Okay I think I'm getting ready to make a big purchase on a louver press. I have always wanted one and I think I'm really close to striking a deal on one that I found. I have never done louvers but it's a skill that I am excited to learn. With that being said I'm wondering what kind of interest there might be for those wanting louvers in the Colorado Springs and surrounding areas? This particular press has a 3-inch die and a 4-inch die.
No where near there and if you remain affordable and do good work you will always be busy. There is a large learning curve to laying out and punching louvers. I would suggest that you take a week and go visit @need louvers ? in Arizona before you start trying to punch someone's vintage sheet metal.
Theres a punch in ft collins. I hear rumor of one in denver but havent ever confirmed that its real. You'd probably be busy if you keep it reasonable.
I plan on punching a lot of flat sheet metal or just old worthless parts before I ever touch anyone's vintage stuff. The guy that has this press has had it for about 20 years and he built it. He said he'd be very willing to school me on louvers. I would plan on being very reasonable.
There is a fellow by the name of Sam Jameson that does louvers in Denver. I think he's been punching louvers since 1980 and is extremely good at it. I just talked to him this weekend down in Pueblo at the nsra nats. He's probably going to do my '47 Hudson hood for me.
It was a pleasure talking to you and your wife at the dirt drags. It looks like a need might turn into a side job. My best advice is to look at as many finished jobs as you can and pay attention to what looks good and what doesn't. Sometimes I will get customers that want a layout that I would never recommend but it is their stuff and I do what they want. If you want any tips give me a call and I will share my knowledge. One question you will get often is "how much lighter will the hood be after you punch all those holes". Just be kind.
Thanks for the kind words and likewise it was a pleasure meeting/talking to you at the dirt drags. I extremely appreciate the offer for some schooling which I will definitely need. If I end up with this press it'll probably be awhile before I do any louvers for someone. I definitely don't want to be the one that people talk about saying "you don't want that guy to do the job".
The fellow in post #6 is in Durango. I've seen his work and it's excellent. You should check with him.
Of all the specialized trades, I have noticed the louver gurus are willing to share and tutor more than engine builders, machinists, and painters. (just an observation) The elder fellow that owned 'Happy Days Louvers' (or 'Good Times louvers') also manufactured presses...air over hydraulic, also 'porta-power' pump manuals. (not recommended) He started out in San Jose, 1978 (?) thereabouts. In '82, he relocated to Santa Maria area, (San Luis Obisbo?) was still in business for years. He had a 'scalloped' louver, and a 'pointed' one...both 2-1/2". Advertised in 'Street Rodder, is he still around? I don't read 'Street Rodder', 'cuz I ain't one.
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