C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

[Christopher J. Bunsey]

I am going through the assembly manual for my 1976, and it says that inside/behind the opening in my side louvers should be painted black. Can anyone give me any guidance on how/where to paint, and what kind/finish of paint should I use? How do you mask it off? Any guidance and/or pictures would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

All body panels visible from outside the car should be painted body colour. The opening itself should appear to be a 'black hole' by ensuring that all inner surfaces are covered with blackout paint. The paint is no different than used elsewhere in the engine compartment. Keep in mind that the body was not on the frame when this operation was completed.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

Chris:

After 1973, workers used a sponge and stuffed it from within the engine compartment in the cove to minimize paint overspray inside the engine compartment. When the body got to the blackout booth, a small spray gun was used to "quickly" shoot the cove from the outside. Any overspray was wiped off and later polished. This wasn't neat nor precise and if you've studied enough original cars, you'll understand the method used and described. You can see a mix or blend of primer and blackout.

Not a surprise, novice paint restorers don't understand the factory application methods with Corvettes and by studying the coves, one can identify paint overspray in the coves on these later models that easily underscores a repaint body from an original paint job. We catch it way too often...and I do chassis!

A couple of paint types commonly reference include both the Krylon 1613 and the Deere "Blitz Black". I use the Blitz black. Hope this helps.

[Christopher J. Bunsey]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

I really appreciate the insight...can you share your insight when it comes to doing the wheel wells? I want to do those too! Many thanks!

Chris

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

It was a quick shot and all those I've seen essentially cover the fiberglass with what can be seen...nothing fancy. Eye level and down.

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

Chris, I looked into doing the well wheels on my '74 awhile back and found some good info in the archives. Bottom line, it was not very precise. Bill

[Christopher J. Bunsey]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

What did you search? What type of paint did you decide to use, and would you use it again?

Thanks!

Chris

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Fender Side Louver Restoration

Chris, check Archives under "wheel wells" and select "all terms". You should also check the Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide for your car under "Wheel Wells and Splash Pan Area". The Manual for my '74 has a good discription of the undercoating and black-out application. I haven't done mine yet, it may be a project for this winter. Bill