1969 Fender Louver - Input on Repops
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 180
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1969 Fender Louver - Input on Repops
I have worked to restore my 1969's original Fender Louvers, but the results are "meh" at best (as I was warned they might be). I really don't want to spend hundreds on NOS on this car, but wondered if anyone had had good success with some of the repops sold on CA / Willcox / Zip etc.
Any pictures would also be much appreciated!
Michael
Any pictures would also be much appreciated!
Michael
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Just so you know...
Those original louvers were painted silver inside the outer frame (which was chromed). And that inner surface was NOT smooth...it was 'speckled' a bit. I would think that a re-paint of the interior areas would clean them up pretty well.
For the chromed border, clean them well first, then use VERY fine (#0000) steel wool with a little detergent to get rid of any corrosion and shine them up. If they are not pitted or damaged, that should make them look a lot better. If that works, put a good coat (or two) of wax on them to preserve them.
Those original louvers were painted silver inside the outer frame (which was chromed). And that inner surface was NOT smooth...it was 'speckled' a bit. I would think that a re-paint of the interior areas would clean them up pretty well.
For the chromed border, clean them well first, then use VERY fine (#0000) steel wool with a little detergent to get rid of any corrosion and shine them up. If they are not pitted or damaged, that should make them look a lot better. If that works, put a good coat (or two) of wax on them to preserve them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 180
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
Just so you know...
Those original louvers were painted silver inside the outer frame (which was chromed). And that inner surface was NOT smooth...it was 'speckled' a bit. I would think that a re-paint of the interior areas would clean them up pretty well.
For the chromed border, clean them well first, then use VERY fine (#0000) steel wool with a little detergent to get rid of any corrosion and shine them up. If they are not pitted or damaged, that should make them look a lot better. If that works, put a good coat (or two) of wax on them to preserve them.
Those original louvers were painted silver inside the outer frame (which was chromed). And that inner surface was NOT smooth...it was 'speckled' a bit. I would think that a re-paint of the interior areas would clean them up pretty well.
For the chromed border, clean them well first, then use VERY fine (#0000) steel wool with a little detergent to get rid of any corrosion and shine them up. If they are not pitted or damaged, that should make them look a lot better. If that works, put a good coat (or two) of wax on them to preserve them.
When you say detergent, do you mean like dish soap (Dawn?) or something with a mild abrasive (Soft Scrub?)?
Thanks again!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 180
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The outer rims on the originals don't appear to be pitted at all. A little elbow grease used to sand the high spots down on the inner surfaces, fill with some epoxy or metal filler, finish sand, then paint and they will look like new again. The repops look good. But, like I said...Nothin's better than 'originals'.