Replacement Aluminium Dash Top Air Vents

Leven Technology

Having been impressed with the Petrol Cap from Leven, I went ahead and got hold of the wedge aluminium Air Vent set. The 9 aluminium vents are a direct replacement for the black plastic versions that TVR originally fitted, and I think are a big improvement. Being aluminium, the new vents 'update' the look of the car a little in keeping with the newer models. The vents come in a clear plastic presentation case as shown below (Christmas is coming!).

Original TVR vents		Presentation box

To fit, you gently prise the old plastic vent out with a thin blunt instrument (small screwdriver etc), this is quite easy although a little fiddly as the steep rake of the windscreen can get in the way. To hamper the proceedings, my plastic vents were also glued in at the factory, although only by a small spot of adhesive. I took my time, and was very careful not to damage the leather dash top, in a very short order the old vents were out.

The Leven vent		Pushing the new vent home

The new vents are simply lined up with the hole in the dash-top and pushed into place (as above). All the vents fitted perfectly and once fitted, looked great. My dash top is dark blue hide with a dark blue ventilation strip, the colour combination really shows off the vents well (see pics below).

The one thing that concerned me about fitting these vents, is the reflection on the inside of the windscreen. I thought the vents might cause a distraction whilst driving. Although they do reflect in the screen, because they are so near the bottom of the windscreen the reflections cannot be seen over the top of the bonnet, and do not obscure the driving view at all.

Close-up of a fitted vent		Click to enlarge

Leven advise us that the vents will fit the following wedges: 350i, 350 SE, 350 SX, 390 SE, 400 SE 450 SE and the SEAC models. The test car was a 1989 TVR 350i and fitted perfectly. If you have the nine black plastic vents on your wedge earlier that a 350i then please check with Leven as they may fit as well.

The vents can be purchased mail order from Leven Technology direct or through the TVRCC. The cost of the vents is £60.00 (at the time of review) for a set of nine. This includes vat and P&P.