The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Paper or plastic defroster ducts?

There is a lot of talk about heaters lately. I didn't want to intrude on somebody elses thread with this question so here it is.

American Classic sells defroster ducts in original looking cloth or in plastic. For functionality, which would be better, longer lasting, and easier to install? The price is not that much different so I want to get the best of the two.

Vern - when you say "cloth" I must assume you are speaking of the wire bound type, correct? I think that is what I have on mine but never thought of them as cloth. I'd fear the plastic ones might get too hot and sag/stretch, etc. In any event mine seem to be OK but maybe the plastic is much heavier and better than I envision.

I think that is a yes on the wire-bound, part no. ME284 1947-53 Heater duct tubing, 1-3/4 inch diameter, cloth, $18.00 Each
The plastic alternative is part no. ME284P 1947-53 Heater duct tubing, 1-3/4 inch diameter, plastic $15.00 Each

Like I said the price doesn't make a hill of beans difference. Would like to see opinions of those who have bought either or both.

I do know that with age the original style deteriorates and you can't remove and replace it very often without tearing it. Of course by the time it gets to that point it will likely be someone else who may not even be born yet who has to deal with it.

FWIW, The cloth ducts were rotted away when I got my 52. I bought the plastic replacement ducts, and they are cheap and flimsy. As soon as I get the fresh air heater painted I will replace them with the cloth ones.

I got plastic generic duct through my FLAPS and it's served me well for 5 years now. The heater in my '38 doesn't get hot enough to cause any problems, I run a 160 deg thermostat.

.... I have NOT used this but I have seen a couple others use the aluminum flex like goes under the hood of a car....like what fastens under the air filter housings. They look pretty neat, and I think you can get them in the correct size at the local discount store. I think the price of those is about the same as what's mentioned above....except no shipping.

I just put the wire/cloth ones in and they work great. They fit everything snugly to the point where I felt no need for any kind of clamps. The only "problem" I had was with the original metal passenger side defroster duct, the way it was made the opening was too large so I had to split the duct and use cloth tape to hold it on.

So I guess this is a case of an original part not being made correctly rather than the aftermarket part.

Thanks JimmiD, that's the kind of report I'm looking for. Did you get yours from ACTP or someone else?

Tiny, I have looked and asked at all the local flaps and can't seem to find anything in 1.75" that will work.

Alvin, that is what I'm using now on the passenger side. I can't find one long enough for the drivers side.

Woody, you have destroyed that one-of-a-kind, original piece

Sounds like I need to go ahead and order the original style cloth. If it was good enough 57 years ago it should be good enough today. I was hoping for something better in the plastic but it sounds like it will have issues too.

If I recollect right they had to look in their book and order it in for me. It wasn't a stock item. I got it through Bumper To Bumper. I think I have a piece of it left over. How much do you need?

Thanks Tiny. I need enough to do both defrosters in the 53. I think I will just order from ACTP. I need to find something else I need so I don't get hit with their minimum order of $20 policy. I meant to order it when I ordered the steering bearing but forgot.

Man, I'm slipping here.

What I MEANT to say is that I split the cloth duct. Since the original metal ducts are some of the only parts on my truck that weren't rusted to dust I'm not going to be the one to ruin them.

Changed one last night, Auto Zone has a metal one that you can stretch and bend to fit about $20. Ain't origional, but works on my old 58 driver.

Thanks Hank, I'll check that out.