I have gutted the cab of my '59 getting ready for patch panels, doing so I found the kick panel vent was severely rotted out. The issue I'm having is locating a replacement panel for the vent assembly. Does anyone know a good source for the vent assembly on a Task Force truck?
Last edited by TUTS 59; Wed May 24 2023 12:43 PM.
Craig "Living life in the SLOW lane" Come, Bleed or Blister something has got to give!!! '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) '58 Viking 4400, 235, 4 Speed (Thor)
Larry, thank you. I have looked at many vendors and all show the outer panel and the inner kick panel repair piece but not with the vent assembly. I looked at CCP and that is the correct piece, at $149.00 I guess I'll need to bite the bullet and order them.
Craig "Living life in the SLOW lane" Come, Bleed or Blister something has got to give!!! '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) '58 Viking 4400, 235, 4 Speed (Thor)
With a 64 year old vehicle, you're happy that parts are available at any price.
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) 1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe 1979 Ford F-100 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
I was kicking around the idea of eliminating the vents as I plan to add A/C, but I really like having the vents. If I had access to a shear and bead roller I'd be tempted to fab up something on my own.
Craig "Living life in the SLOW lane" Come, Bleed or Blister something has got to give!!! '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) '58 Viking 4400, 235, 4 Speed (Thor)
When I was working on the passenger side inner cowl of my truck (1953 3100), I made a crude adapter for a small cowl vent. The opening is actually for the optional fresh air heater, which I do not have. So, instead of just putting the block off plate in the truck, I got a used, small vent (can't remember the make or model of car it came from) cut some sheet metal stock and made my adapter. It fits in the truck and the vent will work just fine. My point is that you might be able to do something similar if the cost of replacements is too much. Just a thought.
I like your idea Gray Ghost.. I have a 54 3100 with the block off panel on the right that was for the heater I guess.. but looking at all the sites they are 55-67 for fit.. so may just find a vent and install it on the cover plate.
Thanks for the idea.
1954 Chevy 3100 One problem solved doesn’t seem to shorten the list Montgomery, AL In Project Journals
When I was working on the passenger side inner cowl of my truck (1953 3100), I made a crude adapter for a small cowl vent. The opening is actually for the optional fresh air heater, which I do not have. So, instead of just putting the block off plate in the truck, I got a used, small vent (can't remember the make or model of car it came from) cut some sheet metal stock and made my adapter. It fits in the truck and the vent will work just fine. My point is that you might be able to do something similar if the cost of replacements is too much. Just a thought.
Could you post some pictures of what you have done? I sounds like something that would work well.
Craig "Living life in the SLOW lane" Come, Bleed or Blister something has got to give!!! '59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) '58 Viking 4400, 235, 4 Speed (Thor)
Craig, here's another thought about this. I rebuilt both side vents on my cab but could never get them to completely seal with the vent closed. I ended up blocking off the driver side completely and left the passenger side functional. Like you, I have AC so only use the vent in moderate weather. The passenger side provides all the fresh air I need. You will probably still want to repair the rust but it does not have to be perfect if you do not plan to use the vent flapper door.
Attached are a few pics of my vent and adapter. The first shows the pieces, the second assembled and the third test fit in the truck while I was working on the sheet metal replacement. I had to make the adapter in 2 pieces because of the hinge design on the vent. The vent is from a Volvo 240. I chose this one because it operates with a handle, not a cable and it is small enough to fit within the footprint of the fresh air heater block off panel. I chose to make an adapter instead of cutting up an original block off plate. If some future owner hates it, they can replace the vent with the original block off plate. It was a first attempt that I stuck with, even with the warts. Hopefully there is something here that spurs a thought for you all and helps.
