Hi bb,
The rubber tubes are just slip fits in the copper tubing.
I really don't know if you could use just rubber tubing.
I guess there's enough chance of pinching it or Chevrolet wouldn't have used the copper.
Here's the AIM page showing the connections under the shifter console and back at the vacuum pot.
Regards,
Alan

 

Thanks Alan again.
I was able to get the system working properly last night.
Stopped on the way home and got a length of 1/8" rubber vacuum hose and small butt connectors, and just routed that all the way to the rear plenum actuator.
Seems to work like a charm now! (pretty fulfilling to get this working after who-knows-how-long).
The hose was able to get tucked into the bend-over clips along the tunnel and then along the bulkhead, and I zip-tied it to the wire harness in some spots for good measure.
I had to remove the quarter trim on the left side to get the hose routed up to the actuator area, and then zip-tied it to the plenum drain hose to come across to the inlet nipple on the actuator.
When I started up the car and reconnected the vacuum fittings to the control head, the plenum doors would open when the temp control wheel was fully in "C" mode, but then would slowly close when moved off of "C".
I don't know how much of an effect this will have on the cabin temperature or fresh air flow. But I went to bed pretty proud of myself for bringing this little, seldom-recognized system back to life!!


Oh - and as I'm discovering as I dive deeper into this hobby/obsession: One project usually leads to another (at least).
The quarter trim screw anchors were pretty much toast! Only one of them on the driver's door opening was holding worth a damn, and the P.O. had the lower leg on the inside surface screwed in with a long decking screw! So I ordered a promising-looking repair kit that has 8 new screws and threaded anchor replacement fittings - we'll see how effective that ends up being.

 

Hi Bb,
Success!!!! Always GOOD!
The Astro-Vent system was supposed to take the place of the side vent windows that Corvettes had through 1967 production.
I'd think it probably did o.k. for moving some fresh air through the car, but really doesn't cool the interior in a noticeable way!
Regards,
Alan

 

Hi I am on the way of disambling my interior since I just had this Vette for 1 week and try to change bulbs and other minor things inside (wich shows are not that minor) and found this rubberhose/coppertube and did wonder what it was for. So now I know thanks for all info.

 

Alan,
Sorry for the delayed response, I just saw your response.
Yes; my rear pot metal exterior vent cover grilles are present.
When removed there is just a fiberglass well with a drain
devise leading into the rear wheel wells for removing water.
It looks solid on the underside but it very well may be a metal blanking plate?
I guess I gotta climb between the seats and look again.
Thanks for all the great info again.
Marshal

 

Hi Marshal,
My thought that you could see the ground looking through the deck vents must be a pipe dream on my part.
Here's an example of the block off plate used on an a/c convertible. Note the drain out the bottom of the plenum and through the rear bulkhead The coupe plenum drains to the side…. in the wheel well.
I'm not sure what year it is.
I'm still confused… is your car and a/c car or not?
Regards,
Alan

 

Hi Alan,
Sorry for creating the confusion on my part.
My car is a 1968 coupe with factory C-60 optioned AC.
It is on my build sheet.
And you are most correct.
I have the well drains in each side and they empty out just above the
tire into the wheel well.
I cleaned them out when I purchased it and found a squirrel had established imminent domain back there.
If they remain blocked I could see water possibly backing up.
They are sealed shut.
Sorry for the confusion.
Marshal

 

Hi Marshal,
I used to be able to keep straight what cars certain folks have but I seem to have lost that ability!!
When was your car built?
Some folks are looking for an early car of which to perhaps take some photos of certain things.
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan,
I can relate to that!
Too many forum members and too many cars.
And you help them all when you can
My car was ordered in May and the trim tag says June 14,1968.
I'm lousy about taking pictures.
I don't even take family pictures that's the wife's job.
If anybody ever wanted to photograph a late 85-90% original
68 BB they are always more than welcome to do such with my car.
Marshal

 

Hi Marshal,
I'll keep your car in mind.
Until you wrote it I wasn't sure how original your car is.
There's a beginning effort working towards a new Edition of the 68-69 TIM&JG and finding 68s from various periods in order to try to document the many changes, and when they actually appeared during production, is a challenge.
Do you know of any early cars that remain quite original?
Regards,
Alan

 

Wish my 79 had astro-ventilation. There's a vent setting in it but as was typical of cars of the mid to late 70's it routes through the A/C or something and thus only blows hot air unless its quite cold outside in which case you don't need the vent anyway. Earlier cars had an actual door that opened to the outside and were actually effective.

 

Hi I'm going to had to the memory issues, with another car , just bought a 1 owner 70 vert with a hardtop, very nice condition , my winter project, so I read all the posts and real anxious to get at this system,
to all of you for the questions and good answer. So far on the car the right astro vent lever is seized . Ron

 

Ron,
Welcome and from what I've seen when you take off the P/S lower dash pad you'll be able to spray the ball unit from behind and free it up.
Marshal

 

Thanks Marshal , I sprayed the flap when I was looking at the birdcage , it started to move a bit , But I'm busy finishing up the snowtires exchange free bee's from Dad, So now I can bring it back in the shop . I love these projects .

 

On the A/C convertibles the rear storage area is 4" shorter than the non A/C convertibles. The A/C convertibles do not have the plenum, you can look thru the rear vents and see the ground.

Jim