Kick panel vent repair

[Ron Dame]

Both of my vents appear to be non-functional, regardless of where the lever on the console is, the vents remain open and the hot air coming in quickly overcomes the air conditioner.

I see nothing in the Avanti repair manual on where the flaps are, the cable routing, etc.. Who can give me some guidance?

Thanks!

[regnalbob]

20 hours ago, Ron Dame said:

I see nothing in the Avanti repair manual on where the flaps are, the cable routing, etc.. Who can give me some guidance?

Thanks!

Avanti Workshop Manual, Climatizer and Ventilating System section, pages 6&7.

Avanti Parts Catalog, page 176.

 

[Mel]

The vent flaps were made of fiberboard, or something like it, and disintegrate with time.  Mine were in very bad shape when I bought the car; you may have the same problem.  You will have a lot of heat coming in the cowling if you don't have the seal at the back of the hood and your vent flaps are not closing or are in very bad shape.  (If you have access to the AOAI magazine, issue #170, page 49, I wrote up in fair detail what I did to fix the flaps; Reader's Digest version follows.)

To repair a flap (I'll speak singularly) remove the cover and disengage the cable.  Push down on the bottom where the pivot rod enters the 'mount' and push up on the pivot rod itself, then pull the bottom of the pivot rod toward you; this removes the flap valve.  I made a template from paperboard and then cut the final flap from thick gauge aluminum.  Attached the flap to the pivot rod with pop rivets.  Reverse to reinstall.  Having the front seats out is a must.

If yours acts like the vents are not opening or closing, the screws which hold the cables in place under the control panel may be lose letting the cables slide back and forth with the action of the levers.

Good luck.

[Ron Dame]

On 7/9/2023 at 2:10 PM, regnalbob said:

Avanti Workshop Manual, Climatizer and Ventilating System section, pages 6&7.

Sonofabitch, mine is missing that entire section! It's a used manual, so whoever took it and why will remain a mystery. Would you care to scan and email me please? rdame58@gmai.com

 

Avanti Parts Catalog, page 176.

 

 

[Ron Dame]

Thanks regnalbob!