Ok, trying to get this Stallion finished up for the Round-Up. A long time ago I purchased a replacement center air conditioning vent, which I took apart and painted black. This was an earlier style vent, but I was under the impression it would still fit in my 1976 car. I went to install it last night and it won’t fit. I did some comparisons and it looks like: A.) The height of the older vent is approx. 1/8” shorter. B.) The width of the back shroud it wider than the original. C.) The top part of the original shroud is designed with approx. a 45-degree relief. So here are my questions: Did the factory actually make the vent opening in the dash two different sizes? Has anybody utilized an “older style” center vent in a later year Maverick? If so, what “modifications” did you make? I’m not sure how to proceed. First off I’m not sure if the older style vent even fits the dash opening (whether or not that 1/8” will make a difference). If it will fit the opening, what part do I attempt to modify, the back of the actual vent, or do I try to cut the air delivery flange up inside the dash. Or, do I abort using the older style vent and try to refurbish the original? Thanks for any help or suggestions. Art
I do know that the plenum located befind the dash opeing was different for the later years (I would guess 1975 or 1976) than the early years. I would say this is your problem. In order to switch over to the early style, you would need to change the blower motor housing, the diverter located behind the dash opening, and the defrost ductwork. Might be easier to use the old dash vent.
According to what Craig has just laid out; I wud rehab the orig one. It's a lot easier than changin all that stuff. Frm ur pix, the old one don't look like it's beyond rehab. JMO
