Can someone tell me how to get the black air filter holder off the car?
I am changing the fan motor all is well but when I turn the black thumb *****, they just seem to turn. Not the air filter cover, the compartment that holds it. I didn't know if there was a secret to getting it off

 

There should be three black thumb ***** at the front of the apparatus closest to the bumper. I just turn all three counterclockwise and they unscrew and remove. Then the intake housing just lifts off the radiator shroud after disconnecting the intake bellows attached to the back with a philips screwdriver. That is how it should work, assuming no complications.

 

Damn things are just spinning don't seem to be getting loose

 

There's a bolt that comes up through the radiator shroud that's a real cheap design. It's like a carriage bolt that's probably spinning while you're turning the black ****. You will have to find a way to hold the bolt with a pair of needle nose or something. Or lightly lift the air box to put some pressure on the bolt while you turn the ****. If you have a little slack in the air box, you might be able to move it a little left or right and remove the bolt from the shroud, then separate the box.

 

I had the same problem when I changed the radiator on my '85. Mine were spinning and spinning. Probably one of the crappiest designed ***** I have ever come across in my years of working on any car. I actually drilled 1/2 inch holes where the small bolts are that actually hold the entire filter housing to the fan shroud. If you look real close and from the side you can get an idea where to drill for the nuts. They are the same small ones that are not hidden by the filter assembly. There should be 3 of them that you can't get to. There was no other way. After 45 minutes of trying everything but that, I was ready to torch the car...and I have a lot of patience. It was the only way because the bottom nut holding the **** screw was just spinning and not 'attaching' itself to the slot it was designed (I use that term loosely). You'll see once you get the assembly off. You will still have a hard time separating the two even out of the car. But it will be easier than trying to do it in the car. I hate to admit it but I used black duct tape to close the holes and wrapped the front of the cleaner assembly. But you wouldn't notice it right away if I didn't point it out. I know it's cheesy (for now) but a stupid design wasn't going to keep me from driving my Vette. Good luck.

 

lift the airbox a little bit and jam a flathead screwdriver under there against the bolt which is spinning. The black ***** are spinning because the bolts that they are attached to are spinning.