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Louvers for the side "gills"

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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 05:32 PM
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Default Louvers for the side "gills"

I just received the OEM louvers for the gills, which is a 69 only item. Mines a 68 but l I want them anyway. The louvers come with 16 screws and 16 grommets which look like you make a 1/4" hole and fit the grommet in then run the screws thru the louver and as it snugs the grommet compresses around the body. Can I just run with the screws and regular nuts or do I have to really drill 16 one-quarter inch holes in my pristine body?

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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 05:57 PM
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they wont sit right without the grommets..

btw, they're "well nuts"
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 05:59 PM
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You can mount them without the stock hardware and use only the screws, but you will need to use a flat washer between the insert and the fender. If you are going to drill 16 holes in your fender, does it really matter if they are 1/8 or 1/4?
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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I sure as hell would not drill holes in that pristine body and paint job. If you change your mind next month or next year, you are screwed.
Just my 68 cents worth
Kurt
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ksbunting
I sure as hell would not drill holes in that pristine body and paint job. If you change your mind next month or next year, you are screwed.
Just my 68 cents worth
Kurt
uhm.. the gills MAKE the 68-69 cars

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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Corz
uhm.. the gills MAKE the 68-69 cars

....having a '69, I am somewhat biased, but I would definitely install them on a '68. Never remove them and you'll never see holes.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 07:50 PM
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Sounds like a good poll question... To drill or not to drill? (I say no.( That is what I was taught to say in school.) )
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 09:41 PM
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Corz,
I agree, the gills make the car, not the add ons.
Why make a 68 look like a 69 or a 69 like a 70 or anything look like something else?
Why not just buy the year that you are trying to imitate?
The prior owner of my car bubbad it and it took a lot of work to get it back to where it shoudl be; expensive as well to fix all the "modifications" by bubba.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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yes, but how is adding gills that fit equal bubbasized?
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by ksbunting
Corz,
I agree, the gills make the car, not the add ons.
Why make a 68 look like a 69 or a 69 like a 70 or anything look like something else?
Why not just buy the year that you are trying to imitate?
The prior owner of my car bubbad it and it took a lot of work to get it back to where it shoudl be; expensive as well to fix all the "modifications" by bubba.
I agree to a point with you, I love the 68-69's I actually wanted a 68 over the 69 due to the key on the dash (reminds me of my dads 66 heused to have) and being the first year, BUT would have taken a 69 if that happened to be the CAR for me I came across.

I am keeping my 68 a 68 but I have tp admit the thought has crossed my mind to had the chrome inserts in the gills, but will I add the stingray badge, change the tail lights etc etc..?? no.

by adding them to a 68 a person 99.9% of the time isn't trying to make a 69 but just think they add to the apperance.

btw MOST 69's didn't even come with them so adding them to a 68 is no worse than adding them to a 69 that didn't come with them.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 10:02 PM
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btw MOST 69's didn't even come with them so adding them to a 68 is no worse than adding them to a 69 that didn't come with them.[/QUOTE]

They were not an option in 68. They were an option in 69, so the point doesn't hold up.

Not that it matters to me. It's your car, and you are allowed to do anything you want to. (You have my permission if that matters )

You would just want to consider if you were keeping it a pure 68 to be judged that way. If you don't care about loosing points in judging, add them.

Luckily for me, mines a 69, and it did come with them, so I have them.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Corz
uhm.. the gills MAKE the 68-69 cars
X 10, they look naked without them IMO.
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Old Sep 9, 2006 | 11:36 PM
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Mine are held on with round headed sheetmetal screws. Seemed to work OK. Smaller holes too.
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by ksbunting
I sure as hell would not drill holes in that pristine body and paint job. If you change your mind next month or next year, you are screwed.
Just my 68 cents worth
Kurt
He is absolutely right. It would be pure Bubba-****" to drill holes and mount those on that pristine paint job. So please, box them up and send to me!
And yes, the key on the dash is cool.
-Patrick
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 09:27 AM
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they look ok but at time I feel they look cheesy, I wouldn't drill holes in my car & then pay $500 for them I think they're priced at something like that. If I had a 69 that didn't have um it would stay like that. just my op.
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Corz
uhm.. the gills MAKE the 68-69 cars
i always did like how they looked on the car. without them, it just looks like something is missing. having holes, no holes, being politically correct...life is too short not to enjoy. just do what turns your crank.
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 11:45 AM
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Don't they make fiberglas repros that glue in place?

(That's kind of a joke : I have no idea if they make them in fiberglas or not, it just seems like there is so much fake junk around they might as well make these things out of chrome plated plastic too)

Maybe that will be my next project - Homemade gill inserts from campbell soup cans!
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 12:50 PM
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thick double side tape?
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by PRNDL
Don't they make fiberglas repros that glue in place?

(That's kind of a joke : I have no idea if they make them in fiberglas or not, it just seems like there is so much fake junk around they might as well make these things out of chrome plated plastic too)

Maybe that will be my next project - Homemade gill inserts from campbell soup cans!
Can I place my order now. But please, make them rediculously exspensive!
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 09:44 PM
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There in, they look friggin great. I can have my painter fill in the holes if necessary if I change my mind.
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