Rear deck vent fitment...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Rear deck vent fitment...
my rear deck vents seem to fit exactly right ,right now. That's with bare glass and no paint. I've been sanding the edges of the alumn to have some clearance after paint. The shape of the vents sides are at an angle designed to become wider in the glass hole the deeper they go. Anyone else have this concern during resto? Or am I making this out to be a problem that isn't? Thanks!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C,
Aren't the sides of the openings in the deck and the grills actually tapered down?
Wouldn't it take a LOT clear to noticeably affect the fit?
I think there's a bit of lee-way to allow for paint…1/16" maybe?
I'd think there's actually about an 1/8" to play with and still have a satisfactory appearance for the grill… 1/16" high, even, and 1/16" low…. compared to the deck's surface.
Regards,
Alan
Aren't the sides of the openings in the deck and the grills actually tapered down?
Wouldn't it take a LOT clear to noticeably affect the fit?
I think there's a bit of lee-way to allow for paint…1/16" maybe?
I'd think there's actually about an 1/8" to play with and still have a satisfactory appearance for the grill… 1/16" high, even, and 1/16" low…. compared to the deck's surface.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 31, 2017 at 08:58 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
These cars were designed for quick assembly, not obsessing over the gaps on the deck vents, or body gaps in general. Are you doing a restoration to factory or some mythical standard of perfection?
If you are sanding the aluminum to make it fit the opening, I’d say you are doing it wrong. If you want to obsess, measure the dimensions of the aluminum vents, make sure they are exactly the same, and then sand the openings to conform to the aluminum vents.
If you are sanding the aluminum to make it fit the opening, I’d say you are doing it wrong. If you want to obsess, measure the dimensions of the aluminum vents, make sure they are exactly the same, and then sand the openings to conform to the aluminum vents.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Thanks
Fellas sorry no pics. My concern on my particular vents are that they sit tight (or snug) no movement front to back. Movement left to right about a 1/16. I'm concerned when paints on and they are tightened down they will chip the paint on the deck opening.
Im just making sure the paint won't chip. So I've looked at the openings and have decided it is much much easier to just shave material on the long sides of the vent itself. Maybe mine are tighter than yours? Progress last night with a strip of sticky backed 80 grit taped to flat surface. Running vent back and forth and easily removed enough material to have 1/16 movement front to back.
Im just making sure the paint won't chip. So I've looked at the openings and have decided it is much much easier to just shave material on the long sides of the vent itself. Maybe mine are tighter than yours? Progress last night with a strip of sticky backed 80 grit taped to flat surface. Running vent back and forth and easily removed enough material to have 1/16 movement front to back.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi c,
You need to do what will make you comfortable.
I think you've probably come up with a good solution.
Remember to put the radius back on the corner that the top and side of the grill forms.
You don't want it to be too severe or the paint will hesitate adhering and building there.
Regards,
Alan
It's good to think about the details!
You need to do what will make you comfortable.
I think you've probably come up with a good solution.
Remember to put the radius back on the corner that the top and side of the grill forms.
You don't want it to be too severe or the paint will hesitate adhering and building there.
Regards,
Alan
It's good to think about the details!
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 31, 2017 at 09:43 AM.
