Messages

louvers were not allowed in PA law.

True. Some period Ford ads for the Boss 302/'70 Mach I that incorporated a photo or artwork showing them on a car contained the caveat that the option was not available in Pennsylvania.

I recall that the origin of this went back to aftermarket Venitian blind kits sold in the 1950's, when the backlight glass area of many cars increased dramatically over what came before. Since few cars had air conditioning, it was a means to reduce the greenhouse effect of sunlight in the cabin.

Pennsylvania decided they obstructed rearward vision and so prohibited them. This was enforced by what was then a State mandated twice yearly safety inspection and the State set the rules for compliance. Ford's louvres apparently fell within the law's definition so they were not offered here. The law was eventually repealed so they are OK now.

A company called Auto Venitian Blinds currently sells reproductions of original kits for '50's and newer cars, the attached photo is from their web site.

Interesting!

louvers were not allowed in PA law.

Interesting...

Since I do this for a living there is no "safe" method for removing stripes. Paint condition is usually what determines if the paint peels or not. Heat gun on low heat. Citrus based adhesive remover for the glue removal. Eraser wheels can only be used on steel panels.  If you use them on fiberglass or plastic panels they will cut through the paint underneath.
Dz

Excellent advice, thank you...

I've always used a heat gun on low setting. It softens the adhesive enough to where the stripe/graphic/decal will stretch and pull off slowly. Too much heat it will pull melt and pull apart, not enough and the stripe will snap off in little pieces.  Then clean the residue with a good grease and wax remover.  Not a fan of the 3M wheels, can damage paint at times. 

This was my first inclination. The shop doing the work as a stripe guy, and he was reluctant to remove the old stripe. I'll chat with them about this too...thanks...

3M markets an attachment for this purpose:

3M Stripe Off Wheel – Adhesive Remover – Eraser Wheel – Removes Decals, Stripes, Vinyl, Tapes and Graphics. It is engineered to safely remove unwanted decals and stripes without altering the material underneath. It is compatible with most drill and rotary tools.

If you do not trust yourself to attempt removal on your own, a good recon / detail shop can likely do it. They typically have substantial experience removing graphics from commercial vehicles, police cars, etc. when they being prepped for sale.

I'll look into that, thank you...

Does anyone have a method for safely removing (To be replaced) the reflective side stripes without damaging the paint?

My '70 had them, I took them off when we repainted. It was delivered new to Miami. Black interior, no AC with the SCJ. I'm sure these were put on early days, if not at the dealer. Global warming aside, I'm sure it was hot back then too!

Your correct it was hot back then too, however generally we were all just cooler.


John

LOL!!!

Anybody here put electric cut-outs on their exhaust? If yes, what did you use?

Have the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.

Got it into an awesome shop here in town, I totally trust them. They worked on my Pantera and I've seen lots of their work. Thanks for the tip though!

Hi Brian.

I sent you a pm.  Check your inbox.

QSS

Answered...thanks!

Got one!! Thanks everyone!

Have the end cap sent to Dave Topper. It will come back looking like new. He did my headlight buckets. Look like they just came out of the box.

Got it into an awesome shop here in town, I totally trust them. They worked on my Pantera and I've seen lots of their work. Thanks for the tip though!

Right now, my suggestion would be fix the end cap. Once you get into that quarter panel its going to get messy. Leave the stripes alone- and do a spot fix, it looks like you have a healthy dose of products under that red paint

It's in the shop now. Everything you said is already a part of the discussion. Thankfully, it's not huge damage, but we all agreed that you never know until you start pulling things apart. Shop is top notch classic restorations in my area.

I recall having a car delivered and the driver asked me to take the car off the top rack. I said, thats your job my friend.

Yup!

She's a beauty what a bummer......I ALWAYS watch closely loading/unloading as seen /heard many horror stories no matter who you use.....

several times I have seen guys not even put a chock behind rear wheel when lowering the lift.....I will grab one and do it myself.....

It was unloaded before I got there...but you are correct.

. . . . . they say the car "popped" out of park, (Emergency brake was not on) and the car rolled back . . . .

    When following proper procedure, movement of the vehicle is to "always" be under the control of the carriers' intention.  The vehicle is to be tethered , utilization of wheel chocks and or other equipment of the carriers' choosing, which is to be utilized at all times to arrest any unintentional vehicle movement.  Never should there be a situation where equipment of the vehicle is to be relied upon, as the carrier has no knowledge of it's operational condition or capability.

    Anything else, is negligence on the part of the carrier, period!   

    Scott.

Talked to the carrier today, they said get it fixed and they'll pay for it.