1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

[Richard K.]

Has anyone attempted to restore the eight fender louver trim pieces? How is it best done?

or

Are the currently available reproductions so dead-nuts accurate that it's not worth the time & hassle to restore the originals?

[Leif A.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Richard,
Corvette Central sells them. I'm sure you're aware that if you're considering having your car judged, there will be a minor deduct for these...dealer installed.

https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-68-82/exterior-trim/68-69-side-louver-set-does-both-sides-333001?returnurl=%2fc3-68-82%2fexterior-trim%2f%3fcount%3d36

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

I'm sure you're aware that if you're considering having your car judged, there will be a minor deduct for these...dealer installed.

They were a factory option, so I'm not sure why you think there would be a deduction?

I recall that there was (once?) a difference, but in doing some looking last year for the 68-69 JG I sure could not find any between original and those newly installed.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Richard,
Corvette Central sells them. I'm sure you're aware that if you're considering having your car judged, there will be a minor deduct for these...dealer installed.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...f%3fcount%3d36

I was under the impression the factory installed these, if part of the ordered option package.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Has anyone attempted to restore the eight fender louver trim pieces? How is it best done?

or

Are the currently available reproductions so dead-nuts accurate that it's not worth the time & hassle to restore the originals?

Richard,
It depends on what condition yours are in. If there is extensive pitting at the edges, which were chromed, there is not much you can do but if the pitting is in the central area that was painted, you can smooth this out, fill any pits and spray with argent silver. I did this on my '69 many years ago and they still look like new. BTW- they are secured with well nuts which you can buy at most any hardware store. They are available in many thread sizes including the original size as supplied from St. Louis.
Jeff

[Leif A.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

They were a factory option, so I'm not sure why you think there would be a deduction?

I recall that there was (once?) a difference, but in doing some looking last year for the 68-69 JG I sure could not find any between original and those newly installed.

I stand corrected. I had the dealer install them on my '69 that I purchased back in '69. I bought it off the lot...in stock unit.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Has anyone attempted to restore the eight fender louver trim pieces? How is it best done?

or

Are the currently available reproductions so dead-nuts accurate that it's not worth the time & hassle to restore the originals?

Rich-----

You can often find NOS examples of these on eBay. Part numbers were 3945247 and 3945248.
R

[Ron G.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

For those who care the option code was TJ2 and it was a $12.65 option.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

For those who care the option code was TJ2 and it was a $12.65 option.

Ron------

Yes, and these were applicable only to 1969 although they could be installed on a 1968.

For me, though, it's like this: I did not order this option in 1969. I never installed the louver trim at any later time. I never purchased the the louver trim pieces when they were available from GM (which they were for a very long time). I never purchased the louver trim pieces from other sellers after they were GM-discontinued for my collection. And, I'm never going to purchase any in the future.

[Richard K.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Jeffrey,
Did you apply any kind of primer over the chrome surface before applying the Argent Silver paint?

Not sure where I acquired this information, but I thought in early 1969 the TJ2 side trim became a mandatory option. Kinda makes sense to me because the factory would have to drill 8 holes in the body and install 8 trim pieces after the body was produced. Probably cost them $112.65 to drill and install. These didn't last long as an "option" either, since the '70 - 72's were adorned with the one-piece eggcrate grills.

Yes, these are fairly available on Ebay, usually one at a time, at, on average, about $75 each w/ship. So, trying to collect 8 of them over time at about $600 total warrants a close look at the repops at $200, if they're say, a "95%er".

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Richard,
I don't think I used any primer- just sanded the surface and put on the paint. If I remember correctly, when I stripped the original paint (what was left of it) there was no evidence of a primer. But it has been so long that it's hard to recall.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Jeffrey,
Did you apply any kind of primer over the chrome surface before applying the Argent Silver paint?

Not sure where I acquired this information, but I thought in early 1969 the TJ2 side trim became a mandatory option. Kinda makes sense to me because the factory would have to drill 8 holes in the body and install 8 trim pieces after the body was produced. Probably cost them $112.65 to drill and install. These didn't last long as an "option" either, since the '70 - 72's were adorned with the one-piece eggcrate grills.

Yes, these are fairly available on Ebay, usually one at a time, at, on average, about $75 each w/ship. So, trying to collect 8 of them over time at about $600 total warrants a close look at the repops at $200, if they're say, a "95%er".

Rich------


The TJ-2 trim was never a mandatory option for 1969. My original owner 1969 was built in mid-September, 1969 and it did not have the trim (thank God). I have seen 1969's built in December, 1969 which did not have the trim, either.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Ron------

Yes, and these were applicable only to 1969 although they could be installed on a 1968.

For me, though, it's like this: I did not order this option in 1969. I never installed the louver trim at any later time. I never purchased the the louver trim pieces when they were available from GM (which they were for a very long time). I never purchased the louver trim pieces from other sellers after they were GM-discontinued for my collection. And, I'm never going to purchase any in the future.

Joe,

I can appreciate the "less is better" taste for styling. For me, these louvers don't distract and look fine; as a prospective buyer of a new '69 in the day, I would be on the fence. Maybe plain louvers for a big-block, no-frills street fighter; and maybe get them for the fully optioned cruiser. This car looks awesome in either role.

My least favorite optional trim? Probably vinyl roofs and protective belt-line trim on any car.

[Michael B.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Of course an option is a choice of the buyer based on perspective (and wallet). I happen to like mine with my L68.

[Walter G.]

Re: 1969 Option TJ2, Front Fender Louver Trim

Your pic of the Riverside Gold '69 reminds me of my first Vette; same color with the fender trim, 390 HP 427, white stripe tires, and PO2 wheel covers. Bought it used in 1974. Have owned nine since then, but still miss it...