Opening Vents

How does everyone here open theirvents/slits/louvers on their cars? I'm not sure how to do this, because a dremel won't fit, and I don't want to destroy the body.

I mostly do 1/64 cars. Each type vent has a different technique. I use a Dremel with a drill bit for boot vents and work from the underside of the car. Just as the paint starts to blister I'll use an exacto to open it. Then a very thin file to work it out the rest of the way. Side vents I file open using a file that conforms to the vent also working from the inside. Openings such as the ones in the rear of the Chaparral I did were drilled then filed to shape. Examples of these are spotted throughout this board over tha last several months.

Like ClearHooter described, I thin the material from the inside first, but I use a burr if I'm dremeling, usually I hand file if I can get access.
Clean up of the opening is done with small files.
The vent area is discarded/destroyed and if a vent door or flap is needed, I make a new one from sheet plastic, brass or aluminum... - Mark

I've tried using a small, ball type, tungsten, burr; but it seemed to wear out or fill up when I'm grinding out a lot of metal. (If you haven't done it, you'd be surprised at the casting thickness at some of these vent points.) I still use the burr on my recessed head lamps for shaping... Was that even the kind of burr your speaking of?

I'm not crazy about the drill bit method but 'when neatness don't count' I just find it quicker. For control I'd say the burr worked better.

Also about boot-vents. Know where you want the opening to come through topside. Its easier to remove than put back. Try to shoot for as deep as you can get them.

In the end its what works best for you for the given application. What ever attachment you decide...Never Dremel without eye protection. :nono:

Not sure if it's tungsten, I have a bud style and a 1/4 inch diameter "can" style I use most of the time.
They are not the sharpest bits, but don't clog much either.
I don't dremel much, prefer hand cutting or outright machining.
And yes, ALWAYS wear eye protection, even if it's just for a second, that's all it takes... - Mark

one of you should make a tutorial