The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Defroster vents

Where can I get replacement defroster vents for my '40, and how do you install them?

My truck didn't have any when I got it.

Thanks!

Try Ebay, it takes two small screws per vent that should be pre drilled. I thought I saw new ones somewhere but can't find them.

Here's a set
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1939...arts_Accessories&hash=item5d2f86363f

Huh, my dash has no screw holes around the vent openings...

My '38 vents had a clip on one side and a screw on the other. Heaters and defrosters were a dealer installed option. Even though my '38 never had a heater/defroster until I put one in the holes were there. Maybe someone has altered yours sometime in the past???? Even if that's so you can still drill the holes. Maybe someone has a good pic showing that area sans vents that they'd like to share?

The holes should be on the inner cowl. Doesn't your dash hang over the inner cowl? I'm speaking of a 46 but I think the cab is the same on a 40.

That's right! don't know how I missed that. Thanks!

stevebolt, let's see some pics of your truck!!!!!!!

I found these from chevsofthe40s. http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/15794/DEFROST_OUTLET_VENT_FOR_AIR_CONDITIONING_SYSTEM.html

The description is kind of vague, so I called and they said the are a universal street rod type, but many people use them for several different applications. She did give the the measurements, 8" long, 6" high and a 2" OD tube outlet. Since I don't have my originals, I can't compare the sizes. The only thing that would help would be to know how far apart the screw holes are, so then I could compare it to the holes in my inner cowl.

Anyone ever use those? For the price I guess it's worth trying them. I guess I could return them if they didn't fit.


Here are two pics of it. They are from about a year ago, right before started the wiring and interior. Trying to wrap up the wiring within the next few days and should have the dash and interior parts from the painter within a week. Can't wait to get her back on the road!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ut9mz2PaBNag2ZEX0fw_PuOEPyka3gZNzUOAxT4GSIM?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x_Z2YqVvUY7JdjgcxkAUsOOEPyka3gZNzUOAxT4GSIM?feat=directlink

I've since relocated the battery from the firewall into the bed, and put the hood back on. Looking for a set of trim rings and center caps the make the wheels a little prettier.

That's not a bad price assuming they fit well. I've heard of some folks using shop vacuum heads. If it were me I'd use what was designed to go there like the parts in the ebay link (assuming the listing is correct).

So I got the ones from chevsofthe40s, and of course they aren't the right ones. They're way too wide. I should have jumped on those ebay ones, especially since after I paid chevs ridiculous shipping charges I would have paid about the same amount for the original ones.

Anyway, I might try to make these work. If I drill new holes it should work. The vent is wider than the opening, but maybe I can somehow seal them so that not too much airflow is lost.

I got to figure something out, because once this dash goes in it's not coming out again. In fact I'm picking it up from the painters tonight, along with all of the other interior pieces. The wiring is just about done also. Hopefully I'll be back on the road by mid-August!

Hind sight is 20/20 eh? I see ducts on ebay fairly regularly. I think several years might work as well as car ducts may work too. If not an exact match they're probably close enough to be able to make them work with a bit of effort.