CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

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GISPOT
Joined: Fri 29 May, 2015 16:30
Posts: 12

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: New Forest, Hampshire UK
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CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by GISPOT »

Hi all Z3 owners.
I have owned a 1997 Z3 for about a year now & just love it. Looking at creating it slightly retro 1960 look for it because I consider the general body style & bonnet suggests that era.
So has anyone tried cutting louvred vents into their bonnet or seen it done, in the style of early Austin Healeys (see photo of 1962 attached)

Many thanks & any feedback welcomed including technical & aesthetics

Simon C
GI SPOT
Best to all for happy & safe motoring,
Simon C and ZEBEDEE
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Robert T
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Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by Robert T »

No photo (read this for how to post a photo on the forum), but I know exactly what you mean, as my other car is an Austin-Healey, albeit one without bonnet louvres. We have a good number of cars in the club with them.

Regarding adding them to the zed, I personally wouldn't, as they are a very good way of letting water into the engine-compartment and will be a pain in the posterior to clean. However, I have seen it done, but I am struggling to remember whether the pics were posted on here, or elsewhere on t'internet.

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by peter2b »

I think it would be costly as you would need a respray after they were put in+what Richard T said they let water and dust in
peter2b
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Robert T
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Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by Robert T »

peter2b wrote:what Richard T said they let water and dust in
Who? :shrug

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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DC
Joined: Tue 15 Sep, 2009 17:31
Posts: 571

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Inverness-shire

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by DC »

My Morgan came with louvres on the top and sides of the bonnet, designed to let the engine heat out. I never had a problem with water entering whilst the engine was running as the air flow was outwards but never parked facing down hill if it was raining.
Looked good on the Mog but I don't think they would look right on a Z3.
This is how MMC do them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4AI1SJ_iqY

Dave.
Dave. 1998 Arctic Silver Z3 M44 1.9 Automatic
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by Southernboy »

"Normal is overrated"
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John Wilson
Joined: Fri 12 Jun, 2009 12:11
Posts: 252

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Diss

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by John Wilson »

Years ago I shared a house with this bloke who had a Spartan kit car (based on a Triumph Herald chassis). That had louvres in the bonnet and when it rained, the distributor whould fill up with water resulting in a slight problem getting it started. Mind, compared to it's other problems, that was not a major drawback. In fact, not starting it could be seen as a distinct advantage.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: CUTTING LOUVRES INTO BONNET

Post by Southernboy »

:lol: :lol: :lol:
"Normal is overrated"
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