Rear Window Defroster Duct Fail

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Mar 17, 2022 | 12:29 PM

mlauritsen

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Rear Window Defroster Duct Fail

Hi,

So recently, I took out the rear window defroster vent in my '73 to clean it. (Note to self: Next time, doublecheck that stuff really needs messing with...)

Seems the top eye on the ducting was loose, it fell off when I loosened the screw, and now I'm not sure how to fix the vent again?

The only fix I can think of, short of getting a new part (didn't find any in any of the online shops...), is to stick a bit of wood on with scotch, and be gentle.

This feels bubba'd... Any better ideas?

Thanks
Morten

Mar 17, 2022 | 12:45 PM

vbgod1

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From: Machesney Park IL

How about making a bracket, possibly with plumbers tape, attaching it to the duct so the big hole is where you need it.

c

Mar 17, 2022 | 02:52 PM

'73and'75

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From: Chicago Burbs

mlauritsen, the part number for the duct is 3925678, according to AIM. There is one on ebay for sale, but it appears to have a compromised upper mounting ear. At least the ear is attached. Not cheap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22239683363...EAAOSw4DJYkyNx

You could Bubbasize the duct with an angle bracket like the one below:

This bracket would still allow you to re-use your existing j-nut.

Last edited by '73and'75; Mar 18, 2022 at 10:12 AM.

Mar 17, 2022 | 03:09 PM

L-46man

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From: PHX AZ

The broken tab is polyethylene...an new fashioned piece can be welded back on with a soldering gun. I use a Weller with the spade type tip.

Mar 18, 2022 | 03:47 AM

mlauritsen

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Quote:

Originally Posted by '73and'75

mlauritsen, the part number for the duct is 3925678, according to AIM. There is on on ebay for sale, but it appears to have a compromised upper mounting ear. At least the ear is attached. Not cheap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22239683363...EAAOSw4DJYkyNx

You could Bubbasize the duct with an angle bracket like the one below:

This bracket would still allow you to re-use your existing j-nut.

Great idea about the bracket, I would have to find a j-nut that fits though.

Something went clattering behind the trim when I took the vent off, I guess that was the j-nut diving for cover. I'll have to see if I can find it somewhere.

How are j-nuts sized? Can I just get a pack with different ones and something will fit?

Thanks for the suggestions, very useful!

Mar 18, 2022 | 04:30 AM

4-vettes

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I'm just thinking, WOW! you have a rear window defroster!
Nothing that fancy in my 77.

Mar 18, 2022 | 08:13 AM

mlauritsen

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 4-vettes

I'm just thinking, WOW! you have a rear window defroster!
Nothing that fancy in my 77.

I know :-)

Took me a lot of head-scratching and eventually a couple of posts here to even figure out what it was.

Never going to use it, but if it's there, it should work and not look like crap.

Hence, clean and fix.

I'm young and naïve (only had the car for a year, still go and check on it every day, especially during hibernation), might not keep this mindset into my later years...

Aug 20, 2022 | 09:05 AM

vbgod1

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From: Machesney Park IL

“I'm young and naïve (only had the car for a year, still go and check on it every day, especially during hibernation), might not keep this mindset into my later years...”

Good luck with losing the mindset. Hasn’t happened for me yet….

C