Author Topic: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)  (Read 2964 times)

Offline buddydog

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A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« on: October 01, 2015 - 08:57:25 PM »
Hey guys,

Just wanted to pass on a tidbit I discovered today. My car has been a budget rebuild from the start and digging into my dash I got overwhelmed with prices.

All of my A/C vents were chalky and broken. Looking at replacements on eBay at  almost $50.00 a pop, I decided to have a guy measure up a set from a 1972-80 Ram Truck. It's a side by side setup for the center of that dash too and guess what, it friggin works! I got them today and they fit perfectly.

The one caveat is that the chrome area of the front of the vent body is slightly narrower than stock but for $10.00 a piece, I can live with that minor difference. Anyway, enjoy.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2015 - 09:25:19 PM by buddydog »




Offline blown motor

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2015 - 09:55:12 PM »
Thanks for sharing that info. That's what makes this site so good.  :thumbsup:
In search of the eternal buzz!

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2015 - 09:58:27 PM »
Awesome! Can you share a pic?

Offline spamtank

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2015 - 10:00:48 PM »
Any photos?  Reading on my phone.  Sorry if I'm not seeing them.
Rick, Manchester, NH
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Offline brads70

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2015 - 10:15:35 PM »
Brad
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Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

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Offline Katfish

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2015 - 11:14:23 PM »
We need a pic......

Offline buddydog

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2015 - 11:23:41 AM »
« Last Edit: October 02, 2015 - 11:25:42 AM by buddydog »

Offline buddydog

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2015 - 11:26:02 AM »

Offline wantone

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2015 - 11:58:56 AM »
Link to where to buy from plz?
(O O {]{]{]||[}[}[} O O)
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Offline buddydog

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2015 - 02:40:06 PM »
No link, just eBay. These were listed as 1972-1980 dodge truck center AC vents. Biggest difference between the two is the vacuum metallized portion and I also noticed the front hemispherical thumb "knob" isn't knurled like the original.

Offline johns cuda shop

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2015 - 09:45:51 AM »
good to know..
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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #11 on: October 03, 2015 - 10:55:27 AM »
I don't know that they are the same but you might look at 72-& older C-body A/C vents as well.
   The 2-center & 1-Right sure look similar  :2cents:





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Offline EV2RTSE

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Re: A/C Dash Vents (less expensive replacement option)
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2015 - 11:14:54 AM »
That's a great tip for replacement vents, I never thought to check the truck vents so see if they would be the same. I have bought '71-'74 B-Body dash panels on the cheap to use the vents out of them as E-body donors. I believe the C-body ones pictured above are different/taller.

On the E-body vents, I'm pretty sure the ones with the wider chrome were used in '70 only. By '71 they went with the more generic thinner chrome strip that as mentioned is the same for B-body and the trucks.

If anyone does decide they want to repair their originals though they can often be saved, 'Bill440rt' did a great how-to that has worked for me in the past-

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=86578.0
« Last Edit: October 05, 2015 - 11:22:00 AM by EV2RTSE »