Here's mine with an original style installed...

And a few more of the louvres on my '78 coupe, before and after restoration.

It seems that there was (is) quite a difference in the styles of louvres for the S30. My personal preference is the aluminum style with rounded edges that install underneath the hatch window seal rather than having to drill holes in the hatch. I think some of them could even be locked with a key.

Sometimes they were painted the same color as the car, as you can see from the photos of my '78 when I first got her. I believe this was a popular dealer option in the 70's but I personally prefer the contrast of black louvres against the car's paint color. Also complements the black color of the OEM door mirrors on the 260 and 280 models. (I could be wrong but I believe that the 240Z came with chrome door mirrors.)

Sarah, I agree with you about how the rear window louvres beautifully complement the lines of the S30. In addition to reducing glare and helping keep the cabin cooler in the heat, they also make it harder to see what's in the hatch area.

Period correct and totally retro!

From a 1972 Datsun Accessories brochure...

Opinions will differ. One person's reason for using them is another person's reason for hating them. Go with YOUR feelings regarding whether to use/not use, it's YOUR car.

Here are some pictures of my car:

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8953&ppuser=1490

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8924&ppuser=1490

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8921&ppuser=1490

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8920&ppuser=1490

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8914&ppuser=1490

FWIW

E

PS: Andrew, the picture in post #2 doesn't have louvers.

thanx for all the pictures guys.

Someone locally here is selling a louver for a 280Z on CL. I want to use it on my Series 1 240z rear hatch. I guess the only way to find out weather or not they will fit is to test fit them on my hatch.

Below is a link to the CL ad; take a look:

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/pts/2013858339.html

My car going to be red in color with a black front MSA airdam and black ZG flares. Also my car will have a carbon fiber sparrow tail spoiler. I am hoping to add a rear louver (black) to prevent my carpet from fading in the sun and also giving the car a more aggressive look.

Edited November 28, 201014 yr by logan1

From a 1972 Datsun Accessories brochure...

That is way cool!!

thanx for all the pictures guys.

Someone locally here is selling a louver for a 280Z on CL. I want to use it on my Series 1 240z rear hatch. I guess the only way to find out weather or not they will fit is to test fit them on my hatch.

Below is a link to the CL ad; take a look:

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/pts/2013858339.html

Can't say for sure but judging by the large number of fins, this looks like its for a 280ZX. If so, it will not fit your car.

Another thing to be careful about: the rear louvres from a 2+2 model 260Z or 280Z won't fit either as the size of the hatch window is different from the coupe.

FastWoman: I see the 'bow' in one photo. The NIB one is straight. It has never been installed. I failed to mention that HLS30-00110 has one on from pre 76, the bottom one is straight across, all rubber pads are in place also, the new one has rubber nibs, smaller and pointier than the pads, to protect the glass.

My only thought would be a different maker. The one on #110 has a sticker "Mullholland Interpart", the one in the box is "Interpart LiftLouvre" purchased 8-80. Both mount under the weatherstrip.

Bonzi Lon

Back in my younger days I had louvers on my '71 240Z. But then again, back then I thought Walmart was a good place to buy auto accessories.

If you car lives outside, louvers will:

- keep the carpets from fading

- make it harder for people to peek in

- keep the interior cooler

Thanks, Bonzi. Mine is of unknown origin, but it inserts under the weatherstrip too. The pads were loose when I bought the car.

Please let me know whether that bottom louver bows somehow after you've got the thing installed. OK? Maybe it's just the nature of the beast.

This is regarding more with the "look" and the "Should I or should I not put them on" discussion in this thread. One of the most beautiful cars in the world has them, the Lamborghini Miura. Personally, I feel that they add to the classic look of the car which therefore sets it apart even further from all the cookie cutter cars being released today.

I don't have louvers on mine, they are one of the few classic '70s accessories I don't have. No way I'd drill the hatch for the body-mounted style today, but if I ever stumble across a good deal on a decent set of glass-mounted, I could be seriously tempted.