[ThUmPeRcOn]

Ok so we all know our jeep's run a little hot so I have been pondering a hood louver for some time. I have been wanting to do a write up and contribute to JF and at the same time do something a little different. Well, I found the one I am going to pull the trigger on. It not only looks kick *** but also serves a purpose. Now I need some help deciding to paint it to match my Rubicon PW1 stone white or set it off by painting it black like 99% of my accessories?

Ok here is what I am going to do; I am going to cut holes in my perfectly good 03' Rubicon hood reduce the heat temp by 5% increase the air flow and install a good looking IMHO hood louver. Some of the selling points for me were it fits ALL 97-03 Jeep TJ's, utilizes my dual windshield washer sprayers, footman loop, windshield bumpers, it is metal/paintable, and does not require cutting into any of my hood supports. Now should I paint it white to match and keep it kind of unnoticeable or black to kind of set it off? Well here is the louver I have decided on write up, pics, and temp test to follow

P.s. I found it over on Zach's web site @ AtoZ Fabrication. There is a thread on it on Pirate 4x4 as well, and since I have seen posts here on every lift kit, suspension part, tires, wheels, etc... I thought this would be a little different, and I will make it tech by doing a write up of the install and a temperature test before and after the install. Now what color should I paint it? I cannot decide If I paint it white I dont think it would even be noticeable But if I paint it black it will def stand out? Any photoshoppers in the crowd tonight? P.s. I am pulling the trigger on this tomorrow morning, so I have about 4 days to make a decision


http://www.atozfabrication.com/catalog/19972003jeepwranglertjcyclonelouveredhoodinsert-p-181.html

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=635728

Here it is on the Manufacturers web site:http://www.aluminumcustoms.com/

[ribs]

I dunno I would go white tough tho it would look sweet painted black aswell.

the openings face forward right? what about water going under the hood?

[Snowdawg]

BLACK! Something like that needs to be seen

[xxxflhrci]

I'll pass.

[RAAB3485]

I like the Poison Spyder one a little better (really the only difference I see is the spyder logo instead of that goofy arrow circle. Though it costs more). Oh and here is a black Poison Spyder one on a white hood. (thats what I'd do if I were you)

[Unlimited04]

this is cheaper - http://www.oman4x4.com/hoodventinstall.htm

[ThUmPeRcOn]

I thought the same thing about the water but the entire under carriage is open and allot of people running tube fenders leave as much or more open in the fender wells. And yeah I am still torn on the paint color If you look at the pics the louvers are facing toward the window except just a few in the rear. and if you look at where you actually cut it out it is not as big of an area as it would appear from the look of the size of the entire piece. Scroll down on the pirate4x4 link for a better idea I don't see it being a problem. Ask some of the people here about the water they tread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=635728

[.Jch.]

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

this is cheaper - http://www.oman4x4.com/hoodventinstall.htm

look better imo as well.

[ThUmPeRcOn]

Originally Posted by RAAB3485

I like the Poison Spyder one a little better (really the only difference I see is the spyder logo instead of that goofy arrow circle. Though it costs more). Oh and here is a black Poison Spyder one on a white hood. (thats what I'd do if I were you)

Yeah black does look nice! But as stated above the PS one is twice as expensive @ $275.00+S/H

I will get it painted & installed and post up some pics I am considering having a friend of mine paint it to match my stone white color and shoot just the louvered areas black not sure yet I need a copy of photoshop.

[.Jch.]

Just looking at them do all the bolt heads on the one you are buying bother you? I noticed the PS one doesn't have them and it looks a bit cleaner. Also might pose a problem w/ paint having to deal w/ those bolts if you ever have to remove/tighten/adjust them.


PS. I found this amusing in the description: "This product is currently available for 97-03 TJ/LJ's." LJ's weren't made until 2004 though.

[ThUmPeRcOn]

I kind of liked the buttoned down look. And I believe they are making the LJ ones and others now." If you would like an insert for another vehicle shoot us an email...customer demand will drive production. The manufacturer has plans to do XJ's CJ's and YJ's but they are not sure what order these will go into production. Give us your feedback"when I talked to them it sounded like they were expanding to fit most jeep vehicles. A guy on Pirate4x4 stated he has one on his 04' LJ. I am kind of leaning toward painting it black to match my bumpers etc...I also e-mailed them to see if the logo was at all optional but it really doesn't matter to me either way. I looked at some other options but allot were plastic, this one is aluminum can be painted or anodized. I wonder what it would cost to have it anodized solid black?

[Hydro]

not bad, I dunno about the whole arrow thing though. If you can get a custom one I would probably buy it.

-Mike

[ThUmPeRcOn]

Originally Posted by Hydro

not bad, I dunno about the whole arrow thing though. If you can get a custom one I would probably buy it.

-Mike

I called them on the cut outs if they got enough orders it can be done w/o. and they are considering customs ones for the future. If I dont like it I will paint a black circle under the logo area before my install or one side black and leave the other white kind of like Yin & Yang. Since it is not a raised up area like the actual louvered areas I don't think it will be noticeable unless you walk right up on it. Any how getting photoshop today to try and help me make a decision on color. I can't believe I am having so much trouble making a decision but it will be easier once I lay it on the hood so we shall see. Kind of having fun with it now I slept on it last night and I have never done a write up on anything so this should be a little different flavor for the forum. I know not everyone will like it but it's my Jeep and we are all Individuals with diff taste.

[redsoxski]

Originally Posted by .Jch.

look better imo as well.

X2 - I think the OMAN ones look better as well AND they are only around $60

[ThUmPeRcOn]

Found a better picture not painted but the more I look at it the more I like it. Should be here in about 4 days Let the cutting begin!