impala new with a 327. I believe the 350 replaced the 327 mid year in 69 for Chevy however Pontiac never had a 327 in '69
Ummm, Todd? Derailing is not allowed unless you live in the Pembina Triangle District! (lol)
How does that old song go??? Something about "why is everybody always pickin' on me.....?"
But, that song also stated, " he's gonna get caught, just you wait and see..." but he never did, did he, Charlie Brown? Can't convict whom you can't catch!!!
As for the rust, I never did seal mine but when I had the car painted, all parts were painted first then assembled and painted again... Bare metal would definately want to turn brown!
-- Edited by 67Poncho on Wednesday 11th of September 2013 07:57:32 AM
You always see car guys/restorers drill (or cut or grind) into cars after the paint has been applied (on TV), but you never see or hear them talk about "sealing" the areas before applying the emblems, trim, etc.
I would think that water, then rust would love these freshly drilled holes, right?
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
I worked with a mechanic who bought a 69 Impala new with a 327. I believe the 350 replaced the 327 mid year in 69 for Chevy however Pontiac never had a 327 in '69
Ummm, Todd? Derailing is not allowed unless you live in the Pembina Triangle District! (lol)
How does that old song go??? Something about "why is everybody always pickin' on me.....?"
And by the way, those louvres look great!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Seems I remember having special clips (on a '67 Camaro) that inserted in from outside and into the hole - and the emblem stud was pushed into that special clip. Only required access from outside - NOT inside at all. Also remember that the emblem was then held off the surface of the sheet metal a tiny distance and was not up tight and flush with the painted surface and was a little loose. I also remember that the emblem eventually fell off - gone forever!!!! I don't know whether AUVECO still makes this clip or not. This clip is not perfect solution but, could be another option for you. Thanks!!! BOPManiac
I thought I'd post an update. I acquired and replaced the blemished louvers. Then I figured I would remove the inner fender wells and install the nuts for them. Half way through removing one I realized the whole fender would have to come off. I wasn't going there so put it back together. While bending like a contortionist I was able to get the nuts on the first two louvers. So with the back two that's half of them. And that's good enough for me right now. I also edited the first post and added the measurements before I lost them.
-- Edited by JC2+2 on Tuesday 14th of June 2016 10:06:35 PM
they flow the air over the sides of the car and help improve gas mileage
