Sunshade louver reinforcement

[Rich_NYS]

I'm thinking of getting the reinforcement piece that mounts in the center of the sunshade louver. I once saw some posts that talked about it, but now can't find the thread.

I'm interested in feedback & opinions from anyone who has one installed on their car.

Thanks!

[LordFly]

I think it's really only required on the earlier cars. Later ones had a thicker rib run down the center. Unless I'm mistaken...

[jawn101]

It's good peace of mind on any car, I think. I have a thick rib louver and do not have the stiffener, but can see where it might be nice to have.

[Rich_NYS]

So; earlier louvers had no center rib, and later louvers have a center rib? Or, they both have a center rib but the later models have a thicker one?

I have an '82 so maybe I'm good on that level.

[DMCMW Dave]

Later ones are thicker but they still break. The "thin" ones are actually pretty rare. All do have a center rib.


Sent from phone

[Chris 16409]

The best part about the louver reinforcer is that it securely holds up the lower engine compartment cover. You will no longer have to rely on that rinky dink louvre support stay. I even removed it, kind of an eye sore in the engine compartment.

[Rich_NYS]

I once saw some posts that talked about it, but now can't find the thread.

I just figured out why I didn't find the thread; I'm referring to it as "louver" instead of "louvre."

-You guys are being too nice, where are the grammar-nazi's when I need one....WTH?! :nutkick:


Moderator please correct my spelling before everyone sees it! :rant:

[David T]

The rib adds some weight to the louvre, I would not put it on unless necessary. The most common reason for the cracking is if you do not lower it evenly or if it should slam. Always keep good struts on it so it can't twist or slam. What I DO recommend you add is a third brake light. Use double-stick tape.

[Rich_NYS]

The rib adds some weight to the louvre, I would not put it on unless necessary. The most common reason for the cracking is if you do not lower it evenly or if it should slam. Always keep good struts on it so it can't twist or slam. What I DO recommend you add is a third brake light. Use double-stick tape.

I saw a post recently that showed a third brake light.....I like it!

[NightFlyer]

According to Wikipedia (I know - a hard hitting primary source of always 100% correct/accurate info):

louver (American English)
louvre (British English)

On my computer, using the 'British English' spelling actually flags the word as being spelled incorrectly. But according to the parts manual, it's a 'louvre.' As someone once now infamously said: "...at this point, what difference does it make!" :biggrin:

In my personal experience, I've seen more louvres cracked along the sides, and especially near the strut mounts, than I've seen cracked in the middle. IMHO, while the brace isn't necessarily a bad idea, it's also not a necessary/crucial one. And as David mentioned, it adds weight to the assembly, which will wear the supporting struts faster. Unless there's a clear problem with the structural rigidity of the louvre on your car, I personally wouldn't get one, but it's wholly up to you of course.

And I personally can't stand putting third brake lights on our cars. My car will NEVER have one so long as I own it. But to each their own :smile:

[Rich_NYS]

I can't find the third brake light post, but it was the one that mounted on top & almost looked stock. I like the way it looks and seems it would help. I wonder if LED brake lights would help also, maybe just as much as a 3rd brake light if they are a lot brighter/sharper than bulbs?


So with the louvre repair: mine is broken on the side near the strut support, any tips on the repair process? I've worked with fiberglass and also a good fiberglass repair putty. I was considering glass & mat underneath, with fiberglass repair putty on the most visible parts for a smoother transition. Also considering epoxying the joint before either of the above.

Just bouncing around ideas for now, I won't be getting into it until next month.

[David T]

I can't find the third brake light post, but it was the one that mounted on top & almost looked stock. I like the way it looks and seems it would help. I wonder if LED brake lights would help also, maybe just as much as a 3rd brake light if they are a lot brighter/sharper than bulbs?


So with the louvre repair: mine is broken on the side near the strut support, any tips on the repair process? I've worked with fiberglass and also a good fiberglass repair putty. I was considering glass & mat underneath, with fiberglass repair putty on the most visible parts for a smoother transition. Also considering epoxying the joint before either of the above.

Just bouncing around ideas for now, I won't be getting into it until next month.

As you already figured out, the center rib won't help with cracking by the strut mounts. It is just a standard fiberglass repair.

[SS Spoiler]

My louver had bad cracks on both sides. The fix was strips of stainless steel along the entire outer edge pop
riveted on. I later fitted a folded ss brace to the center rib.

[RammJaeger]

The best part about the louver reinforcer is that it securely holds up the lower engine compartment cover. You will no longer have to rely on that rinky dink louvre support stay. I even removed it, kind of an eye sore in the engine compartment.

If you do that your lower engine compartment cover will crack because it ends up flexing. I know because mine is cracked like crazy because of it.

[NightFlyer]

Here are some photos of when I repaired my louvre.

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[Rich_NYS]

Here are some photos of when I repaired my louvre.

Did you use any fiber, or just the resin?

Mine has two breaks in that same area. The first was repaired with flat stock, but he didn't maintain the curve of the louvre. It created a stress point and it cracked again.

[NightFlyer]

Did you use any fiber, or just the resin?

Mine has two breaks in that same area. The first was repaired with flat stock, but he didn't maintain the curve of the louvre. It created a stress point and it cracked again.

Sorry, my pics aren't very complete. I did use fiber - compressed it into the crack as well as grafting over.