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Simple, quick question. What is the correct color for the side fender louvers on a 1969? My car is below. I have been given different answers and want to get it right.
There was an optional set of louvers, silver in color that screwed onto the body. I cannt tell from the picture whether you have paint or the added on louvers?
Without the optional add on louvers they would be body color.
The ‘69 side louvers stock are body color painted, as are ‘68. In ‘69 only a set of metal screw-on louver trim pieces were available. GM pieces were sort of an argent silver with polished edges. Some repros are all polished. It’s common for people to retrofit them to ‘68s but they are only correct for ‘69.
Also note that the rear-most louver is NOT open to the engine compartment. In '68 & '69, GM painted that surface with semi-flat (or satin) black paint so it would "appear" to be open. That needs to be done whether with or without the metal louver inserts.
P.S. I think the metal louver accents really set off the 68-69 cars nicely. If you want the "Street Brawler" look, leave them off.
Also note that the rear-most louver is NOT open to the engine compartment. In '68 & '69, GM painted that surface with semi-flat (or satin) black paint so it would "appear" to be open. That needs to be done whether with or without the metal louver inserts.
This is correct.
I see many cars that incorrectly have the 4th louver painted body color.
This is going from memory....not from looking at aftermarket parts: I think the optional louver trim pieces were chrome plated with the outer edge being highly polished and the interior being a matte (non-polished) chrome finish. I do not recall them being painted at all.
Here's the text related to the front fenders from the Corvette Restoration Guide 1968 - 1982... basically says the front fender louver trim molding is chrome and metallic-silver-painted...
This is going from memory....not from looking at aftermarket parts: I think the optional louver trim pieces were chrome plated with the outer edge being highly polished and the interior being a matte (non-polished) chrome finish. I do not recall them being painted at all.
They are painted. I have removed it from originals.
The whole piece was chrome plated with the interior painted. Outer edges left chrome.
Last edited by avalonjohn; Feb 24, 2020 at 08:29 PM.
I am left with the same essential question after reading these well informed responses. Is the 4th louver painted flat/satin black? The restoration guide does not mention it, so I take it all 4 were the same.
I am left with the same essential question after reading these well informed responses. Is the 4th louver painted flat/satin black? The restoration guide does not mention it, so I take it all 4 were the same.
Thanks for all the answers.
The fourth louver is painted satin black on a 1969 Corvette. Period.
I am left with the same essential question after reading these well informed responses. Is the 4th louver painted flat/satin black? The restoration guide does not mention it, so I take it all 4 were the same.
Thanks for all the answers.
You never answered the question whether your car has the optional add on silver louvers or someone painted the body louvers silver?
In either case the rear most opening, not the louver itself is black and I would say flat black.
It was not FLAT black...it was semi-flat black, known as 'satin' black today.
I believe that there was NEVER anything painted FLAT paint, anywhere, on any C3 ever produced. Various 'components in the engine compartment (brackets, air cleaner, P/S pump, etc) and the frame were painted seim-GLOSS black. All other black-painted items were satin black...including all of the black-out areas. NOTHING painted flat black.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Feb 25, 2020 at 12:32 PM.
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1969 Side Louver Color
