Aluminum side vent louvers

[cobra de capell]

It's my understanding that the Aluminum side vent louvers on my ERA were mounted at the ERA shop as part of the kit. I need to remove them, clean off the paint and re-insert them unpainted assuming that they look good after removing the paint. The paint has bubbled over the years, so it's either a re-paint or no paint at all.

Questions......

How are they 'connected' to the fender? Are there screws to remove, etc.?

Does attempting to remove them pose a problem for the fender paint - outside of the louver hole? I sure don't want to damage that area.

Were the original Cobra louvers painted the same color as the car or left unpainted?

What's the best solution for removing the paint with minimal impact of the aluminum?

Are they available from ERA just in case the old ones don't clean up properly?

I'm thinking that unpainted may be a better look, plus I suppose the heat causes painted louvers to go south over time.

Input will be appreciated as this project is next up. Thanks.

[Jim Holden]

cobra:

What number is your car? The early ERAs had fiberglass louvers. I'm sure, if yours are damaged or don't clean up to your satisfaction, that Peter will, for a couple of "Pintos"* sell you another set.

Jim

*a unit of currencey, much like the Italian Lira, utilized by Peter P. in pricing ERA options, ie; "That's a gona cost ya 8 Pintos ." Note: A Pinto is worth $200.00 (more or less), the cost of Peter's first car...

[patrickt]

Here's a shot of my driver side wheel-well -- if you remove this aluminum panel you'll have access to the louvers. As Jim said, the older ones were glassed in and newer ones are removable.

[cobra de capell]

Thanks the posting the picture - mine are fiberglassed in - so repainting seems like the only real option.

[cobra de capell]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

cobra:

What number is your car? The early ERAs had fiberglass louvers. I'm sure, if yours are damaged or don't clean up to your satisfaction, that Peter will, for a couple of "Pintos"* sell you another set.

Jim

*a unit of currencey, much like the Italian Lira, utilized by Peter P. in pricing ERA options, ie; "That's a gona cost ya 8 Pintos ." Note: A Pinto is worth $200.00 (more or less), the cost of Peter's first car...

ERA91 - built in the late 80's - so, mine are fiberglass and it does look all that easy to just take them out - now I'm thinking that repainting is the only option. Thanks for the input.

[xracerbob]

Original cars had the louvers painted the same color as the body.

[strictlypersonl]

It's pretty easy to discern whether aluminum louvers are used. They are attached at the top and bottom flange by button-head stainless screws.

[cobra de capell]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

It's pretty easy to discern whether aluminum louvers are used. They are attached at the top and bottom flange by button-head stainless screws.

No screws, so they are fiberglassed in - is my only option to repaint, I don't want to make a big deal out of this project - I just want to get rid of the bubbling paint.

[Jim Holden]

Cobra:

Short of cutting them out and then glassing in the attachment flanges, it sounds like a little sanding and repaint is the easiest (and cheapest-no "Pinto") way to go.

Jim