1961 Heater/Defroster Box Question

[M W.]

To all of my valued friends,
I am in the process of detailing the inside of my 1961 Vette and currently have my what I think is original heater/defroster distribution box out. Can someone explain to me exactly what pressed cardboard is as defined by the judging guide? I know this may sound rediculous to ask, but I am just not 100% sure. I do know mine isn't the metal reproduction type that's mentioned in the judging guide. My heater/defroster box looks almost like very thin wood. It does appear very old. My other reason for asking is a friend who has Top Flighted his 1960 made the comment awhile back that it wasn't pressed cardboard and it has me very curiuos. I would appreciate any and all comments. Thanks so much as usual.
Regards,
Craig Willetts
NCRS# 36551
1961 2x4 245 HP
Vin# 4719

[John M.]

Re: 1961 Heater/Defroster Box Question

Craig,
I would bet that your box is a pressed board box. The originals were a black material about 1/16" thick and the corners are lap joints. all of the repro ones that I have seen are very good, so I would be surprised if ther is a third type of box available. The only ones that I am aware of are the correct-style pressboard and the sheetmetal ones.

Regards, John McGraw

[Bruce G.]

Re: 1961 Heater/Defroster Box Question

Craig. do you know what page on assembly manual description of heater/defroster box is on? Do the catalog's tell you? I have a '61 ; 2x4; 270hp that I'm trying to get ready for its first judging in Sept. I'll have to go check my heater/defroster box now. What do you find the best way to get a good look at it? I'll await the expert & definitive answer like you.

[M W.]

Re: 1961 Heater/Defroster Box Question

Bruce,
Unfortunately at the moment I am away from my home. I will return tomorrow. As for checking the box. It's very simple to tell whether it's metal or wood for obvious reasons. Most of the parts catalogs have a very good picture of the current repo's. I have always assumed mine was the real Mccoy, but when my friend made the comment it got me thinking. Whenever I start thinking it usually costs me money. I will follow up when I return.
Cheers,
Caig

Best Wishes on your upcomming Flight Judging. I hope to do mine in late August.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 Heater/Defroster Box Question

Craig I have seen many originals, and they all seem to be made from a black pressboard of some sort. Definately not wood. Most all I have delt with are either falling apart or so badly distorted from being wet that they are non functional. For a non judged car, I would suggest the metal repos, as they work real well and are more durable than the originals. The repos are well made as well, but are a bit more expensive and subject to water damage. Many originals were probably damaged during a time in the car's life when it was just an old used car and it sat out in the weather. A couple of the ones I have owned looked like at some time water was running down the defroster ducts and keeping the box wet.