The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Help restoring harrison HD-03-52 etc heater - how to take apart the flap

Ok, my first post trying to use pictures and it is not going well so far with the pictures.
I am trying to restore a Harrison HS-03-52, HD-02-52, HD-205-52 (the numbers on the unit). This is not the deluxe heater version.I have reviewed Deve's heater restoration article (great!) but that one is for H-02-47 and the flap in question is different. I looked at the Brassworks replacement coil installation instructions and they reference a stovebolt article but I can't find the full article.
My question is how do i remove the shaft that the flap to redirect air from heat to defrost is one. It works, but I would like to clean and paint it. There is a spring inside the shaft and rubber grommets that the shaft goes through. Is there a vendor that sells replacement ones?

I tried to create a link to pictures but cannot make it work, ( I did read the instructions )so here is the full link to a couple of pictures that show the heater and shaft in question.
I have already taken the screws out that hold the flap to the shaft in the picture.
thanks for any suggestions or references to articles and prior posts that i did not find.
and it looks like i can't even make this a hot link so you have to copy and paste.

http://s304.photobucket.com/user/AWinLex/media/Heater/IMAG0822_zpsxger0ks3.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

I added a picture of the shaft without the flap attached to the photobucket. It is pretty rusted and pitted. So I got the flap off but still need some advice on replacing that shaft.
thanks.

I think they were riveted on so drilling is in order.
I drilled out and tapped for a #8 or #10 size set screw I think...
Could of been one from an old VCR as well come to think of it.

Correct me if I'm wrong because I don't have a Heater to look at. If there is a spring in there and I don't see any use for it as far as heater operation, it means that it is loading the shaft against a cotter or pin to retain the shaft inside the can or at least involved in shaft retention somehow. Unless it's a torsion spring, in which case it's for return. Maybe just tension on shaft to keep flapper in open/close position? If I could fiddle with it I could figure it out.

Thanks for info.
Bartamos, you are correct, the spring seems to be just for holding the flap in whatever position you want.
I still don't know how to get the shaft out. should i just try and clean it up and put it back together, or try and replace the shaft?
here is a picture of the shaft

You said it works. Sandblast gently (not the rubber parts) and see if it reveals how to take it out. If not, lube it and leave it. Put screws partially back in before blast so that it does not cause a hole alignment issue. I'm sure several members know how it's assembled they just have not read your post yet. On other models I have worked on, the flapper being screwed to the shaft is what retains/traps the shaft. If that is the case, you may just need to lube/tap/turn the shaft and it will start to slide out. Maybe that's what Deve's site already says, I don't know.

ok, that is great advice, thank you. i just tried to tap on the shaft and no movement. I tried kroil and silicon on the rubber so I am liking the clean it and leave it advice. a little paint on the shaft to stop from additional rust. I did not see anything in Deve's site about removing the shaft.
Thanks again for your help.

I made a post about installing a Brassworks core- perhaps that is what they are referring to. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...in=149388&Number=1011570#Post1011570
I can't help you with removing the shaft but if it currently moves, why do that. Having some resistance to hold it in place is a good thing and you don't have to have the air directed all one direction or the other.

As I recall I drilled out the rivets that held the air dam to the shaft then gently drove the shaft out from the back with a 6 oz ball pean hammer.

Thank you both for your response.
That is the writeup I was trying to find. thank you!! It is not the same but your article is a very good reference. Interesting that your shaft has what looks like an adjusting bolt. Mine does not have that. just the shaft .
and luckily for me the flap is screwed to the shaft so I do not have to drill them out.
thanks again for your help. I am going to soak the shaft in evapo-rust and leave it in there.
Alec