Rear Window Louver

[Grim_Reaper]

That is definitely odd. I have seen several in person and none of them had that issue. Mine looks perfect and will look even better once on the car this week.

Standby for pics!

Sponsored

 

[Cobra Jet]

For those that have purchased the MMD black ABS plastic louvers - how is the construction of the individual louvers, meaning are they pretty sturdy/solid construction and won't sag with say extreme heat and/or possibly weight of snow (for those in the seasonal sections of the US)?

I was also under the impression that the part was totally molded in black plastic and not molded "and then painted"?

For those who have installed the plastic louvers - how has it been with washing the vehicle and then having to dry or clean the back window w/ the installed part?

 

[SR56]

For those that have purchased the MMD black ABS plastic louvers - how is the construction of the individual louvers, meaning are they pretty sturdy/solid construction and won't sag with say extreme heat and/or possibly weight of snow (for those in the seasonal sections of the US)?

I was also under the impression that the part was totally molded in black plastic and not molded "and then painted"?

For those who have installed the plastic louvers - how has it been with washing the vehicle and then having to dry or clean the back window w/ the installed part?

I can speak for the quality, but haven't installed yet until AM sends out the replacement for my issues.

The ABS is fairly solid. Maybe a little less "sturdy" than I thought they'd be, but not brittle. There is some flex. Snow will cause it to sag if it's a foot or so, but doubtful with only a few inches. I don't see extreme heat causing sag at all.

The piece I received was not just a molded ABS, as evidenced by the pics earlier in the thread. It has some kind of light coating, or possibly a matte black paint. Others have weighed in and said that theirs doesn't look like that or have the issue. I'm hoping the next one will be good to go.

In my experience living in FL, the sun will fade ABS plastic. So coated/painted or not, it will still experience fading. I do prefer a non-coated plastic since it will absorb the 303 Protectant and I wouldn't have to worry about sanding and re-painting eventually.

I did put it on the window to try it out, and visibility is great and unaffected by the slats. I also think this will go a long way towards heat rejection without the big back window being open to the sun. I've got 15% tint on and use a shade on the front and it still gets pretty warm inside even though temps have only been in the 80's so far.

 

[Cobra Jet]

I can speak for the quality, but haven't installed yet until AM sends out the replacement for my issues.

The ABS is fairly solid. Maybe a little less "sturdy" than I thought they'd be, but not brittle. There is some flex. Snow will cause it to sag if it's a foot or so, but doubtful with only a few inches. I don't see extreme heat causing sag at all.

The piece I received was not just a molded ABS, as evidenced by the pics earlier in the thread. It has some kind of light coating, or possibly a matte black paint. Others have weighed in and said that theirs doesn't look like that or have the issue. I'm hoping the next one will be good to go.

In my experience living in FL, the sun will fade ABS plastic. So coated/painted or not, it will still experience fading. I do prefer a non-coated plastic since it will absorb the 303 Protectant and I wouldn't have to worry about sanding and re-painting eventually.

I did put it on the window to try it out, and visibility is great and unaffected by the slats. I also think this will go a long way towards heat rejection without the big back window being open to the sun. I've got 15% tint on and use a shade on the front and it still gets pretty warm inside even though temps have only been in the 80's so far.

Thanks for the detailed reply!!


How about those who have installed these slats - what's your impressions for cleaning/washing the car with them installed?

 

[DeLorean17]

I just installed the MMD louvers last night. I am planning on washing the car this evening as I have a cruise tomorrow. They install with some nuts, so they come right off, and you have total access to the window.

I am planning on putting some 303 Protectant on as well.

I'll let you know if there's any real issue with washing, but I don't see why there would be unless you don't remove them.

As was said before, there is flex in them, especially the bottom where the plastic gets thin, but that part is flush to the glass.

 

[IOEggception]

Looks good

Looks good black on black :-).

One thing if you are having this happen with you:
Problem: once you hit high speeds (like 80mph or faster), and the back starts rattling.
Rigged up fix: I picked up some double sided coin sized tape, and just stacked a bunch under the vibrating fin until there was enough pressure to resist the vibration. Didn't take much, and it sure stopped the loud vibration! I got the tape just at hannafords in the school crafty section - similar to these most likely http://www.walmart.com/ip/3M-PREFERRED-CONVERTER-4905-Double-Coated-Tape-Clear-PK5/51405003

Hope this helps somebody! It looks a little ugly, but mostly only from the inside - cant really spot it from the outside unless you're looking.

 

[DeLorean17]

So, as dumb as this sounds, don't try to wash it with the louver on. I had just used some thread locker on the studs and didn't want to have to redo it, so I left it on. Bad idea.

Went on the highway today, up to about 77 and no rattle.

I'm not sure if they always had it or not, but the leading edges of my louvers actually came with some rubber tubes on them.

Maybe to try and stop the rattle from making noise?

Anyway, I'm really liking them so far. Visibility is great out the back.

 

[pctek]

So, as dumb as this sounds, don't try to wash it with the louver on. I had just used some thread locker on the studs and didn't want to have to redo it, so I left it on. Bad idea.

Went on the highway today, up to about 77 and no rattle.

I'm not sure if they always had it or not, but the leading edges of my louvers actually came with some rubber tubes on them.

Maybe to try and stop the rattle from making noise?

Anyway, I'm really liking them so far. Visibility is great out the back.

Thanks for the update. I wouldn't think the MMD ABS one's would rattle... I didn't purchase the MMD version. Mine are the ones from CJPP that doesn't have a name of the manufacture. I liked the look of the aluminum ones to the ABS ones.

Has anyone purchased and is using the Aluminum ones from CJPP?

 

[69mach1-395]

This thread must have just died...but hey, I'm considering rear window louvers.
I like the hinged MRT ones, but they look so bulky.
Can't bring myself to lay so much plastic on my car with ABS ones.
Don't like the lack of security of the smaller aluminum ones or the ABS.
So what's a boy to do?

 

[jbailer]

This thread must have just died...but hey, I'm considering rear window louvers.
I like the hinged MRT ones, but they look so bulky.
Can't bring myself to lay so much plastic on my car with ABS ones.
Don't like the lack of security of the smaller aluminum ones or the ABS.
So what's a boy to do?

I really like the look of the MMD ABS louvers over the straight aluminum ones. You already have louvers so this certainly wouldn't change your mind but for me it's like a black Mustang. I did it once, never again. I put louvers on my 84 Fox and they were such a PITA to clean. Eventually I took them off and never looked back. As much as I like the look, I wouldn't do it.

 

[IOEggception]

I really like the look of the MMD ABS louvers over the straight aluminum ones. You already have louvers so this certainly wouldn't change your mind but for me it's like a black Mustang. I did it once, never again. I put louvers on my 84 Fox and they were such a PITA to clean. Eventually I took them off and never looked back. As much as I like the look, I wouldn't do it.

Hey JBailer,
I was extremely happy with these louvers that I got. I had a similar fear at first before buying, thinking they might look to bulky, or too "ricey". But since installing them, I think it really give the car an awesome look, and ive heard nothing but complements from friends - including some car snob friends who I was sure wouldnt like it.
Here are pics of it on my red GT - pics dont do it justice IMO: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/album.php?albumid=994

Those pictures are before I added some tinting to the all the windows too, which gave it even more the vibe i was going for.

 

[jbailer]

Hey JBailer,
I was extremely happy with these louvers that I got. I had a similar fear at first before buying, thinking they might look to bulky, or too "ricey". But since installing them, I think it really give the car an awesome look, and ive heard nothing but complements from friends - including some car snob friends who I was sure wouldnt like it.
Here are pics of it on my red GT - pics dont do it justice IMO: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/album.php?albumid=994

Those pictures are before I added some tinting to the all the windows too, which gave it even more the vibe i was going for.

I agree with you 100%, I really like the look! I would definitely get them if it weren't for the maintenance. They were such a pain when it came time to clean trying to wipe them off top and bottom, getting in all the tight spots and lifting it and cleaning the window under it. My car is a daily driver and I'm washing it usually twice a week.

 

[69mach1-395]

Hey JBailer,
I was extremely happy with these louvers that I got. I had a similar fear at first before buying, thinking they might look to bulky, or too "ricey". But since installing them, I think it really give the car an awesome look, and ive heard nothing but complements from friends - including some car snob friends who I was sure wouldnt like it.
Here are pics of it on my red GT - pics dont do it justice IMO: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/album.php?albumid=994

Those pictures are before I added some tinting to the all the windows too, which gave it even more the vibe i was going for.

I saw those pics yesterday and yeah, this one seems to fit the contours well.
As for cleaning, I don't have to wash my cars that often where I live.
My concern for the abs is 3 fold; saw some pix where the finish was chipping off, don't like the idea of thumb screws due to no security feature, and finally durability in the heat of my area.
Open to comments on these concerns...

 

[Crazy Horse]

I've had mine for over a year with no problems at all.

.

 

[69mach1-395]

Does the ABS match other trim parts in terms of color and texture?

Sponsored