SLC Louvers

[Steve Guilford]

Ok, now I've done it. I managed to get the louvers out of my 5.0 and have popped them open. Anybody got any tips on how to properly refinish and re-seal them ?

Thanks in advance.

Steve Guilford
107 026 12 000677
107 024 12 011890

I am speculating here, but I would think that the sealant that glass shops use for dual pane windows would be a good choice. It is intended to make a pliable, moisture-proof seal to keep condensation out of household windows. I am also wondering if you could flush them with an inert gas to eliminate any water vapor that is present in the air. I also wonder if there is a way to incorporate a desiccant somewhere, to help remove any vapor that may ever get in there. If these things work, we may have a (hopefully) permanent solution for the louvers.

As far as what paint to use, I really don’t know. Again speculation leads me to think that ‘Imron’ paint may be a good choice. It is a catalyzed paint used for aircraft exteriors, so it sure can take a beating, thermally & otherwise.

Please let me know how/if these ideas work!

Also, I’d like to know how difficult it was to remove the louvers & what the steps involved are.

P.S. How do you like your 5.0? (Dumb question, huh?) You seem to be an SLC addict like me – I’ve also got a U.S. spec 450. I’ve owned four over the years.

Hi,
Many years ago I refinished a set of louvers on an SLC.
After considering all of possibilities for resealing,
we decided to put a small fitting in the base of each quarter-window. We sealed the assembly as best we could and tied the fittings into the vacuum system for the seat backs. It worked. Any time the car was started the vacuum would remove any air/moisture in the windows.
Regards,
Randy D.

I must acknowlege a truly clever solution! That sounds great. Now when anyone questions the problems with those assemblies, I'll just tell them the louvers suck - it has a whole new connotation now.