Desert Rat

Yes, I know some guys hate the things, but my car is parked outside in the AZ sun and I want to preserve the interior and keep the temps down in the car.

So the used metal ones are close to being unobtanium, or when one does come up, it's all bent up, is missing pieces and the seller still wants a pile of money for it.

Anyone use one of the ABS plastic ones like the ones in the link below?

Nissan 300zx Window Louvers at Andys Auto Sport

Would like experiences if anyone has any. Mostly want to know how they look after a couple years in the sun....if they oxidize real bad or distort shape, I don't want to waste my money.

zxguy1986

I have used the rear louver on every Z I ever owned. It comes from my experience with early auto AC systems (Toyota especially) which were just not strong enough to cool the car on a summer day unless you had a rear louver on the hatchback window. I put one on my first Z ('86) the day I bought it without even checking out the AC. Turned out it was fine for cooling the car but I left the louver on anyway. Yeah, they rattle. Big deal.

ABS plastic is made in a range of qualities so that would figure in how long it lasts and how it ages. I think the models you are looking at are kinda pricey but I don't doubt that you need one in AZ. I would give one a try if you can't locate a painted aluminum one. I think the ABS louver would rattle less And, like the aluminum ones, they can be painted.

Desert Rat

Thanks for the input. Yes, am a little apprehensive about dropping close to 3 bills on something that could look like hell in a couple years....

Hard to find an aluminum one in good condition...I could accept one that needs painted, but many I've seen have bent or tweaked slats and just look like junk, and people what a lot of money for them.

Thought I had one found on the other Zcar site, but haven't heard from the seller in a while. That's the other part of the fun on buying used parts....

LunchboxCritter

I listed it on Ebay this morning. $1.00 starting bid and no reserve.

zxguy1986

This rear louver was installed new on my '86na at the orig Nissan dealership in 1986. Optional upgrade, cost $200. Been painted once - in 2007. Different profile from the aftermarket types. It's all aluminum - and rattles a bit. Got used to it after stuffing foam in all the 'contact' points year after year - and acid rain eventually destroyed the foam Great louver, hinged at the top and bolt-locks down at the bottom so can be lifted to clean the glass, made the rear wiper unnecessary (also banged into it) ... so I disconnected the wiper. Problem solved.

Desert Rat

Looks to be in good shape. Got a link to your auction?

LunchboxCritter

Here you go:

Look Datsun Nissan 300zx Louver Set 1984 1989 Z31 | eBay

It is new, with instructions, hardware, stickers, everything but the original box. It is aluminum as well.

Desert Rat

Thanks. watching.

Desert Rat

Holy crap...you did well on that sale.

geez.

LunchboxCritter

Not too bad, not quite what it seems once you deduct around 20% for auction, and paypal fees.

I figured it would bring as much as the abs counterparts that are still available. The ones that I have seen are in the $300 neighborhood.

On a brighter note, there is a guy not far from me that is going to come and measure it out tomorrow. I think he wants to make some. If he follows through I will let you know. He might find it would have cheaper to have bought mine, but I don't know.