AMC Eagle Den Forum

Classifieds => Member Products => Topic started by: Mavericke on September 24, 2008, 10:27:52 PM

Title: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 24, 2008, 10:27:52 PM
I know that there would obviously be a high demand for these, at least for awhile. But I have been tinkering with mine and as many of you may already know, mine are busted up a bit and almost beyond repair. I have been doing some math, and taking some measurements... I think I can fabricate these out of metal and make them look really nice... I could probably even do the wild after market ones that are shaped like flames and stuff...

I am guessing that some of this size would have a shipping cost of at least 50$ in the continental 48 states.

I don't think materials are going to cost too much, I will be pricing them tomorrow. My guess is around 50$ for the back louver. Thats not including the tools I need to start this project.

Time is still up in the air... no telling how long it will take to get the prototype finished, but once I have my plans in order... I don't think it would take more than 4-5 hours to fully construct and package a rear window louver with mounting hardware and instructions. I'm not really looking to make millions on this, but my time is limited... would it be worth my time to get the hardware needed to produce several of these or should I just go the cheap route and just make a set for myself? Well, I guess that question can't really be answered until I have pics of a useable product.

I guess, the ony reason I'm posting about it now is because I have a really good idea on how to build them. I will also be working power window cables... It seems I only need to figure out the plastic clamps right now, but thats another post for later. My windows are working and I have an extra and no one else appears to be dieing for one, so its last on my list.

Discuss.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: demonicdragon on September 24, 2008, 11:28:41 PM
lol. that would be cool if i had a SX/4 but only a wagon. if u make them for the wagon. ill be all over that. otherwise ill have to figure that out.blah
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: trapperjack on September 24, 2008, 11:51:12 PM
I would be interested in both side louvers and rear louver, as well as mounting hardware, depending on price. Go the cheap route to make yours, then post pics and offer some for sale with a minimum order, say 5 or 10 must commit before getting tools to build in quantity. If enough don't want them, don't do it. If enough commit after seeing photos, set up shop and count the money. No one here will fault you for wanting to make a profit on your investment. Keep in mind that most of us are kinda cheapskates......I mean believers in the Rambler Mentality.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on September 25, 2008, 07:03:08 AM
I would be interested.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 25, 2008, 11:31:00 AM
I would be interested in both side louvers and rear louver, as well as mounting hardware, depending on price. Go the cheap route to make yours, then post pics and offer some for sale with a minimum order, say 5 or 10 must commit before getting tools to build in quantity. If enough don't want them, don't do it. If enough commit after seeing photos, set up shop and count the money. No one here will fault you for wanting to make a profit on your investment. Keep in mind that most of us are kinda cheapskates......I mean believers in the Rambler Mentality.


Yeah, and thats understandable... I'm a poor man myself, which is why I wanted to make sure I made my money back on tools, lol! I don't think I need anything too expensive except a grinder to insure my edges are smooth.

As for louvers on a wagon.... it could be done, and the angle is a bt different so I think it would an easier construct... the only problem is, I dont have one here to take measurments from. Let me make a set for my sx4 and figure what measurments are the most important and maybe I can have one of you wagon-boys be my guinea pig. Anything is possible... I cant wait to start on this project... new louvers will look sooooo cool! It will most likey be my winter project because I can do it all in the basement and stay warm, lol!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: AMC1 on September 25, 2008, 11:57:14 AM
Does your SX4 that you're building them for have a rear window wiper?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 25, 2008, 12:41:05 PM
It did because it has a sprayer nozzle aboe the hatch, however, the hatch was replaced with a non wiper before I bought it.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on September 25, 2008, 07:02:59 PM
Some of us could pick ours up at your meet next year.  RM thinking here.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: eaglesx4 on September 25, 2008, 07:21:23 PM
I'm interested in the rear window louver for my SX/4
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on September 25, 2008, 08:07:57 PM
count me in on both
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 25, 2008, 08:46:24 PM
Thats not a bad idea Doug and it would save a TON on shipping... and maybe be an incentive to come! Maybe, I could do like you did, and put a card in one of the goodies bags for a free set... hmm... good thought Doug!

I hope to build the prototype before it gets too cold out... probably before Halloween Im thinking. Going to take a couple weeks to get caught back up from the meet, lol!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Gen-EricSX4 on September 25, 2008, 08:54:52 PM
I would definately be interested in both. I also think it to be wise, for your benefit, to first build the prototype and then show us how it looks. I am sure they will be great. I am anxious to see what you come up with.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 25, 2008, 08:56:13 PM
Yessir, I think your right. Plus, who wants to order something they cant see? lol
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on October 15, 2008, 11:02:43 AM
How is this coming?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 6isnot8 on October 15, 2008, 02:18:27 PM
I'd take a look at (SX4) side ones.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on October 15, 2008, 07:15:43 PM
How is this coming?

The project actually has not started as of yet. I have been keeping myself busy with all of the outside projects I can manage while I still have a chance before it gets too cold... the tentative date would be in time for x-mas :P
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: bruno2260 on November 26, 2008, 09:32:52 AM
I have two (2) '82 Sx/4's and have been looking for a set of louvers (2 sides & rear) for a while now, so if you can build them "pro like" I'd defiantly be interested.  When do you think you can post some pic's of your prototype? It's getting close to Christmas!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on November 28, 2008, 10:32:59 PM
You how it goes... procrastinate procrastinate... and I have sooooo many projects going along... my band is playing its first show this month so were really spending alot of time jamming as much as possible.

I probably won't start these until the first of the year. The good news is... once I get my prototype done... I have a really good friend that works at a sheet metal factory. He tells me that if I make the first set and do all the measurements... then he can program his machine to do all the laser cutting perfectly. I would only have to pay for materials too. So this project is seeming more and more realistic by the day.

I also have some measurements from another member with metal louvers and he sent me some great shots too... so it will run fairly smoothly once it gets started.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on November 28, 2008, 10:39:36 PM
Sounds promising Chas.   Good work!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: trapperjack on December 01, 2008, 08:47:07 PM
You how it goes... procrastinate procrastinate...


I saw a bumper sticker the other day I want. It said "PROCRASTINATE...NOW"
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: duane2171 on December 01, 2008, 10:44:22 PM
I would love a set of the side louvers for my AMX
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: txjeeptx on December 01, 2008, 11:47:20 PM
I 'm good for a full set o louvers for my SX/4. . . and one o them "Procrastinate NOW!" stickers.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on December 13, 2008, 06:39:44 PM
LOL! Ya maybe I'll have that ingraved on the first set of louvers as a one time commemorative set, rofl!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: TalonStrife on February 10, 2009, 06:26:39 AM
I would be interested in a set of rear louvers.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on February 10, 2009, 10:33:07 PM
Im still prcrastinating on the stickers, lol.... I just have too many projects going on right now... bah...

I can tell you for sure that it wont happen until this summer. Probably around the meet or just before. The problem is everyone that was helping me at their places of business are all now laid off for god only knows hwo long.... don't worry though. I will get them done because I absolutley MUST have them on my sx4.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on April 13, 2009, 01:46:40 AM
Tis warming up... and you know what that means... I've already cleaned out the workspace... and I've started working on the SX4 again.

This project should be taking flight very soon. I had some ideas on new materials too... and even came up with a rough draft design of my own.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: TroyJennHorse on April 29, 2009, 10:44:30 AM
Sign me up for a full set on my Eagle. Is it summer yet?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on April 29, 2009, 12:39:40 PM
Yes sir... I am working on getting a pair of side louvers to take measurements from... but as you know thats costly, lol... its been really rainy and nasty out. But its about time.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on April 29, 2009, 07:54:40 PM
Have rigged the drawing yet so I will win a set?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on April 29, 2009, 08:34:10 PM
Lol! Ya right you wouldnt let me steal anything off your SX4 when I was there... AND you made me rip my dash out to fix my tachometer because you jinxed it! If you DO when I may feel obligated to tae your winnings and give them to someone else! LOL!!!! Like maybe Brandon... since you guys picked on him so much. Poor guy stil has complex... he sent me a PM yesterday and told me that he still quivers when we mention fusable links...

LOL! j/k j/k
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on April 29, 2009, 08:37:44 PM
I picked on you more than I did Brandon.  I envied Brandon's Rambler Mentality on how to save gas on the way back from Sonic.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: JSK on May 07, 2009, 07:33:07 PM
I don't think I put in my "order" for a full set yet, so here it be!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on May 07, 2009, 07:46:52 PM
I was pricing different metals the other day and I actually found some interesting ways of using plastic as well. I'm thinking probably 0.24 in thickness... depending on the metal though it could get really expensive. I'm probably going to use the cheapest I can for the first set just to make sure I can do it first. BUT... they have some really nice stainless sheets... wouldn't that look wicked!?! Stainless louvers???? VERY expensive though. I would make them by custom order only and buyer would have to prepay before I made them.

The good news is, I have a pretty good idea on how to put them together. They will be a bit thick at the base, but it will only make them more sturdy.

Also, I did some research on plastics... I could make a foam molding from my plastic ones... or even of the metal prototype and then make a plaster moulding from that... You can by silicone/plastics at a reasonable price and they would last forever.................

ideas. creative juices are flowing.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on May 07, 2009, 09:38:23 PM
I would imagine that louvers undergo a good bit of drag from time to time. is silicone that strong? Personaly  I dont care if you use popsicle sticks as long as you can pull it off...  ;D      Good luck!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Route 66 Rambler on May 07, 2009, 09:40:32 PM
The silicone is for making the molds...
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on May 07, 2009, 09:46:11 PM
I will find a way. Just wait.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on May 09, 2009, 01:33:25 PM
After my research into plastics for my own custom louvers, I think I have found a way to have them produced in large quantities. I mean, I doubt i would need to have alot of these produced, but if I can have a molding made and have 10 or 20 pressed right away, that should get us all by for the time being.

So I need pictures... every angle you can get. Metal. Plastic. One piece sets. Two piece sets. Broken, mended, perfect, whatever! Also, mounting brackets too! Whatever you got, post'em here please! Also if you have any measurements, that would be great. A nester sent me some measurements last summer that I have saved somewhere, but it can't hurt to have extras. Basically, I want to compare the different styles and see what pros and cons are... then deisgn on a new set using CAD and have them pressed out of a newer and much more durable kind of heavy duty plastic than they were using 25yrs ago.

I have found a place that will cast a molding for me and keep it preserved for as long as I want. It ain't cheap... but if we get enough serious buyers lined up, and maybe even a few guys to help me throw down on the cost of the casting and drafting... we could have brand new rear window louvers available. Maybe even then nest may be interested in teaming up and we could sell them directly from the store. Just a thought. My mind is racing 90m an hour right now out of shear excitment.

So... help me out, and post those pictures. I will have a deffinite answer on this within a few days after sending a draft into the company. If it doesn't work out... then I will start hand crafting aluminum and stainless louvers. However, if it does work out... I WILL branch out and have these guys make bumper corners, side louvers, and even wagon louvers.

You know me, I like to think big. So lets quit talking about it and DO it already! 
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on May 09, 2009, 02:08:27 PM
Can they cast bumper end caps?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on May 09, 2009, 02:11:10 PM
Yep they sure can. They can do anything.

They just need a model to go from (or the specific dementions on CAD) and a check or credit card, lol!

I'm already ahead of you on that.... bumper caps, side and back louvers and any other misc plastic
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on May 11, 2009, 09:47:37 PM
If your cad inclined you may care to look into milk scanning (yes milk )..... Its a gre at way to pull dimensions.. If I'm not mistaking theres freeware that will pull the milk scans into cad.  I considered making printable ring layers of a bumper end so everyone could print them, paised each layer on 1/4" cardboard, and "fill in the ridges", but I haven't yet found the time. 
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on May 11, 2009, 11:00:18 PM
I am not familiar with cad, but my mother did graduate a tech school on CAD... she is living in germany right now though and she doesnt have the program. But with the right deminsions she could do it for me. If I can get those dimensions on CAD, I can save ALOT of cash on the moulding.

The thing is... it's not benefical to have the molding made unless you have alot of people interested in buying the finished product right away. With the louvers.... yes, because even after cost you could still sell them cheaper than what you would pay on a bidding site. But your looking at at least 1500$ for each bumper cap. Not including the actual cost of the finished product. So yeah... bumper caps can be made, but is it cost effective? If a bunch of guys got together to do so... sure. But for one poor schmuck like me... 3k for one of each side is a bit much for me. To make your money back on the moulding... you'd have to sell 30 of them at 100$ a pop. Are there 30 people that need them that would actually be willing to spend 200$ for brand new rear caps? And if they were willing... would they actually have the cash to spend... and lastly... if they are willing and they do have the cash available... is the wifey going to allow it? You'll end up with about 30 guys saying they will and maybe 10 following through with it. Unless, I can find a cheaper company to roll with... the bumper caps probably won't happen.

The rear louvers will probably cost about 250$ for the back windshield. And thats reasonable for a brand new set imo. Again... it depends on the cost of the finished product and the total cost of the moulding. These would cost more probably, but they would be exact replica's and they could be ordered, shipped and recieved in a week. Whereas if I make the metal ones... cost will probably be 100$ in materials for each one. No telling how long they will take to make. The first set will take the longest of course until I find a simpler way to do things, but I'll bet each set would take a weekend to make. Not sure.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: CSLFiero on May 20, 2009, 08:03:49 PM
I'm trying to get my hands on a set of good louvres. if you can fab a set of rear and side ones and ship for 450, you can count me in for a set (assuming the guy I'm talking to now won't sell me his set for 450).

in any case, I suspect I'll want to talk to you about mounting hardware when you've got that figured out. I salute you for this effort. it's a labor of love and I'm sure for some people on this site wishing for louvres, you're a hero.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on June 03, 2009, 03:24:10 AM
Update - We've got an idea for mounting thats going to be different than any other louver. Out of all the louvers I've seen NONE of them are prefectly flush with the window. I don't knwo why it bothers me... but it does, so we're going to fix that. In fact I think we've come up with a way to make the louvers actually stretch to the outside of the trim and cover everything. You won't even see the mounting hardware because it will be underneath connected with a screw... so it will still be easy to get off. Probably easier than NOS to be honest.

Here's the kicker of course. I thought I could do it without welding, but it looks like Im going to have to weld to do it right. That would be fine, but the problem is I don't have a welder and I can't afford to buy one yet... *sigh* Also... it looks like the metal alone is going to run about 125$ from Lowes. I could get it cheaper online... however, I would have to have it shipped so it wouldnt save me much.

Thats not including the mounting brackets and the huge amounts of time it will take to finish them.

Also, i will probably won't "treat" them dude to cost... the buyer will have to treat and paint them themselves. If I can keep costs low and find a fluid method to crafting them, I will try to have them treated and primered black. Either way I can do so, but it just may cost extra.

Thats just the rear louver... time will tell. I'm finally taking the plunge this weekend to buy the materials needed and I will be cutting and grinding everything out. The welds will have to wait. I'll be sure to post plenty of pictures as the job gets closer to completion.

PS - They will be REALLY heavy, so expect shipping to be outrageous as wel... sorry! But I want to make them last forever and I want them to be durable in a hail storm or if a branch falls out of your tree in the winter. I'm going with 1/4 thick steel. Once they are done, you wont be able to break them. I tried bending a piece with my bare hands... couldnt do it. barely got it to flex. My only concern is too much weight on the hatch supports. I'll make sure I factor that all in... I'll buy some fresh new shock supports and test how much weight I can put on my hatch before they start to give.

Just an update... anyone drooling yet?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on June 03, 2009, 10:24:57 AM
I've been drooling since last year... lol .. I'm not sure if you've consideredit, bu tyou might consider making each part, giving dimensions, and selling a how to guide. A step by step of sorts... That may be a way for you to make some $$ back as well as get some lovers on a few cars. It also gives us poor folks on the other end of the country a chance at a set.    Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Pack Rat on June 03, 2009, 10:56:30 AM
You're seriously considering 1/4" plate steel?  ???
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on June 03, 2009, 01:41:09 PM
Yeah no doubt Josh.

I may be off on the thickness that I looked at up at Lowes, but I was pretty sure what I found was 1/4.

I could go witht he same durability and thickness in aluminum, but that material is almost 3x the cost and the louvers would never sell at that point. What I've run into with the factory and aftermarket louvers is that they flap in the wind... especially the plastic ones. The look ok, but the plastic is so thin that they flex alot... the metal ones rattle because they arent solid... and if you set somthing on them - they bend. I wanted to prevent all of this.

I thought about some thinner sheet metal... which could work if I reinforced it with more rails. That would keep the weight and cost down... but again they aren't going to be as durable and like Josh said... much harder to weld.

My guessitmate of weight was about 50lbs.

I havent bought anything yet and Ive only scoped ou the materials in person once... dont worry I plan on making these the most economical and sturdiest way possible with weight in mind of course. Give some time to play with ideas.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: wagonmaster on June 03, 2009, 04:26:38 PM
i was thinking glass too. i would love to have some for my wagon. if i had some originals to look at i would probably attempt this myself.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on June 04, 2009, 12:13:39 AM
We thought of that too..... give me another week, ill have some deffinite's for you then.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on June 04, 2009, 07:10:31 AM
1/4" plate ?????man thats way toooooo thick , thin aluminum like stock.they are just a dress up item.Not doggin ya dude, but 1/4" is outa the realm. Aluminum or even 18 ga black iron will bend well,and roll and form good. even 20 ga. like previously suggested.
  We do appreciate your hard thought  and effort , and not trying to steer the boat from the back seat but........ 8)
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on June 04, 2009, 09:25:53 AM
Yeah, I think 20 ga is plenty strong for an appearance item.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mac on June 04, 2009, 08:45:46 PM
Just so you know, Mav....

My aluminum louvers weigh less than 10 lbs, and the hatch supports have a hard time keeping the hatch up when the weather gets cold...   I have to take them off in the winter...

They also don't flap or rattle in the wind, but they do "clank" a bit when I slam the hatch shut...
And I think the "clank" is due to a lot of the rivets on them being kinda loose....
(even with the loose rivets they don't make any noise while driving...  Unless I hit a huge pothole!!  ;))

Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: wagoneerhauler on June 04, 2009, 08:56:30 PM
I have never seen these louvers in person.  Well not that close anyway but could have if I thought about it.  Anyway, I'm wondering if they don't sit flush with the glass as stated so that they don't scratch and rub the window leaving marks on it over time.  As they car is being driven that might be what would happen from the vibration and bouncing.  This might make noise as well.  Also, if they are made form something in the 20 gauge range how would spot welding be?  Might be an easier and faster way to go if there is room in there for the welder.  If the originals are riveted spot, welding may be even better that that method.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on June 04, 2009, 09:03:02 PM
Just so you know, Mav....

My aluminum louvers weigh less than 10 lbs, and the hatch supports have a hard time keeping the hatch up when the weather gets cold...   I have to take them off in the winter...

They also don't flap or rattle in the wind, but they do "clank" a bit when I slam the hatch shut...
And I think the "clank" is due to a lot of the rivets on them being kinda loose....
(even with the loose rivets they don't make any noise while driving...  Unless I hit a huge pothole!!  ;))

Yeah and that is my experience too. Loose rivets... I want to make these without rivets, but to make them a bit more cost effective... maybe.

Ok guyes, I catch your drift, lol... on thre thickness, I think somewhere I said I was "pretty sure" that was the guage I wanted when I looked that them. I'm not good with names and guages and numbers... I just look at it and say "that will work". Whatever thickness it was that I looked at will work fine... from what you guys are saying, I must have looked at a different size. It was much thicker than the aluminum ones for sure... but not as far out there like you guys are guessing, lol... so my conclusion is that we are probably on the same page and I just had a dislexick moment when I looked at the label... and how do you spell dislexick anyways???? LOL!! Oh yeah and I was going with steel because its a thrid of the price of aluminum.

Anyways, bottom line... Using common sense, when I looked at the sheet metal... I found steel sheets a bit thicker than the factory alum ones. I want to use it to make them a bit more sturdy. It is not ghastly thick and too much heavier than stock. With that being said, Ill make sure they work on new liftgate shocks before I sell them to anyone.

I have never seen these louvers in person.  Well not that close anyway but could have if I thought about it.  Anyway, I'm wondering if they don't sit flush with the glass as stated so that they don't scratch and rub the window leaving marks on it over time.  As they car is being driven that might be what would happen from the vibration and bouncing.  This might make noise as well.  Also, if they are made form something in the 20 gauge range how would spot welding be?  Might be an easier and faster way to go if there is room in there for the welder.  If the originals are riveted spot, welding may be even better that that method.

These will be solid enough that they will not be flapping or moving at all. To prevet scratching clanging, I will be putting a gasket on the bottom of them.

Dont worry fellers... I got this. I promise you a solid, reliable and REALISTIC set of louvers! :P

Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: brattesani on July 16, 2009, 12:10:38 PM
its been a month, any updates man?  thanks.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on July 16, 2009, 03:30:26 PM
The only update I have is that I have purchased an aluminium set to compare the the plastic set... I want to pick the bast one to make the molding out of.

The plastic I know doesnt fit perfectlt flush in the window and it is a factory set... I want mine to fit in there as if it were part f the car itself. I have everything needed for this project. My deadline of having it finished by the meet will not be met, but I will have a prototype shortly afterwards because my metal ones get delivered at the meet.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: txjeeptx on July 18, 2009, 10:44:33 AM
I just picked up an AL rear window louver and a set of plastic side louvers. No mounting hardware for anything. How are things going with repro work. I'm going to try my hand at making the metal version. Too bad it weighs enough to cause the hatch shocks to have trouble keeping it up . . although they are probably on their way to needing replacement.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: JSK on September 14, 2009, 11:28:01 PM
Hey Mavericke,

Is this project on hold during your recovery period?   (how IS your recovery coming along, by the way?)
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 14, 2009, 11:34:14 PM
Recovery is going well. Project was hold to finish my Eagle... then I finished it and then I wrecked it. The it was on hold until I refinished it. Then I finally bought a house.... not its on hold to work on the house and get it liveale, LOL!

It's just.... "on hold" for, uh... awhile? Not sure man. I'm still waiting on delivery for the ones I paid for 3 months ago.... don't ask. They are the metal ones. I want to weigh them and measure them. Then I will go from there. The side window louvers will be easy though... I just need a set to make a molding out of.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: series50 on September 30, 2009, 12:37:03 AM
Found this:


http://tinyurl.com/ylq9qrz


Description:      .125K thick aluminum, TIG welded, ready to paint.
Easy install (no special tools needed)
4 tabs which slide under the chrome trim and lap over the edge of the glass, the top tab is hinged and the bottom is secured with lynch pins.
Several of my louvers have made it to car shows on the back of trophy winners, a few have made to the covers of muscle car magazines.
I make these louvers for ALL years of AMX/Javelin.
Please contact me via email and we will exchange
phone numbers. email is [email protected]
Thanks for looking, Randy and John
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 30, 2009, 08:08:52 PM
They look nice... thats for sure. It doesn't mention whether or not he does Eagle louvers... but I bet he would. That price though... ouch. I would never charge that much for mine even if I am forced to make them out of metal.

Hang in there... I should have never mentioned my intent until I had a set done and my life is hectic, but trust me... they are coming. Just let me get nestled into my new shop. In the mean time... if someone wants to inquire about this guys work... I'd be really interested in what he has to say. Maybe even if he doesnt make Eagle louvers and/or will never make them... he may be able to give us some good insight on HOW to make some.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: sx4brosco on October 01, 2009, 06:20:52 PM
If the sellers claim of "all years of AMX/Javelin" includes the "Spirit AMX" then they would fit on an Eagle SX4
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on October 01, 2009, 06:22:12 PM
If the sellers claim of "all years of AMX/Javelin" includes the "Spirit AMX" then they would fit on an Eagle SX4

You're absolutley right, but I didn't see anything confirming that. Would be great if he made them though.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: amc78concord on November 28, 2009, 11:42:48 AM
Hey, any updates Maverike? I just found this, and am really excited that someone even thought of the idea!

Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on November 30, 2009, 08:45:23 PM
Hey, any updates Maverike? I just found this, and am really excited that someone even thought of the idea!



I have been procrastinating on this for months... actually over a year now.... but, the only update I now have is - I have everything I need to make them except actual building materials. The problem now is time. I just got the furnace running in the garage and the LP tank is hooked up. The welder is here. I have my misc tools, helmet, grinder and my supplies... all boxed up in the corner just calling my name... I also have everything to make fiberglass louvers. I have a set of plastic louvers and a metal set to use as templates... and here's the best part - I also have the side window louvers to mold/weld from as well.

So, although this project has not officialy kicked off... the good news is that I now have most of what I need to make them AND I will attempt to make them in both metal and fiberglass. I hope to eventually be able to offer both of them to nesters with an estimated wait time of two weeks for shipment when I start out.

And FYI - the very first prototype set(s *one of each*) will be put up for auction here on the nest where I will start a thread with an end date... and Nester's will be able to bid. I have a fluid method of executing this that I will explain when the time draws closer to product completion. I will have every set engraved on the underside with a production number (yeah, I even bought an engraving tool for this) and I will also have the unofficial Eagle Nest logo on it as well. (The logo you see in my avatar without the cars in it). Hopefully, this adds a bit of collectability to the louvers and makes the buyer feel like they got "more" out of their purchase.

Now, cost will not be cheap... not because I want to make a million on here, but simply because materials aren't cheap. Besides the fact that I have already invested near $800 in tools for this project and countless hours of research and design.... but the materials aren't cheap. For a lightweight, high-grade, non-corrosive - yet durable metal (which I cannot recall the name of)... you're talking like $100 in the metal alone and that just comes in a large sheet and/or roll... no telling how much waste there will be and if the $100 will totally cover it, plus the flux wiring for the welder, the support rods, and all the mounting gear. The fiberglass louvers will be a bit cheaper... the fiberglass and resin will run around 70$ per set. And then there's paint... I can just treat and prime them pretty cheap, but I intend on offering painted louvers as well to match your specific car (if you so desire). I'm guessing that will add about a $25 kick depending on the paint color and availability.

Of course, these are rough estimates only - and that's only materials... not sure how long they will take me to make.... now I don't like to charge labor for something I enjoy - but I highly doubt I will enjoy making them after the first few, LOL and you gotta remember that I don't have a 250 thousand dollar machine to stamp up a dozen of these for me real quick. These will be hand crafted individually out of premium materials... if it takes me a whole Saturday to make the metal ones... or an hour a day for 4 or 5 days for the fiberglass louvers... ya, someone's gonna pay because I could be out working on one of my other cars to fix and sell, LMAO! Hey, don't hate me man... the whole point of making these was to give guys like you and I an alternative to buying something that isn't used, abused, and WAY over priced like on the popular bidding sites. It costs money and time and I have to factor that into the price, but I promise you that I will price them as reasonable as possible.

I'm guessing around $200-250 for a rear window metal set. Maybe $150-200 for fiberglass... thats without paint.
Side louvers probably around about the same... maybe about $25-50 cheaper in either material.

That's where it stands as of right now... for the Wagon guys, sorry, but the SX4 louvers come first. I don't have a template for the Wagon because they have never been made - but rest assured, I will start them shortly after completion of the first SX4 prototypes. I just need to follow a template the first couple times so that I really know what I'm doing so that when it comes time to make the Wagon louvers - I'll have a good idea on how/where to start. I don't think they will be hard at all though.

With all of that being said, if anyone wants to donate to the cause and send me some sheets of durable metal to work with or otherwise help fund the project monetarily - I won't say no, lol! I think if everyone can be patient a bit longer - I'll be fine on gathering materials on my own without any donations - but certainly, if you want to speed up the process, send me an IM and we'll talk. Maybe we can work out a deal for your purchase and if you fund the first prototype then you get a set for free? Heck, I don't know. Someone mentioned it to me before and I turned them down. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to work something out. I want to get to it soon, but if you can't tell - I'm not really in any hurry, lol!

But anyways, that's the deelio! The scoop! The 411!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on November 30, 2009, 08:54:50 PM
Whew!  That made me tired just reading all of that.  It sounds like your ducks are getting lined up Chas!   Way to go.   I suppose I will have to buy a set, some time.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: amc78concord on November 30, 2009, 09:49:21 PM
Hey, thanks for the update Mavericke.  I'm not rushing you in any way, I think what you're doing is genius... And I can understand how "life" can get into the way.  You take as much time as possible, and then the quality is also a plus.  If I could send you supplies for the cause, I sure as heck would...but I have none such! But yes, take all the time you need, and I absolutely cannot wait to see them when they're completed.  Keep us posted Mavericke!

 :duck: <--- I love this smiley, thought I'd put it in here for absolutely no reason lol
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on November 30, 2009, 10:19:07 PM
Yeah, it's all slowly but steadliy coming together... slow and steady wins the race afterall.

I'll get'em done eventually.

Man, I just started re-reading that post of mine... and I only made halfway through before I got tired of listening to myself. I should have summed it up like this.

Got the tools. Need the materials. Getting started soon. I'll be in touch, LOL!


Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: amc78concord on November 30, 2009, 10:25:24 PM
Yeah, it's all slowly but steadliy coming together... slow and steady wins the race afterall.

I'll get'em done eventually.

Man, I just started re-reading that post of mine... and I only made halfway through before I got tired of listening to myself. I should have summed it up like this.

Got the tools. Need the materials. Getting started soon. I'll be in touch, LOL!



LOL I actually read the whole thing. But it's ok, we all understand that in your previous life you were an TOP SELLING NOVEL AUTHOR  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: jim on November 30, 2009, 10:40:50 PM
Let's hope it was non-fiction! ;D
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: guitar eagle on November 30, 2009, 10:55:21 PM
man i would love to get a set of those from you, rear and sides, it would be cool if some how you could incorporate eagle feathers or some thing to do with a bald eagle in your designs. i think what your doing is great and it is greatly appreciated. thank you very much for your time and hard work getting this together. ;D
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on December 01, 2009, 04:03:05 PM
Some say I should spend more time with my writing skills... that maybe if I learned all the rules and proper puntuation and stuff - I may be able to do something with it.

I say to heck with that, lol... not that there's anything wrong with it, but I can't stay focused on one subject too long, lol! It's called ADD and it's pretty cool because it keeps you going - but you gotta learn to MAKE yourself finish things. It's why I have a million unfinished projects... but I stay busy and eventually they ALL do get finished.

Look... I'm starting it already... I started off talking about writing... andf then I'm talking about being ADD.... SQUIRREL!!!!

LOL!

Anyways, one day I'll the louver's done. I set a date last year for the Meet in July/August... so I'm only a few months behind schedule, LOL!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: guitar eagle on December 01, 2009, 08:15:10 PM
hey man i was just checking out your band you guys sound real good, i just sent you an invite from my myspace. im also in a band with another eagles nest member mick. check us out tell me what you think. cya man.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on December 01, 2009, 09:33:08 PM
hey man i was just checking out your band you guys sound real good, i just sent you an invite from my myspace. im also in a band with another eagles nest member mick. check us out tell me what you think. cya man.

Hey rock on man! I'll try to log in tonight and check it out! We gotta get into the studio soon... those garage recordings are horrible. Just waiting on my throat to heal up. I recently had surgery and I'm the singer - so yeah, it kinda put a damper on things. But it's been a few months... we've already played a show and we're practicing as often as we can. It won't be much longer till I feel back up to speed.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: guitar eagle on December 01, 2009, 09:53:52 PM
well god bless you brother, for garage recordings it sounded real good to me. my you tube link is also at the bottom of all my eagles nest replys. im in wyoming and what a nest meet it would be if both our bands met up some where and rocked out, im the lead guitar player in my band and mick, a fellow nester is the bass player. just so you can put faces to the names. take care man.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: bruno2260 on January 27, 2010, 12:21:52 AM
Hey Mavericke, can you post any pic's of your louvers that you may have started or of a car that you done?
I'm very interested, but would like to see a sample pic.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on January 27, 2010, 07:46:48 PM
Nothing is complete yet. Everytime I get around to starting/finishing this project... something happens. Since the Blazer was totaled and I'm now building the Wagon - this project is on hold again, but don't fret... once the wagon is done, I MUST have louvers for it... so give it a lil more time.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Venosho on February 10, 2010, 12:19:05 PM
I would love to get a set of these as well but I have all wagons would be intrested in 2 sets side and back. and I think one in stainless would be cool for Monster.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Bosgarage57 on February 10, 2010, 12:48:21 PM
I have a wagon and SX, I would really want side and rear for SX and would put $$ up front if need be.  Possible for wagon as well if you get around to it.  Keep up the amazing work, you'll get around to 'em eventually. (if we keep bugging you enough)
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on February 10, 2010, 01:44:08 PM
They're closer than you think....
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Bosgarage57 on February 10, 2010, 01:45:55 PM
Ohhhh Mav you're such a teaser.  :hello2:
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: iAMCheap on February 10, 2010, 01:48:57 PM
I'd bet you could prepay for a set of these and get them sooner.
Just send $1000 and Mav will send you the change.
Tony
Please wait 6 to 8 years for delivery
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on February 10, 2010, 01:51:25 PM
No no no.... now why do you have to over exaggerate.... *sigh*

It'd only be like 2-3 years tops.... :/

Ad I'm only accepting prepay if we're signing a contract.... not going through that mess again, LOL!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Bosgarage57 on February 10, 2010, 01:53:07 PM
HAHA sounds like you have had some experience in prepayment.  Trust me I understand from working at a bank.  You just take your time, dont rush with them.  Make sure they are purty.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Bloodfist on April 18, 2010, 09:46:58 PM
What materials are being used metal wise? Aluminum?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on April 19, 2010, 07:24:02 PM
Yes so far, but I'm finding it really hard to weld with my welder. My settings are either too hot or too cool. I have considered a really thing stainless steel, but the weight would be too much for the hatch supports.

I have also been tinkering with the idea of a stainless frame... and fiberglass wings. They would be very durable and light weight that way with no vibrating... even if you have a bangin' sound system.

The final option is straight fiberglass.... I have everything for the fiberglass molding, but I haven't started it yet. The garage has been too cluttered with my car projects.

Had the Blazer not been wrecked and totaled.... and had I not been scrambling the last few months... I'd have already them done. Now that I have a running wagon... I'm more excited about wagon louvers, lol!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on October 19, 2010, 03:42:25 AM
*whistles* :P

My how ever could this project be going?....... I guess I will have to check with my associates and see...

*evil grins*
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ravinsaend on October 19, 2010, 12:18:40 PM
Oh come now...they won't hurt him too badly. They need him alive to finish the project so they can get some :P
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on October 19, 2010, 09:44:26 PM
Dude, you are just cruisin' for a bruisin' from these fine folks if you don't stop teasing them. You know that, right? :)

But I just can't help it... it's like chomping on spicey chips and salsa in front of a small baby... you feel bad of course because you know you're making the baby hungry... and baby really wants it.... so with an evil grin, you just give baby a dab and it really p*sses the baby off because not only is his/her mouth on fire now and you genuinely feel bad.... but you simply can't help laughing hysterically on the inside.... or out, LMAO!

Poor poor baby... here's a chew cracker and some milk... you'll be fine.

Which brings me to the next point....

Oh come now...they won't hurt him too badly. They need him alive to finish the project so they can get some :P

Whatcha gonna DO about it? Muahahahaahahahahahahahaha

Quote
stop teasing them.

You're no fun... I do have all weekend off with nothing planned besides Shelly's front end (which I have down to a science now)... your stuff will be done before the weekend hits - unless of course you think of something else.... but I think we have a good project lined up.

***best Dr.Evil impressio0n***
Muah... muahahaha.... MUAHAHHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on October 20, 2010, 07:58:20 AM
You are talking about her car, right ??
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ericarmstrong on October 20, 2010, 03:05:20 PM
You are talking about her car, right ??
;D lol
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on October 21, 2010, 07:38:18 AM
Sorry, but it just seemed to funny to resist.It was early here too.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on October 22, 2010, 12:48:00 AM
Now now children, lol
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Inraged on March 13, 2011, 09:40:46 PM
Did this project ever get finished? If not I'd be willing to take it on if you could send me some drafts of the idea..

What size pieces?
where do they go?
how does this all bolt on?

I have all the tools required...
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on March 14, 2011, 09:24:01 AM
Not really sure where the project stands right now.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: demonicdragon on March 15, 2011, 09:13:43 AM
yeah. im still waiting for my set of wagon louvers. has anybody heard from Maverick? ive been waiting on some door panels from him since Christmas
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on March 15, 2011, 01:53:46 PM
Have you tried e-mailing him?  He may be sans-computer?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: thereverendbill on March 15, 2011, 05:10:00 PM
louvers are fairly easy to make if you have a louver press.  I talked to a friend of my father's who owns a steel fabrication business (mainly stampings and fasners in bulk) and I brought up the question if he can make louvers for a window like my wagon.  He replied that it is pretty easy to do IF you have a louver press that is as wide as the rear window.  sadly he has a press that will make louvers but they just don't quite take the cake in the style department.  He says he knows there is a guy in town that can do the job (if there is enough interest, meaning no one off set).  I am still waiting for a name :(
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: demonicdragon on March 17, 2011, 09:01:47 AM
ive only messaged him on the nest. i could try emailing him. thanks
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: IowaEagle on March 17, 2011, 08:51:51 PM
He was on today.  So perhaps he is finally thawing out.  Mav had a rough winter.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on March 17, 2011, 10:29:47 PM
Yes, and thawing out nicely... and a bit more plump, lol... we'll save that for another thread though, lol!

Louvers are still an on-going project. If someone else wants to jump in - be my guest, I don't have a patent on them, lol! I would just love to see it happen and I've got so much on my plate that it's taking awhile... obviously, lol!

The update on my louvers... ll my stencils are cut and bent and I technically have a set of louvers ready to go, but they are not assembled. Been dealing with missing/broken tools alot here lately since my brother and I had our falling out. I've got the welder fixed, but I need aluminium flux and a helmet to finish the job.... and of course the most important part of that is just to simply remember to grab the stuff when I'm in town, LOL!

As far as emails go... I've gotten a few personal emails that I have responded to, but I have not responded to any messages here. I have about 30+ of them unread that I need to sort through so give me some time and I'll get to everyone.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: jim on March 17, 2011, 10:35:34 PM
Welcome back.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on March 17, 2011, 10:46:35 PM
Thanks Jim! Glad to be back.. and just loving the new look!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: pigonawing on July 06, 2011, 11:57:55 PM
im all about if i can afford i have been looking for those for awhile
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 17, 2011, 02:13:43 AM
Ok.... I've finally made some headway here.

It looks like I've found a way to have them professionally made (because my ways are not working thusfar) but they will run about $400 each before shipping and I will need to have at least 20 of them made the first time around. If we can get 20 guys to commit, they can be done in about 6 weeks.

They will be made of a slightly thicker and more durable ABS plastic than the original. These will fit perfectly into the window.

The other alternative is going to be my metal fabbed ones that I'm still working on but that project is becoming rather expensive and very time consuming... alot of trial and error because I'm not a metal fabber, lol! Lots of you guys on here ARE good at this stuff - YOU need to finish the metals ones, lol!

So any interest in brand new professionaly cast ABS rear window louvers at $400 a pop (+shipping)? That is ZERO profit for me. This is seriously the exact price it costs to have them made. Do the math, the first run will not be cheap. They will be a direct and perfect fit. I am considering having "AMC Eagle" embedded on them as well. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on September 21, 2011, 03:26:45 PM
The price would include everything, yes. As far as the actual mounting goes - I haven't figured out a permanent method to fixing this just yet but I do have a set of the brackets. They aren't in the best shape, but probably enough to have them reproduced. They are plastic and I have been playing with the idea of metal bracktes for awhile. I'm just waiting to get the SX4 pulled back around to test out a few options.

Long story short - yes, there will be brackets included. They will be close to the orginal design where there will be a hinge on the top to so that you can swing it open and clean under it. The bottom hinge will snap on to the louver or tighten down with a twist-down fastner. All brackets will slide under the trim/gasket on the window and that's what holds them in place.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: GRONK on October 21, 2011, 01:38:27 PM
Funny enough, I've been gathering info on making rear louvers for my wagon and I came up here on one of my google searches.

Is this still a go?  Need any help picking up this project?  I know a few fabricators.

I'm thinking of hitting a yard and finding a set to mod for the wagon rear glass.  Still considering deleting th side glass all together.

I'm not going to be serious about building these for some time but they are on the to do list for the DD.  I was a fan of the 70's Van era and want to keep that dream alive w/ the new wagon. (minus the shag carpet)

Keep up the great informative posts and add me into the email chain if this ever happens.  I'd rather pay $400 + shipping over making a set myself.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on October 21, 2011, 03:28:05 PM
If Mav doesn't pull it off before then, I'll start making them this summer. I have three SX4s that will be totally restored by the end of this spring. Anyone who has driven an SX4 alot knows that the rear glass is angled perfectly to maximize sun glare. The rear view mirror is often useless while driving in sunlight. The louvers look great and are incredibly practical.

I have an original metal set of AMX louvers to copy from. They will be pretty easy to make once I match up the metal stock and make a master set of cutting and braking patterns. The hinges will be metal mimicking the original setup, which had the hinges on a pedastal to keep the curve of the hatch from hinge bounding the louvers. Once I've made four or five sets for myself I'll also be making metal side louvers and wagon louvers. The original plastic side louvers are kinda tacky and they have too wide of an edge on the blades. The metal versions will be much better than the originals.

They are hard to ship, so I won't be making many of them. I'll post patterns and dimensions on here for those who want to make their own. The metal itself will not be expensive, but you do need an original set to copy. Original sets are so rare and expensive now. Can you believe my set of rear and side louvers cost me 50 dollars at a yard sale?! It was one of the luckiest days of my life.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Hawk258 on October 21, 2011, 04:06:31 PM
Would be interested in window covers that have a design instead of louvers, but that is just me, An eagle head or something would be cool. Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: GRONK on October 21, 2011, 06:09:20 PM
Hawk258

I think the design would best be accomplished with vinyl.  ANY accessories shop probably has the correct printer/cutter for this.  Not a bad idea.....
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Hawk258 on October 21, 2011, 09:10:37 PM
only reason I bring it up is I seen a dodge ram rear window cover that is in the shape of a rams head and it was plastic not vinyl, it looked like it was part of the vehicle not just an obvious sticker, http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/2004-dodge-dakota/window-louver/ here is an example of what I mean. but Your idea may work, especially if I want to add some color to it.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: GRONK on October 21, 2011, 09:29:40 PM
Got'cha.  That could be pretty cool too.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Hawk258 on October 21, 2011, 10:08:19 PM
you would be the first as far as I can find that has made something like this, I would suggest lexan as the medium as I have said before, It can be heated and vacuum formed into a workable shape, painted and chrome plated, I may have to try it myself, I have been toying with the idea, but don't have a spare stove or a vacuum table. but lexan is able to be purchased from home depot. I figure a form would be a good start to create the shape, and would be able to create multiples in a matter of a few hours.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on October 22, 2011, 01:19:43 AM
You're right, they would stack together nicely and fit in a normal shipping box. I would drill the sides to be riveted upon assembly, and give the option of visible rivet holes or invisible welds at the center supports. Like the originals mine would have two stiffeners in the center. I wanted to make them from thin sheet steel for the painted ones and aluminum for the polished "chrome" ones. I will put a 14 inch diameter cutting blade of similar material to a cut-off grinding disc in a table saw to run off the strips of metal. The two stiffeners in the center will be the hardest part to make, since it has to have a strip bent over to support each blade as well as a bend at the bottom for the pad against the window. It creates a staircase pattern with an angled cut necessary at each step in the staircase.

I was going to make them differently than the originals in that I want the edge stiffener to be tucked up under the louvers. The original ones have the flat part of the blades angle down toward the window and then angle out toward the outside of the car. There is then a 3/4 inch wide flat surface around the outside of the louver. I would angle down and then turn inward, so that the louvers are 1.5 inchs wider and come down flush with the outside edges of the glass. It should look alot better that way. A strip of thicker gauge stiff metal will run under the louvers and tie each blade together using the finished edges that turn inward against the glass. More accurately a strip of metal and a strip of padding or plastic will sandwich the edge of each blade together, so that there is a stiffener away from the window and a soft surface against the window. I don't like the strips of padding that went on the outside of the original louvers. Two or three rivets at each blade can hold that edge together.

I don't like the original bottom clips that go under the window trim with a turn screw. On mine I planned on putting a stud drilled through the hatch at each lower corner connected to the stiffener that ties the blades together. I would have to make a set of clips that don't require drilling for those unwilling to drill their hatches.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on October 22, 2011, 08:28:53 AM
I also have a set for my 68 AMX , and got them at a steal for $75 off that site, before things went crazy with AMX parts $$$$. I have layed them on the back of my wagon hatch , and the SX/4 and they are not that far off.Mine are rivited also, but missing the hold downs on the bottom. I did get a pic of the hardware from someone allready.If I wasn't such a Turtle I would have made some by now, I am an ex union sheetmetal worker , and have done plenty of layout and fabbing.Light wieght aluminum is the material.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: vangremlin on February 16, 2012, 12:54:00 PM
I know its a long shot that they would fit, but there are louvers/window shades available for the 05-09 Mustangs on the evil bay site.  They are made from ABS plastic, and mount using foam tape.  If you search for something along the lines of:

05-09 FORD MUSTANG VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK REAR SUN SHADE WINDOW LOUVER SPOILER

you will likely find it.  Someone that has an SX4 could contact the seller and get dimensions and see how it matches up with the SX4. 

Just a thought....
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on February 28, 2012, 10:02:07 PM
Three years ago I purchased a roll of 10 inch wide aluminum flashing in order to protoype my new louvers. Yesterday I finally cut the roll down to two rolls of 4.5 inches. That's the width of each individual blade. The extremely thin aluminum flashing will be used to make lots of tiny corrections to the dimensions of the final product. With 100 feet of it I can afford to make several versions and take pictures to compare them. I spent a few hours measuring and coniving with my original set a few days ago and I think I have my improvements figured out.

Yesterday I also purchased .050 aluminum mill finish plate, which is a little thicker than I wanted but still a near ideal match to the finished product. I also put the car back up in the air to finish the restoration work up front. The red SX4 was set aside since I purchased the new Kammback in November. Now that the Kammback is roadworthy the goal is to get the Red SX4 inspected with a new set of louvers and 4.0 MPI AX15 drivetrain this May.

With the enthusiasm and interest shown in this thread I'm motivated to step forward with plans to make about 20 sets of my improved louvers and post them for sale here. I won't make further promises until I have pictures to post of my personnel set. Realistically it will take several months, possibly even a year, before I have several sets boxed and ready to ship on demand.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: shanebo on February 29, 2012, 05:46:23 AM
All I know is I really want a set....glad to see I may have some on the Sx4 in the near future  :blob1:
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on March 06, 2012, 08:33:26 AM
I made a set of precise measurements of the original. I will post those here on the nest for those who want to try making their own. So far I've made a set of blades out of aluminum flashing to prototype the final product.

The first two pictures show the space at the top and bottom of the louvers if you slide them all the way down to the spoiler. I dislike that space. The two solutions I experimented with is adding an 8th blade at the bottom or making the blades 3/8" wider. The 8th blade has to be trimmed to parallel the spoiler. It doesn't look bad, but I think I will continue with making the blades wider. The third picture shows the top blade spaced upwards to mimic where the top edge will be once I add to the width of the blades.

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0928.jpg)

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0938.jpg)

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0941.jpg)

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0936.jpg)

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0919.jpg)

(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/2012%20Eagle%20Web/Louvers/DSCF0931.jpg)
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: txjeeptx on March 06, 2012, 10:22:47 PM
Excellent work on the louvers. The blades you've made look awesome. I like the look of molded plastic louvers(difficult to find), but metal is more durable(and repairable), and can be made to look just as good as the plastic ones, perhaps even better than plastic, with polishing(thanks for the idea, hadn't considered it). If I were to attempt to make a set of louvers, I'd use the same inexpensive flashing material to practice/pattern it out. I would like to make a set of metal louvers with a bead rolled along the trailing edge, for added rigitdity and a bit more dimension to the blades, and to give me a reason to buy a bead-rolling tool.

I'll have to post a pic of a set of metal louvers I have that have some tubing as their center support, all riveted together, just to give you another idea to work from.

A few posts back, someone mentions louvers for the current Mustang being attached with douple-sided tape. Its probably a real bear trying to clean the road grime out from underneath the louvers. Louvers must be easily removable or hinged to allow for cleaning. I'd plan on mine being hinged at the top and having some thumbscrews to hold down the lower corners(something nice, not just wingnuts).
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: rohnk on March 06, 2012, 10:41:33 PM
I have a set of NOS side louvers and a beat up rear window louver if anyone wants me to take measurements for your mock-ups. Just offering to help as my metal bending skills are rusty. (no pun intended)
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on March 07, 2012, 04:44:37 PM
I personally dislike the plastic ones. I think they look like tacky lick-em-stick-em hood scoops. I also hate the thickness of the plastic blades (they have a lip for rigidity) because it creates thick stripes in your field of view. The metal ones are lined up perfectly with your vision, so it looks exactly like a set of window defrosting strips.

Thanks rohnk, although I already have a pair of side louvers as well. I'll be making a set of SW louvers, Sedan Louvers, SX4 side louvers, and Kammback side and rear louvers eventually. All of them will be the same metal and similar mounting designs. After mocking up what I have so far I've found that its easy and enjoyable to modify the design. I've figured out the cutting table I'm going to use to precisely rip down the metal and I've priced the metal, so it will not take much further effort to design more sets. If I'm going to store the table for future use, I may as well put it to good use. One day I'll have the designs on Autocad and the plasma table ready to print them out.

I brought my measurements back to work with me. In a few days I'll post them in a "how to" thread for anyone who wants to make their own.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Prafeston on March 07, 2012, 05:07:10 PM
Very interested in seeing some SW louvers...I know GRONK was gonna be working with someone out in CO to make some SW louvers...just waiting to see what they look like!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on March 12, 2012, 02:23:20 PM
I've started to make the How-to. I realize that it is very long and complex but its intended for someone about to sit down and make their own set. I'll be rereading and editing it further over the next few days to make it easier to follow. I'll eventually make better diagrams and keep editing the posts with better information and better pictures. Some of my comments will make much better sense when I can put pictures of my completed work in the thread.

Most of your comments and questions should still be posted here on this thread. The how-to thread is intended for specific construction details.

http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=38314.new#new
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on March 13, 2012, 04:15:55 AM
Very interested in seeing some SW louvers

Looking at the measurements in my other thread there is an obvious pattern from one blade to the next. Each one is exactly an inch shorter than the one below it. The station wagon louvers will not be difficult to make. Likewise an Eagle sedan would look great with louvers and be just as easy to make.

The "A" to "C" crease will stay the same initially and the angle of the brake will stay the same. I'll tilt my pattern until it is parallel to the line of sight and then measure for a new location for points "E" and "F." I may have to make small adjustments to the "A" to C" crease to compensate for the slope of the window edge, but it will be minor. Once I have one blade finished that end pattern will be identical to all the blades. Even the modifications to the unique top blade starts out with the same pattern as the others. Each blade will be a given length shorter than the one next to it, so the rest of the dimensions will be plotted out on paper as soon as I finish one or two of the protoype blades.

I'm personally going to concentrate on one task at a time, but some of you station wagon guys could probably have your own set of louvers made before I finish my SX4 ones. I'll have both an SX4 set and a Station Wagon set made this summer.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: max98059 on May 02, 2012, 12:19:03 AM
how much for a set i like them and i think they will look nice when finished
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on May 02, 2012, 03:28:45 AM
I'm assembling my red SX4 this month. The last step will be finishing the louvers I prototyped last month. I have 5 sets to make for myself and I'll make 20 sets total once the tooling is set up. Once they are complete I'll report how much time and money they cost to make. The material cost looks about $120, but there is alot of time required and the shipping will be expensive. I'm trying to keep the total cost below $300.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on May 07, 2012, 09:51:27 AM
I had to prototype the 8th blade to realize I don't like it. I won't be making any that way. I added a very small amount of width to each blade and it reduced the space effectively.

I will be making ready to install kits with everything necessary start to finish. I will box them before advertising them as ready to sell, so shipping cost will be included. I will also consider making OEM replicas for the purists who want a direct replacement for their original units. Those I will not be making hinges for.

I'm limiting myself to 20 sets because that will be over 3 grand in initial material cost and a huge space committment for storage. 5 of those are for my own cars. I would probably make 5 at a time after that as necessary. I also realize that it will take no less than 2 hours per set to build them. That first set of 20 will likely consume about 100 hours to finish. That is the most I can afford to put forth this summer.

They would have already been made if I was home. I've been working at sea even on days I could have been home recently. My SX4 is nearly finished but not quite yet. The last step will be the louver construction.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on August 13, 2012, 11:29:01 AM
I started setting up my Louver jigs and templates last week and I'll be working to complete my first set of louvers for my own car this month. I looked at the available metal brakes last tour home and I didn't like any of them. I had my heart set on making my own metal brake for the louvers until I saw this advertisement today from Eastwood. Eastwood is located in Pottstown, PA, about 15 minutes from me. I'll be buying this once I get home from work. Its perfect for what I want to do.

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-versa-bend-sheet-metal-brake.html
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Mavericke on August 20, 2012, 11:16:20 PM
VERY nice!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: demonicdragon on August 24, 2012, 09:26:55 PM
oh boy. first sx4 and then wagons!! im still waiting for a set for my wagon
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on November 30, 2012, 04:55:56 AM
Here are a few notes to update everyone on my progress making these louvers.

-I purchased my louvers without any hinges when I was about 14 years old (2001?). I eventually attached them to my SX4 by making a complex piece of metal that precisely fit the bottom corner of the window. It clacked going down the road and the metal was tight, but a strong yank on the louvers would have ripped them right off without much struggle. I didn’t leave the louvers on very long because I was worried about damaging them before I would have a chance to copy them. Now almost a decade later I’m finally finishing what I started.

I finally got to see an original set of hinges about a year ago. A nest member named Troy has several intact and preserved on his collection of Eagles. I wasn’t impressed and they actually looked much weaker than the ones I made from scratch.

A week ago a different Nest member named Mike let me borrow a spare set of hinges he had. I’m very grateful. While removing them I got to see just how strong they are. What I didn’t know was that the hinges actually have a lip on them that not only slides under the rubber, it also bends down around the edge of the glass. They are actually quite difficult to remove even with multiple hands and tools. I’m still not impressed with how stiff they are at the bolt point, but the piece that grabs the window is more than adequate. I’ve changed my design to improve and supplement the original hinge design, but to be pretty much the same. I was resolved to do something much different.

-The small bit of width I added to the blades didn't work for SX4s with a factory windshield wiper. I will have to add slightly more or minus some, which I will need to make two more sets of prototypes before deciding which looks best and works best. I simply removed the wiper blade and the post that sticks through the window usually doesn't interfere with the original set and my first prototype, but it did for my second prototype. I'll make sure my final version works for all SX4s.

-The side hinge design I made didn't make sense in application. What it came down to is that the window is much more curved than I initially realized. The first time I mounted my louvers years ago they flexed and clacked against the window as you drove. When properly snug against the window, however, the whole assembly is very stiff because of the curvature across the window. My new design will be just as stiff as my first design with considerably less complication. I now know why my louvers used to flex so much and it won't be a problem anymore.

Because I wanted to solve the clacking problem that is now a mute issue, I previously wanted to attach the blades as an assembly to a hinged stiff structure that opened like a book to clean the window. I'm glad I experimented with that design because I plan on making a heavy steel version for my hardtop convertible offroading SX4 that will be strong enough for me to stand on even without the glass present. Obviously that is too much metal to use for these louvers.

-I spent some time looking at the top hinges now that I have an original one to borrow. It turns out that they were made very flimsy on purpose. The curvature of the window and the top of the roof is too much to make a set of hinges without them being hinge-bound to each other. The axis of the hinges need to be parallel in order to work. They ended up bending thin aluminum and putting on a notched piece of plastic as a hinge. The hinges were flexible enough to work without being exactly square to each other. The problem is that the notched plastic is often split and broken with age. I’ve seen small metal cabinet hinges used successfully to replace the weak notched plastic that was originally there. In my case I purchased about $300 worth of aluminum piano hinges for $120 that will work perfectly to look original without the weakness.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on December 01, 2012, 10:55:11 PM
Thanks for the update !
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: demonicdragon on January 15, 2013, 04:57:55 PM
come on wagon louvers!! lol
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: greymarooneightytwo on January 15, 2013, 06:47:14 PM
Yeah, I second that sentiment, I would love some wagon louvers.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on February 04, 2013, 04:11:12 AM
I am serious about this project. I have worked on it since I last updated here, but it will sit stagnant for another month because I changed my rental status last week. My garage has been a quarter of a larger building shared with one other guy. We worked it out where I now have a full half of the building. I added enough floor space for six more cars to be parked inside. It will take me a month to fully move into the new space.

I have some ideas on how to utilize the increased space to generate revenue. Ideally I would like the garage to help generate as much income as it costs each month. Full production of louvers is one way to assist that goal.

I know that the first twenty I sell will take less total time to fabricate than the first one I'm making for myself. I need to work out a means of producing them efficiently before being able to sell them at any reasonable cost.


I'll keep the prices as low as possible and as flexible as possible. I'm looking at creating at least four price points. I can only guess at prices until I've calculated the total time and material investment per set. I won't know that until I've completed the first five sets for myself.

1) Template cost: This would basically mean that a box would be shipped to you with a series of precisely prepared templates made from plastic or similar light-weight rigid material. The templates would be light and cheap to ship. You would then take those templates and use them to cut out the metal of your choice and local availability. Prepared hardware could also be added to the box. I would expect this option to cost about $60 for the kit with shipping and then require another $120 in supplies and about 40 hours of your time to complete your louvers.

2) Kit Cost: I think this would be the most numberous kits I would prepare. Basically I would ship a kit to you with all the hardware and all the metal already cut and prepared, ready to assemble. The blades would be stacked into the smallest rectangular box available. I guess for shipping to cost between $40 and $60. I would expect the total kit cost delivered to your door to be between $300 and $500. I would expect the assembly to take about 10 hours without any additional cost.

3) Ready to Install Cost: I would expect if someone drove their Eagle to my garage I could install a set of louvers for a cost between $300 and $500.

4) Premium Cost: I will be working on options above and beyond the basic cost. For instance I would like to Tig weld the joints to remove visible rivets and I would also like to polish and clear-coat a set of "chrome" louvers.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on February 04, 2013, 04:54:16 AM
My long term goals for SX4 rear window louvers:
1) Infrastructure in place to produce 20 louver kits in a single 10 hour day at a labor cost of $20 per hour. That translates to an average of 1/2 hour per kit or $10 of labor cost to each kit. Initially I will be happy if I can keep the labor average below 5 hours per kit ($100 of labor cost per kit.)

2) Secure flat rate shipping cost at or below $50 per assembled kit.

3) Reduce material cost at or below $100 per kit.. It currently costs between $120 and $150.

4) Maintain at least 5 prepared kits in stock for immediate shipping upon request. I will be producing them in serialized sets of 20. As I improve and change the design the serial number will help document and provide maintenance and repair support. I will charge a fraction of my rent in overhead to store the tooling, templates, and stock in my garage equal to the footprint of space utilized. I expect that cost to average $20 per kit.

5) An immediate goal is to reduce the individual kit price to $200. Realistically the first set I put up for sale will be more than that. I would eventually like the total installation cost to be below $200, which demands the production costs to sum to less than $150. By meeting these goals I'll get there eventually.  
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Inraged on February 04, 2013, 10:59:10 PM
This is great! I would definitely buy a set for an SX4 even if it was right around 250. I understand how much work you're putting into this.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: amc1989 on February 11, 2013, 07:34:29 PM
I would be interested in buying 2, one for my SX4 and one for a spirit, once you get going!
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: captspillane on March 06, 2013, 03:20:42 PM
A local company about 15 minutes from my home does laser cutting at dirt cheap prices. I'm converting my prototype dimensions into CAD files and preparing to use them for this project. That's the only economical and realistic way to accurately and efficiently make these.

My goal is to have sets prepared for sale within 6 months.

Realize that my first child will be born in June, so it may be much sooner. I set that goal, however, because it's likely that my life will be devoted to the efforts of being a father for most of that time.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: JustinS on April 05, 2013, 02:50:58 AM
I believe I may have said it before, but you can put my name down on the list for a set.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: vj318 on August 23, 2016, 11:35:01 PM
Whatever happened  to the louvers
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: vangremlin on August 25, 2016, 06:26:41 PM
captspillane, who was going to fabricate the louvers, has been missing from this site and in general for a long time.  Many members have tried to contact him as he was working on their cars but have had no success .
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: dleberfinger on October 03, 2016, 11:10:46 AM
To those interested in the rear window louver for the SX4, I finally have my Eagle in my shop. I have a CNC plasma table and am in the process of designing a set of a louvers for my car. Mine will not match the originals as I don't have access to an original set nor do I have the funds to buy one.

My biggest issue right now with it is trying to figure out how to mount it to the rear hatch. I've see some odd looking clips that look like they just slide under the rubber window seal, but that seems pretty sketchy to me. If I make them they make end up just being bolted to the rear hatch.

If anyone in PA is willing to let me look at them to make a set, please contact me ASAP.

Feel free to call or text me at 570 317 3464, message me on here, or email at [email protected].
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: ChickenFarmer3 on February 28, 2017, 10:06:21 PM
pm me when you figure it out.  Those will be amazing.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Treedupfromtheseedup on June 01, 2017, 02:32:07 PM
Id also be extremely interested in this! id love to put a hatch louver on my sx/4
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: txjeeptx on August 04, 2017, 12:57:07 AM
This is a fun topic to bring back up.  I also have a CNC plasma cutter, and a set of plastic louvers from Maverick, but I seem to have mismanaged my time over the last few years.
Title: Re: Side & Rear Window Louvers
Post by: Ace2600 on March 04, 2019, 10:24:50 AM
What happened to these? Are they still available?