Vent Diverter Balls
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 9
From: Plainfield IN
Vent Diverter *****
I purchased two new vent ***** for my 1970 from one of the well known vendors. The replacements are measurably smaller in diameter and have a notably different circumference profile than the originals. The replacement can be pushed all the way through the plastic ball retainer even after using new thicker felt seals. When installed, the ball can be easily pulled out. When I contacted the vendor and explained the issue, the customer service rep couldn’t care less and was no help. She said I was the only person who has ever reported this problem. I contacted the vendor’s supplier who also said I was the only person to have reported this problem. I sent him photos of the replacement next to the original. The photo clearly showed the difference in diameter and profile difference. I have not heard back from them yet. Of the hundreds of vent ***** sold, apparently, I got the only two odd *****. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
I purchased mine from Corvette America (now Top Flight) and they fit fine without replacing the felt. My car is a 73 so I don’t know if the diverts are the same size as yours. Also there is a certain positioning of the diverter ball that allows you to remove it without messing with the holder.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,191
Likes: 7,790
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The answer, we have never had a complaint before. Is the standard answer in the industry. They may have had a thousand complaints. But still, the standard answer!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 465
From: Henderson, NV
St. Jude Donor '19-'20-'21-'22
I have not replaced mine, but IIRC the fit is rather tight, especially with new felts installed. There is no way they should be easily popped in and out without effort. Sorry to hear that the vendor is unsympathetic to the issue with a part they sold you. I would try to return those and source them elsewhere.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Dr,
This is only a guess but does the vendor you sourced from also sell multiple car line products? It could be that someone accidentally grabbed the wrong box or perhaps a wrong boxed pair was sent to you, ie: Camaro, Firebird, etc. vent *****. I believe your description and there's only one reason the ***** would be a different size: they are for a different car.
I ran into a few similar problems with some repro parts from a big vendor. Sent in pics to compare, I'd purchased about $9K worth of parts for one particular car from this vendor so I finally got the boss on the phone. He grabbed 6 boxes off the shelf, opened them on his desk and found all 6 had the same problem I had. He was very nice, very embarrassed and very upset with his supplier (off shore) and thanked me for bringing this problem to his attention.
Ask to return yours and have them send another pair out. Only way to know for sure.
Cheers, Greg
This is only a guess but does the vendor you sourced from also sell multiple car line products? It could be that someone accidentally grabbed the wrong box or perhaps a wrong boxed pair was sent to you, ie: Camaro, Firebird, etc. vent *****. I believe your description and there's only one reason the ***** would be a different size: they are for a different car.
I ran into a few similar problems with some repro parts from a big vendor. Sent in pics to compare, I'd purchased about $9K worth of parts for one particular car from this vendor so I finally got the boss on the phone. He grabbed 6 boxes off the shelf, opened them on his desk and found all 6 had the same problem I had. He was very nice, very embarrassed and very upset with his supplier (off shore) and thanked me for bringing this problem to his attention.
Ask to return yours and have them send another pair out. Only way to know for sure.
Cheers, Greg
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 808
Likes: 803
From: Chapin SC 29036
new vent ***** are smaller in diameter
I recently had my dash apart on my '69 and decided to replace a number of parts. The new replacement vent ***** are definitely smaller in diameter than the originals.
I installed new felt and made some thin shims to go under the felts and when it is all put together you cannot tell the difference.
Perhaps the people at NCRS can, but my car is close to stock, but will never be judged by NCRS
I installed new felt and made some thin shims to go under the felts and when it is all put together you cannot tell the difference.
Perhaps the people at NCRS can, but my car is close to stock, but will never be judged by NCRS
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
After measuring the new vent ball versus the original, I found the new ball to be .045" smaller than the original. Without some kind of modifcation to hold them in place, they easily pop out. I took the advice of the poster above; New felt and makeshift shims.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,019
Likes: 1,119
From: North tonawanda NY
I just spent 20 minutes looking through old ebay purchases ... found it. this is the seller... mine came with brackets and foam.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/305322095509?hash=item47169d7395:g
pQAA OSwnANZ4SNE
https://www.ebay.com/itm/305322095509?hash=item47169d7395:g
pQAA OSwnANZ4SNE
