Restoring and Installing Shadow Louvres

 In 1978, my car was optioned with the Saab louvre accessory. These are a very cool piece to add to any classic 900 or 99 hatchback, as they look fantastic. However, over time, water can get trapped in the mounting feet, and rust the hatch itself out. So, many have also removed them for that reason. I, on the other hand, say to hell with that! They look fantastic, and I need them on my 99. 

The previous owner removed them, likely for the same reasons that others have. He sold them prior to my ownership, and I bought the car without them installed. Sean Pollitt at RedAero Saab had a set that perfectly matched my car, as they were from a 99 Turbo. If you look closely, there is a difference in the Shadow Logos. We'll get into that with more detail later. 

The louvres I got were cheap, but were very faded. Nice examples can fetch up to $1000! So, of course, a refinish was in the works. I had never refinished or painted anything, so this process was new for me. Fortunately, it proved to be a fun a project, just very labor intensive and time consuming. I'm very happy with the results though. Let's have a look at the process. 

First, here's what you'll need:

• 3-4 cans of Rustoleum Satin Black Enamel
• 2-3 cans of Rustoleum primer gray
• Enamel satin clearcoat (optional)
• 3M double-sided tape
• 3M Window/glass gasket sealer
• Sanding blocks/paper - I wouldn't use a buffer
• Magic eraser
• An inside space to paint your louvres

Now let's begin.

1. The Grit of It: Start by sanding the shit out of the louvres, but do it gently. The metal is very thin and delicate. Use a relatively smooth sandpaper grit. I recommend using a block, as it will give you more control on the wide surfaces. 

For the "Shadow!" logo, use a Magic Eraser to buff it out. I didn't document this process super well, but I did get a good before and after of the logo when I buffed it.

Remember how I mentioned the logo difference? This early version of the shadow logo is only found on these early 99/900 models from '78 to '79. Very rare!

1A. Before...

1B. After!

2.  Time to Prime: Using some primer, complete at least 1-2 coats, doing both the top and undersides. It is a lengthy process, but I promise it's worth it! Allow about a week to dry between coats.

3. Painting: Before you start, ensure the primer is completely dry. Then, go to town with your paint. I would be more cautious here than with the primer. Allow each side to dry completely before painting the other. Make sure you get the nooks and crannies too! 

In the end, I completed about 2 coats of paint. It took about a month to finish, but it was worth the extra time to ensure no mistakes. Clear coat is optional. I haven't used any, and I haven't noticed any harm to my work. 

I did get this cool effect from painting on a blanket. I wish I made this a T-Shirt...

4. Installing: This is the toughest part in my opinion, and is honestly best when completed with two people. I recommend doing the job on a hot day. 

Here is a great video tutorial on how to install these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKe-y4JvDwo&t=372s

Key details to keep in mind: 

• These louvres come with 4 mounting feet - 2 large, 2 small. The two largest feet go at the top, and the two smallest at the bottom. 
• The louveres are designed to be lifted so the rear window can be cleaned. The hinges you see are a deliberate design feature. 
• They are then locked into the bottom feet via a plastic lock clip and that small part that sticks up.
• Use a dry erase marker to mark off where they fit before installing. Now let's begin

4A: Start by heating the rear window gasket to a temperature where it slightly loosens. Don't overheat it. 

4B: Using a plastic pick, lift up the area where you marked your mounting feet to go, and slide the feet under the window gasket. Do this an additional three times for each area.

4C: With your mounting feet in place, lift them up, and install the 3M double sided tape between the window and the mounting foot. 

4D. Install the louvres. Start on the top, and screw each hinge onto its foot. Make sure that the hinge is folded underneath the louvre. Then screw each side in, starting from the outside screw, then the inner. 

4E: Around the perimeter of each mounting foot, squeeze 3M gasket/window sealer to ensure there is no space for water to get in. You will have to do this a few times per year.  

5. Enjoy your louvres: Your hard work paid off - Enjoy the classic look! They might be noisy, but its worth it.