Carrera engine lid louvers in fiberglass

Has anyone considered manufacturing the fiberglass louvers to replicate those on the Carrera engine lid? This would be a great alternative to buying a complete new

I emailed Henry at IM a few weeks ago after seeing George Brown's pics of his car. Henry informed me he can currently produce them at a cost of over $500 at this time. But he has plans on having them produced in a different method which might reduce costs to around $300 in the near future.
I also heard a rumour that John Steele at JPS can produce the lids as well, but no confirmation as of yet.

JPS does 'em. There are some pictures of louvered deck lids that John Steele built on his website in the Gallery section.
www.jps-motorsports.com

Glenn, is that for the entire lid or just the louvers?

Brian

I have seen two different Carrera engine lids ...Be sure to view good pics of what you are getting. One I saw did not have the louvers matched evenly and was noticable.

I'm not a fiberglass expert but if someone has a good louvered hood they should be able to pull a cast off one and sell a few sets of louvers to others who don't have them - maybe pay for your hood? Hopefully the sets will cost much less than a complete hood and resolve comcerns about a full, new replacement hood fitting the existing body opening. Just an idea.....

Brian- For $300, I'd hope that was the entire rear decklid

Henry quoted me $900 US a couple of years ago for a carrera lid that's why I ask....

$300 US seems like a steal. I think one member here paid about $500 US to have his lid converted to louvers. If anyone has reason to contact Henry maybe they can ask and post?

Brian

The recent quote I was given to by Henry was around $600 +.

Joe S.

Note that the 1958 Carrera GT had 5 louvers, and the 1959 Gt had 6 louvers (see page 43 of Brett Johnson's book). My new IM 1958 Speedster replica has 6 louvers, which is one too many as I understand it. Not important to me, but I thought I would point it out if you plan to buy from IM.

Brian,

Were there any louvers on the '57? If so, how many?

For a 1956 the number of louvers is unimportant as some early Carreras were retro-fitted with louvered lids and used whatever was available; see Dr. Thiriar's book in the Carrera chapter...

Bruce: I can't find anything on earlier cars.

George:

I read the chapter you referenced and on page 95 there is a section that lists the most consistent characteristics of the Carreras. Item # 5 says: "The engine lid (in aluminum) from 1958 had five, then six (in 1959)...louvers..." This is in line with what I reported on earlier in Brett Johnson's books. I guess a 1956 could have had most anything as you suggest.