The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '41 PU Windshield Defrost Vents

Talking about being blind... just the other day we were examining the latest cab work and my friend asked me what that rubber titted looking thing was in the driver's side "defrost" vent outlet on the dash. Well.... Heck, I don't know let's take a closer look. It turned out to be one of those water pick-up attachments for a wet-dry Vacuum. The previous owner had mounted this piece under the dash and I guess it worked fine.

Does anyone know what the original outlet interface from the discharge hose to the dash outlet looks like? Is there such a thing available somewhere? I'll post a pic of this funny finding in the next few days or so.

I did a search of the 'Bolt and found that someone else had found the same non-NOS type part installed in their truck.

Thanks,

Don

That is a very hard part to find... I know I just found a set. From what I could see in the bowtie bits catalogue on line, that is included in there refurbished heater kit. Put an add in the parts wanted,and talk to the usual venders.

Heaters were very rare accessories in the early 40s and 50s. A new truck was about $1500, and a heater was between $30 and $50 add on. People were frugal and wouldn't spend the extra dough, not just for chevy and gmc, but for all auto manufacturers.

bigbadswingdaddy - I'm almost shaking in the frost just replying to your handle :blat: ... just kidding of course.

My '41 has the heater, I just didn't pay attention when removing the discharge hoses and vents. Can you put up a picture of what you found?

Dang, it seems as if every time I think I have all of the parts I need to "invest" in a new investment opportunity arises.

Thanks for the feedback.

Don

If you are just talking about the hoses themselves I just went to a local auto parts store and got the flex hose 1 1/2". I think I paid less than $20 for both hoses. One was 18" long and the other was 32" long. You can see in the picture below what I mean.

http://leahstockwell.com/truck/spyderradio1.jpg

above the radio you will see the hose. I am not sure if you have the same heater as I do in my 46.

http://leahstockwell.com/truck/heater.jpg

I know what your talking about as I have both of them sitting on a storage shelf while I refurbish the cab. They do indeed look like wet dry vac nozzels. To answer your question I don't think I've seen them in any catalogue and are rare pieces. When I took them out there was a piece of an ice scrapper stuck in one which probably came from the original Chev Pontiac Dealer as it had the old Pontiac Indian Head logo on it.
Bob T

I see them on eBay on occasion. As rare as they are it's funny that when they show up they don't bring much of a price. I managed to find & buy a pair from Roger Kaster [email protected]. He restores heaters. You might send him a note & see if he can help you out.

oh....I guess he is talking about the actual metal vents on the cab. Now that I think about it they do look like wetvac heads. Hopefully you can find someone parting out a cab.

You can check with Mike also from mikes-ca-desert-treasures on ebay. I think he may also be the same Mike offering things for sale right now in the For Sale section. His stuff is a little pricey and does take a little longer to receive but he may have them.

don, haven't received them yet. I am not sure how to repost the pictures that were sent in another forum... www.oldgmctrucks.com in the parts wanted section.

Don,

Thanks for starting this topic. I was wondering what I was going to use for a defroster vent. I have not yet seen any of the originals available although I know they exist. Now I'm out to the garage to raid parts from the shop vac.

Don

Down2sea: If you still need a photo PM me and I'll send you one. Don't have any idea of how to post it here

click

If these aren't an exact fit you could sure make them work. You won't find them cheaper than this. I paid $80 for my pair.

Down2Sea I also have a set I can take a pic of if you still need.Send me an email as I will get to you sooner that way.

Thanks for all of the responses. I've located two replacements and hopefully they are on the way. Here's a shot of the Sear\'s knock-off defrost adapter installed :blat: