Astro Vent Ball Installation.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Astro Vent Ball Installation.
Hi everyone. I have a 76' Corvette. I am currently working on the interior and other things. I have the astro vent *****, but I have no idea on how to install them. I have the ***** and the seals. I am not sure what to do to install them? If anyone can help I would appreciate it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Passenger side is easy! Drivers side requires disconnecting speed/tach cables, wiring, and dropping steering column to remove dash pad, not a fun job. The seals glue into the the retainer bolted to dash piece. Be careful about over tightening these ball retainers as the bolt flanges easily break off. Felt seal goes into retainer, you may need to thin felt to get proper fit for reassembly as I have found the reproduction ***** to be less than optimum as far as being correct replacements (why can't the Chinese get these simple items right? it would be nice if they were close to being round.)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Good thing I have my dash out because that would be a pain. I guess the problem I am having is the retainer. I do not have one, and I looked on some vendor sites and they do not have them either. I see a place on the back of my dash directly above the hole that looks like a mounting location, but I just need the retainer. Any help is appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
You don't have to do any of that. Just turn the ball so that the inlet and outlet vanes are sideways (aimed to the left & right side of the car); then just grab it and pull. It will pop right out. Now you can get to the seals. The existing seals will be gone except for the backing/glue strip. You need to get rid of that so the new ones will stick well. Use "Goo Gone" or other adhesive such fluid to loosen the glue first. Once the surface is clean you can install the seals.
Now, I'm going to suggest that you NOT install those seals if they are foam rubber. #1, they won't last long; #2 they don't resist ball movement well. I bought some black felt and cut strips of the correct width, then used double sided tape [cut to same width] to stick the felt in place. The foam strips are easier, but I like the fact that the felt is more sturdy and long-lasting.
Now, I'm going to suggest that you NOT install those seals if they are foam rubber. #1, they won't last long; #2 they don't resist ball movement well. I bought some black felt and cut strips of the correct width, then used double sided tape [cut to same width] to stick the felt in place. The foam strips are easier, but I like the fact that the felt is more sturdy and long-lasting.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Cedar,BC
Yep-its just that simple!
I just walked out and changed the driver's side ball,a job I had put off for about a year because I was too lazy to take the PITA driver's side dash apart.My felt strips are still in good shape so I left them alone.Thanks for the tip,one can still learn something new here everyday!
I just walked out and changed the driver's side ball,a job I had put off for about a year because I was too lazy to take the PITA driver's side dash apart.My felt strips are still in good shape so I left them alone.Thanks for the tip,one can still learn something new here everyday!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I have one more question. I got the drivers side dash in. Well I wrestled it in and I got it mistaken for a rabid moose at one point. There is a 4 inch space between my duct work and the astro ball in the dash. Is there some sort of retainer or extension that goes there? I will also be posting something about my turn signals shortly....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
There is a duct mechanism that screws to the back of the dash pad. It has the vent damper in it to regulate the airflow. That is accomplished with the chrome [plastic] pull **** on the front of the panel. The ductwork just fits over the back of that vent housing.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Your best options are: 1) go to the 'For Sale/Want to Buy' section of this Forum and start a "WTB - dash vent outlet"; 2) go to a Corvette parts swap meet...or show with salvage vendors...and buy a used one. There is really nothing to go bad if it isn't rusted shut. Clean it up, lube it with white lithium grease on the 'working' joints, and screw it into your dash pad. Oh, option #3 is to go to a junk/salvage yard where they have some C3's and pull one out.
