another fender vent install

[cellularSTEVE]

I saw John's install last week at the SoCal Meet and Greet.

These vents look awesome. Very nice install and they aesthetically fit with the design of the van, as if they were meant specifically for it.

If I didn't have a cool running V10 that is so nice and quiet , I would consider installing these too.

steve

[Angel]

times two

Angel

[jage]

Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE

If I didn't have a cool running V10 that is so nice and quiet , I would consider installing these too.

Awww, you can just get the stickers then.

I'm concerned that these would be like a hairdryer in summer and interfere with cool air coming in the windows, especially at low speed touring. I am going to have to wait, and not just because I'm about five deep in undone van projects.

[BroncoHauler]

About how long did this take?

Really interested in fendervents, but I'm still hesitant about installing plastic ones. Problem is, the only metal ones that would work aren't the greatest looking.

[note: manufacturer photo, not my hand]

Herb

[jage]

Why? Your hood is fiberglass and the deep set plastic is probably way stronger than what you pictured, which looks like surface mount stamped metal.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by jage

Why? Your hood is fiberglass and the deep set plastic is probably way stronger than what you pictured, which looks like surface mount stamped metal.

Fiberglass is one thing, but plastic is another when it comes to temperature extremes. I have a potentially unfounded, uneducated fear that long term exposure to the relatively high heat coming from the engine bay will compromise the integrity fo the plastic fender vents.


Herb

[accrete]

Originally Posted by jwintersteller

...I would have left the carbon fiber finish but I couldn't find a carbon fiber hood for a 2006 E350. If you know where I can find one, I'll strip the black paint right off those vents...

www.stickercity.com is where my wife an i purchased a 4' x 6' section of 3m di noc carbon fiber vinyl wrap for our van hood. Install took us about 2 hours, though a third pair of hands would have sure helped!! This product is fantastic stuff and ppl are blown away as to how great it looks and feels. Several actually thought we swapped out the hood!


cheers,
thom

[jage]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Fiberglass is one thing, but plastic is another when it comes to temperature extremes. I have a potentially unfounded, uneducated fear that long term exposure to the relatively high heat coming from the engine bay will compromise the integrity fo the plastic fender vents.

Never thought about it melting...

UTILZATION TEMPERATURE (deg. F)
- min: -40
- max: 194

MELTING POINT (deg. F): 221

Continuous Service Temperature - in Air (max. F)
185

Not sure how that translates in terms of actual air temperatures coming off the Diesel, specifically over the fenders, but now I have "roll down the window, hot plastic splashes on arm" to add to my list.

[jwintersteller]

Herb, I started on a Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday evening we were on our way to Mammoth, maybe 12 hours. I was really moving slow, I didn't want to slip. As for the vents being plastic, like jage pointed out, these are very sturdy and thick plastic. As soon as I pulled them out of the box, I knew they were worth the money. Any car or Truck that comes with vents, comes with plastic vents, Ford Super Duty, BMW, Land Rover and so on, they are all plastic. My biggest worry was, would it fit the contour of my fender. It's hard to believe that the fender of the Land Rover is the same shape of a Ford Van, it is.
John

[stikine]

Those are the coolest looking louvers or vents I have ever seen - I'm considering doing the same.

Did you use a angle grinder to cut out the holes (maybe a dremel to finish it up)?

What did you do differently than the install instructions called for?

In cooler climates like where I'm at, I always wondered if having a sliding cover over the vent would be a good idea in winter temperatures to keep the heat in & aid during warm up? I see lots diesel pickups, school buses & semi's with covers over their radiators so got me wondering?