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C5 Windshield Defrost Vent - Shale

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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 02:58 PM
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Default C5 Windshield Defrost Vent - Shale

In my endless pursuit to keep my LeMans CE as fresh as possible, I've been trying to find a replacement for the aging and cracking windshield defrost vent in Shale color. Does anyone know of a good source? The existing one is very brittle and has lost a couple of vent slats.

Tips on the physical replacement of the part are also welcome.
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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 03:28 PM
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I suspect that vent is difficult to find because of the color. You might consider getting a black one that is probably more available and paint it to the correct color. JMHO.
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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by rrwirsi
I suspect that vent is difficult to find because of the color. You might consider getting a black one that is probably more available and paint it to the correct color. JMHO.
I considered that. Getting the correct paint isn't an issue so that's on my list if I can't find one in the correct color.
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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by rrwirsi
I suspect that vent is difficult to find because of the color. You might consider getting a black one that is probably more available and paint it to the correct color. JMHO.
I agree that this is likely to be the best option. As for the process it is VERY simple. The vent cover has a few tabs on the outer edge that slip into slots in the dash. These are likely to break off of the old piece when you try to remove it. This doesn't matter since you're replacing it anyway. Take the new one and place it at an angle so that the tabs on the front edge engage the slots in the dash. Then gently press down on the back side of the vent cover until the tabs engage the slots.
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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 07:01 PM
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I just bought one on EBay from seller RPFC5LLC. Seems like he sells a few niche C5 items from his business card he sent me. It was $50 and I’m happy with it.
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Old Feb 8, 2021 | 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Will_M1911
I considered that. Getting the correct paint isn't an issue so that's on my list if I can't find one in the correct color.
I'm in the same boat (ok, Vet) with the interior color of shale. I have an '03 AE Vert. The OP said getting paint to match the color wasn't hard to do. How can I do it without a paint code for color match? As far as I know there isn't a code for the color. Does anyone know if I took a piece of interior into a body shop if they could match it, I'm skeptical!
It would be much worse if when the paint dried that it wasn't a perfect match!
If painting would work out, then that would solve the problem of trying to fit in a double din head unit!
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Old Feb 9, 2021 | 11:41 AM
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The color code is 15/WA149B, just FYI. It's available in rattle cans.

https://www.paintscratch.com/touch_u...15-WA149B.html
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Old Feb 9, 2021 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Sean_emory
I just bought one on EBay from seller RPFC5LLC. Seems like he sells a few niche C5 items from his business card he sent me. It was $50 and I’m happy with it.
Just got one ordered! You saved me a ton of work.
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