Convertible rear vent tubes leaking

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Sep 7, 2015 | 12:03 PM

MMJ

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From: Piedmont Missouri

Does anybody have a good way to stop leaks in the rear astro ventilation vents? The rubber elbow on mine isn't tall enough for the tube from the vent to go down inside. So when I wash it I get soaked rear carpet. It's the same on both sides. I don't think caulking will work very well because you can't get behind it.

Last edited by MMJ; Sep 7, 2015 at 12:23 PM.

Sep 7, 2015 | 01:29 PM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi MMJ,
It appears from the picture that the drain hose has been cut for some reason.
If you can't stretch it enough to get the original clamp to hold it in place on the plenum tube I guess replacing it is an option.
The tubes are available from various vendors such as Paragon (15671k), but replacing it is a bit of work since it's riveted in place. It looks like yours are pop-riveted in place which will make it a bit easier.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Sep 7, 2015 | 10:05 PM

MMJ

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From: Piedmont Missouri

Thanks, Alan. I went ahead and drilled out the rivets. One of the elbows was really clogged up with 45 years of dirt. I cleaned them out and went ahead and sandblasted and painted the hose shields. Am trying to decide whether or not to order new tubes. I don't see a picture of the one for convertables anywhere. Just the coupes. Not sure how long the new one are. Thanks,

Mark

Sep 8, 2015 | 07:48 AM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi Mark,
I looked at the Paragon on-line catalogue and the convertible tubes are shown. They appear to be VERY short…. not much longer than yours, if any longer at all.
I think I'd try to see if you can get yours to seal before springing for new ones which MIGHT not be any better.
I don't know that I've ever seen any convertible tubes close up so I'm not sure what they typically look like.
So ???
Regards,
Alan

Sep 8, 2015 | 09:50 AM

doorgunner

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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna

Thanks Alan.....good info that I will be needing!

Sep 8, 2015 | 03:12 PM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

There might be another option. My 1974 convertible with A/C does not have those tubes. In fact if I look down through the vent grilles I see the garage floor. The vent plates at the rear of the interior compartment do NOT open: they are permanently sealed. I would guess that the GM reasoning at the time was that you did not need flow-through ventilation with A/C. So I would be tempted to Goop shut the vent plates inside and remove whatever tube mechanisms are under the deck grilles. Then as with my car when washed, the water just flows onto the pavement.

Sep 9, 2015 | 03:04 PM

69Vett

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if you remove the rubber drain, and you have cracks, you can use the black Plastic-dip.
material, brush it on, inside and outside. build it up with a couple coats,
it will look, and perform like new again.
this Plastic-dip works pretty good for some interior repairs also.