DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Guys, my new 88 Iroc was a DE1 louver car, but it did not have them when I purchased the car. I'm working a deal on a garage kept (yeah right, lol) set of factory GM/DE1 louvers off an 84 car. To my knowledge, the only difference through the years was due to the brake light. An 84 wouldn't have any, and my 88 is in the spoiler, so no issue. Any other differences???

*** DE1 and the part number are confirmed, they appear to be the real deal. 5 hours away, wanna be sure.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

You are correct that there were three sets, no third brake light, the '86-'87 rear window 3rd brake light and the '91-'92 3rd brake light setup. Now, over the years, they were improved to make them rattle less, but they were all basically the same except the 3rd brake light setup.

The set I have right now was made from 2 sets of '91-'92 louvers. The 3rd brake light area can be replaced with the slats from above and below the light as they are numbered and a few of them can be used in multiple positions.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Thanks Scott! ....any idea about where to buy the dzus fasteners? -or rather maybe the question should be, are they just normal dzus fasteners??? I've never actually SEEN one, though the seller says she has 1 unused to use for reference.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

hey man on the hunt for the dzus fasteners my self here’s what mine looks like only need one at the moment
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...fbc43a093.jpeg

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Do a search on our forum for dzus fasteners. I think Drew located a company that has replacements.

I don't know if these are still available or if they come in black, but this came from a quick search.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...r-louvers.html

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

So I wanted to post an update. I've actually purchased TWO sets of louver...both from NON third brake light cars. So I guess 85, or 87-90. Anyhow, I haven't placed them side by side yet, but there's one major difference I can see right away. As you would be standing at the rear hatch, one set has the supports/prop rods folding up towards the top hinges, the other set has the prop rods folding left to right across each other.

Anyone know which set is older and which is newer???

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

I just bought a set from an 82, which has the prop rods at the back, folded left to right, so I'm guessing that's the earlier design.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

I want louvers. Are you selling one?

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Louvers weren't available from the factory on the '82 models.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Possibly but it won't be a "good" set, ready to install. ...So here's my strategy. I've seen mint condition, ready to use louvers from $600 to as high as $1000!!!! My goal was to scour the garage sales and old junker cars and find cheap louvers in need of work. I've got about $350 in my TWO sets, and I now have one set with no dents. Now it definitely will need sanding and painting, but I'm not afraid of that. I'd probably try to sell my leftover parts for $75 to $100 bucks, to someone trying to do the same thing as I did.

Scott, which way did your prop rods fold? ....though for an 87, you can't get MORE in the middle of the 10 year run, so I don't know if that's considered early or late!? LOL

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

That actually makes me feel a little better. I snagged them from a guy selling an 82 pace car, felt bad if I was taking something away from the originality of it if someone else wanted the whole car. What was the first year for them?

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...6f608fa593.png
Every set of louvers I've owned, from the factory, were all rear to front prop rods. The ones that were on my IROC-Z were made from two sets of 91/92 that replaced the 3rd brake light slats with one from above and one from below the light assembly (#2 and #5). Each slat is numbered and a few can be used in multiple places.

My instruction manual for putting together the 91/92 set shows the prop rods at the bottom slat going side to side, but like I said, the ones I had didn't, so I guess there were different manufacturers for the factory sets and they designed the prop rods differently.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

what type of left over parts are we talking about?
thanks for all the input, this thread has been helpful

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

As you can see in the diagram Scott posted, you have a left side, a right side, and then 10 slats. I know all four of my side pieces are good. I also know I have 10 good slats. I also know I have 1 really banged up top/hinge slat that would work, but looks pretty bad. As for the other 9, some are good, some have slight dents. -so my leftovers would be a complete, working set that you could install, but not quite sure of the exact condition. That being said, I may do the same thing again though. Look for a third set cheap, and once again piece together one good condition set. sand, paint, and then try to sell. I'm just not sure yet. Hopefully I'll have a better idea in the next few weeks.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Chris, remember that the slats are numbered and a #2 slat will NOT work in the #8 position. The #1 slat, being the hinged slat, is the only slat that works in that position. The next two slats will be labeled as #2 OR #3, then the next will be labeled #4 OR #5. There are some of the lower slats that are position specific, but I can't remember which ones. I think the slats get longer as you get closer to the bottom.

Can the dents in the slats be removed with a flat body hammer and a dolly? If worked slowly, you might be able to clean them up enough for just a skim coat, prior to primer and paint.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

Scott, the ONLY slat that I feel is damaged beyond repair, is the top/hinged slat on the new set I just picked up. Still functional, but is well beyond my level of skill. Maybe for a pro....but not me. I do believe all the other damaged slats can be massaged with a hammer and dolly. That was my plan from the get go. That being said, there are only 2 other slats on the new set that aren't perfect, and they're both REALLY good. Some might leave 'em alone, but I'm shooting for 99 out of 100. ...and just so happens, both of those numbered slats are perfect on the FIRST set!!!! .....so one way or another, I'm good!!!!!

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

FWIW....there's another set I found in Tennessee. Like most, needs a refurb, but they LOOK straight. Has hardware too. Only $100, but local pickup only. 'bout 5 hours from me, but....with 2 sets already.....lol.....not sure I need 'em!

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

I think for the Firebird with the Aero Spoiler they were different too, or they were just not offered.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

would you be wiling to sell just the top slat? My top slat is missing a hinge

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

I need the top slat. One of mine is pretty bent up, and the I need the other one as replacement. Sorry.

Re: DE1 Window Louvers....all the same???
 

I’ll take the bent one as long as it has the hinges or one hinge.