Get the answers you need for Willpak Industries Window Louvers.
Q: Why wait 24 hours before I install the Rear Window Louver?
Important: Wait the full 24 hours before installing the louver to the stainless mounting plates. This is to achieve maximum adhesion of the mounting brackets; the 3M adhesive needs time to set up or "Cure".
A: It’s important to wait the full 24 hours before installing the louver to the stainless mounting plates. This is to achieve maximum adhesion of the mounting brackets; the 3M adhesive needs time to set up or "Cure". While the brackets may feel solidly attached after applying to the glass, they need a full 24 hours to ensure the bracket will not come loose when the car is driven. It’s also important, that the exposed side of the 3M adhesive is not touched or contaminated before applying it to the glass to achieve maximum adhesion.
Q: Why are there multiple strips of 3M automotive-grade adhesive tape on the back of the mounting brackets?
A: This is to ensure that air pockets do not develop under the adhesive; the strips allow for any air that could be trapped to escape via the gaps between the strips. Maximum pressure applied to the top of the bracket will make for good contact. Apply a small amount of silicone adhesive around the bracket, as instructed.
Q: Why the silicone adhesive around the brackets?
A: This will ensure that moisture will not “undercut” the 3M automotive-grade adhesive over time. The best procedure is to mask off the glass area around the bracket, leaving about a 3/8” of glass visible. Apply a thin bead of clear silicone to all the edges of the stainless mounting plate and press in with your finger to seal all edges.
Q: Why is my Astra/Hammond Rear Window Louver not hinged?
A: Some of our more recent Rear Window Louvers are not hinged; most of the customers preferred the tighter and more custom fit to the rear glass; and, they say that it’s not that difficult to remove and replace if needed.
Q: How do I clean the glass once I have mounted the Rear Window Louver?
A: The louver can be removed by unscrewing the black thumbscrews and removing the small stainless washers. No tools should be required for this step. While the louver is fairly light in weight; you will still need to be very careful, as it is flexible and you want to avoid having it make contact with any painted surface of your vehicle. The removal and replacement of the Rear Window Louver may only take a matter of minutes. Believe it or not, you will have to clean the rear window less frequently with an Astra/Hammond louver; since the sunlight does not shine directly on the rear glass there is no glare. Minor dust and water spots are not really visible where there is no glare from the glass. In many cases, just washing the louvers and between the louvers with clean water will keep the rear glass clear and clean.
Q: Can I paint the Rear Window Louver?
A: Yes. All three types of Astra/Hammond Rear Window Louvers: Aluminum, Textured ABS, and Smooth ABS can be painted. The Smooth ABS is the only Astra/Hammond Rear Window Louver that is designed and required to be painted. Astra/Hammond Rear Window Louvers are available painted from the Manufacturer.
Q: Can custom rear window louvers be ordered?
A: No, unfortunately, we do not produce custom or one-off rear window louvers because they would not be cost-effective for the customer (in regards to time and materials spent on designing, prototyping, and testing). Additionally, some makes and models of vehicles are no longer available for extensive testing.