looking for rear hood louvers to fit the back of a 71 Cutlass hood.
thanks. ecle@verizon.net

 

70-72 hoods had the cowling built into the hood. What louvers are you referring to? any pics?

 

I have two sets. One bare chrome (PO had them rechromed) and a set I paintakingly repainted flat black while leaving the chrome ribs showing.

Can send pics if need be.

cheers

 

I suspect you're referring to the 'faux louvers' that came standard on the Cutlass/Cutlass S with non OAI 442 hoods. They aren't located at the rear - they are on the outboard sides of the hoods ridgeline about 1/2 way back. They also need a retaining bracket under the hood to bolt to. This what you're looking for?


1970 cars had pierced louvers at the back of the hood just in front of the cowl trim. Keep in mind that 1970 hoods are more similar to 1969 hoods in terms of features and piercings/trim.

All Olds 1971 A bodies (non OAI) had rear vents pierced in the hood close to the cowl trim. So in 71 there were 3 basic hoods - the CS flat hood with rear vents and no faux louvers, the Cutlass/Cutlass S hood with rear vents and faux louvers, and the OAI hood.

In 1972, only the non AC cars had this feature, AC cars had no piercings there, but still retained the faux louvers. According to the 72 Assembly Manual there were 5 different hood options listed - those from 71, plus 2 others without piercings for AC and the W29 Oldsmobile Script.


1970


1971 (note faux louvers in mid hood and piercings at rear regardless of AC or no AC)


1972 (same as 71 for non AC - note second item on dealer brochure)


1972 Cutlass with AC hood. This W29 442 shown with no rear cowl vent piercing - indicates AC equipped. Also reference 1971/1972 Cutlass Assembly Manual that verifies this