When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I don't have an '82, but I believe all right kickpanel vents were functional. The left side vent was functional only on non-A/C cars.
If your right side vent is blocked off, a PO was probably trying to block engine compartment heat from entering the passenger compartment. If the rear hood seal is missing or doesn't seal well, that's where the exiting heat will go.