Passenger A/C duct

[b_hill_86]

Has anyone that lurks around here still tried an aftermarket A/C duct that fits under/behind the glovebox? I seem to recall reading somewhere the fit was terrible but I don’t remember where. All of the used ones I’ve seen are in bad shape and probably as brittle as mine.

[b_hill_86]

Thanks, that’s a start.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

We always seem to rescue each other from our problems, b_hill lol.

*I* purchased the new aftermarket duct when I did my heater core replacement. My original was broken completely at the two bottom holes that use the star washers on the screws, which not only made it so that it couldn't be fastened, but also allowed air to escape.

I got the new one from Firebird Central, but the same duct is available from multiple purveyors. The fit isn't perfect but it is serviceable.  The tabs that those two screws I just mentioned go through on the bottom of the duct are a lot thicker than the stock one, so you'll need to push your screwdriver or ratchet HARD to get the screws to compress the blow mold enough to catch the threads on the glovebox frame, but you'll get it. Otherwise it's been fine. Don't forget to get new foam seal for the main opening to the heater box. I used the compressible foam with the adhesive backing from Home Depot and it's been fine.

Point is, it'll work.

[b_hill_86]

Thanks I appreciate it. Mine is not fixable and I have a spare “original” that’s in better but not perfect shape I was going to try to make work. Good timing though, I’m pulling my radio so I have it all apart at the moment.

[b_hill_86]

I bought one of the aftermarket ducts under the glove box. Received it today but didn’t get long to look and compare with my two originals. I will snap some pics but initial impressions are good. 

[b_hill_86]

Came home from work this evening and compared the new piece to my original. I have a second original piece I didn’t take the time to dig out but I don’t think it’s necessary. As far as I can tell this is a very good reproduction. The plastic is slightly stiffer which I imagine is a good thing. The opening to the heater box is just a tiny bit smaller as in 1/16-1/8 depending where but I don’t see that as a hindrance in any way. Here’s a few pics.

[b_hill_86]

For what it’s worth to whenever it’s worth, I’m pleased with this new duct. I don’t have any handy pics although I’ll take some it fits pretty well. The only weird area is under the glovebox where the two bolts attach and where the hole for the glovebox vent is. Otherwise, I’m happy with it.

[roadking77]

Where did you get that from?  I just pulled my heater box to replace the heater core. That exact piece of duct that I have is broke in the same spot as the one you have shown. Prev Owner put black duct tape over the hole. I know I would have found it sooner than later but the core going bad was actually a blessing in disguise. Now I need to get that piece of duct.

[b_hill_86]

I ordered mine from Firebird central but I believe they’re available in multiple places

[5th T/A]

Good to know that a decent repo part is available.

Mine was damaged I believe when someone did a heater core replacement. The same area mentioned where the star washers hold it to the bottom of the dash. They were probably over tightened, and the brittle plastic cracked and collapsed. I purchased an automotive fiberglass repair kit for under ten bucks. I had to spray some flat black paint to cover the clear resin after it hardened. It was a cheap easy fix. I too had to replace the foam gasket between this duct and the heater box because it was disintegrated.

[Wallington]

Good pics. What we need is a NOS (or original) vs Repro parts thread!

[FormTA]

Brian, you should add this to Wellington's/Aus's repo comparison thread. That is becoming a thread I like to visit to se the quality and comparison of repo parts.

[b_hill_86]

I don’t think I could do I justice like Ben does with his detail

[FormTA]

Ya but at least folks would know it actually fits and functions unlike a bunch of repop stuff.

[roadking77]

I was thinking about repairing mine. But was not sure if fibreglass would work with the plastic. I am not opposed to the idea. Then I thought about an abs repair kinda thing, but then figured by the time I bought the stuff to repair I may as well just get a new part. I will look at the options and figure something out. At one time I had a bunch of duct parts stashed away. I looked one place where I thought they would be and no luck. Im not sure if they were lost in the fire or somewhere else. I still have one spot to look.

[b_hill_86]

I always planned to try to fix mine. I figure it can be done. Then I got another duct in better condition than mine in a parts lot. Still broken. I just opted for the new one and honestly, $130 or whatever I was is worth the time I would’ve had to put in to fix it. Maybe someone else would like to try and I can get rid of the old ones I have. Or they’ll go in the trash

[roadking77]

Thats kinda the way I look at things. My time is worth something to me and if I an squeeze out a few hours to patch something together then thats fine. BUT if I have other things to better spend my time on then so be it. Another thing I look at is the price of the part. 130. is not cheap, but in the grand scheme of a car restoration its not going to break the bank either. I look at what parts do I need, and if that money can be better spent on something I may not be able to fix. I'll let you know how I make out with this one.

[rkellerjr]

There is a place called "Franks Pontiac Parts" that I've used for good used parts. I bought all my vent ducts from them and they were perfect and fit great since they are OEM. Just a thought.

[roadking77]

I will second Franks in California. Being on the wrong side of the country I was hesitant to use them. They have a great inventory updated almost daily. I found a few 'impossible' to find parts for my motor rebuild. Stuff that some parts guys told me I would NEVER find. Every time I call, there is a very nice lady and knowledgeable lady that answers the phone. Shipping is great and I typically get the stuff in less than a week.

Thanks for the reminder Rich.

[Wallington]

I had a very rude response from them maybe 15 years ago after a simple inquiry. They could have said no, sorry we find it too hard to ship internationally even if you are prepared to pay twice the value in shipping, but was more like absolutely no chance of that happening, must be dreaming to think anyone will do that for you. So I went elsewhere and they did. I seemed to recall it was a guy, if even said at all. Maybe having a bad day but also take the customers and hobby for granted.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

I had a very rude response from them maybe 15 years ago after a simple inquiry. They could have said no, sorry we find it too hard to ship internationally even if you are prepared to pay twice the value in shipping, but was more like absolutely no chance of that happening, must be dreaming to think anyone will do that for you. So I went elsewhere and they did. I seemed to recall it was a guy, if even said at all. Maybe having a bad day but also take the customers and hobby for granted.

I agree, they can be a little too curt with their interactions.

[roadking77]

Thats funny how people will get different responses. Their website is pretty straightforward and I think it even says something like Dont ask for a part if its not listed kinda thing. I was placing an order over the phone and just mentioned another part I was looking for, she gave me an email and said to specify what I was looking for and the guys in the shop would see if they could find it. I did so, got an email response right away asking what I wanted. A day later they emailed back and said they had the part! I had already found it elsewhere but thought the service was pretty good.

[TA301]

Here is my post regarding this part. Says it all. I returned it and installed a mint used GM original. Took 10 minutes. The reproduction has mounting tabs that are double or maybe triple the thickness of the GM original making it impossible to install as the other outlets associated with will NOT line up. Stay away.

https://www.transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=84754.msg16185#msg16185

[b_hill_86]

Here is my post regarding this part. Says it all. I returned it and installed a mint used GM original. Took 10 minutes. The reproduction has mounting tabs that are double or maybe triple the thickness of the GM original making it impossible to install as the other outlets associated with will NOT line up. Stay away.

https://www.transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=84754.msg16185#msg16185

Perhaps they changed it in the meantime or something. I didn’t have any major issues installing mine

[TA301]

I don't know if they have or not as I posted the original article 14 months ago. When I returned it, I detailed my findings. Perhaps they took a clue. At the time I posted my article, nobody had installed this piece as there were no responses. When did you install yours? I checked a video I made comparing original GM to reproduction. There were height and width differences in the 4 outlets associated with the part along with the thicker mounting pad. Also, the main inlet is flat whereas oem has a tilt. The bilevel outlet is smaller in the reproduction. Checking my logbook for the work done, it says the outlets do not line up when installed. It was a terrible experience. I liked the quality of the reproduction but not the fitment.

[b_hill_86]

I installed this in early April. I wonder if ours are from different manufacturers or something. My experience didn’t seem to be like yours. I found mine to line up fine and although I think the area under the glovebox is thicker it didn’t prohibit me from installing those screws. I used my original.

[Wallington]

Could be something simple like each plastic duct part is 95% out of shape or warped or variation and by the time you reach the end it doesn't fit as it should, or fits too easily! Or one section is not in correct location and the rest all mount of it and no adjustment by time last part goes on. Hard to say, still can be frustrating. Might be the same even if it were a NOS part.

[TA301]

So, who has ever replaced the door perimeter seal/weatherstrips?

[Wallington]

Possibly everyone.