What's are louvers you ask? in case you haven't heard of them before, the dictionary defines them as "angled slats or flat strips in regular intervals to allow light or air to pass through." They have been used throughout the history of the automobile for various applications of aerodynamics, as well as providing ventilation for closed-off engine compartments. They have many uses and can be found everywhere, including on gym lockers, the most recognizable example of them.
The hot-rod scene is where they can be primarily seen on vehicles. early and current hot-rodders use them for functionality and aesthetic touches. Most of the time they work as minor styling touches, just like how pinstriping can accent with just a small amount. On the other hand, you can get completely carried away with louvering an entire vehicle and end up with nice results. This is entirely possible because they can be addictive.
With that said, louvers are a great styling addition to consider when building a truck. in case you don't know, Sir Michaels has the capability to add louvers to any piece of sheetmetal that can reach its facility. Yes, that is correct. The same company that is known for making the most widely used line of roll pans also punches these cool louvers. furthermore, it's a pretty interesting process, so read on to see what it takes to create a louver.
Part One: Prep It!
While pondering what direction to take my Chevy S-10 project, i decided to go with a retro theme. i love hot rods, and i figured that louvers would be a great way to add some nostalgia to my plain old hood.
 1. With my S-10 in the Sir...  1. With my S-10 in the Sir Michaels parking lot, the crew popped off the hood in just a couple of minutes. By removing the wiper cowl, they were able to access the two bolts that hold the hood on to the fenders. |  2. Jerry placed the hood on...  2. Jerry placed the hood on a set of stands and removed the insulation liner that is attached to the underside. it is no longer necessary to run this liner, so it can either be stored or trashed. |  3. The louvering process involves...  3. The louvering process involves punching holes in the hood's sheetmetal, which means it has to be stripped all the way down. The first step in doing this is to sand the top side of the hood. |