Why are all C2 defroster ducts broken?

[Scott Butville]

I talked to a couple of people this morning looking for a used '64 defroster duct. All of those that they had were broken on the aft portion of the lower edge where it is bell-mouthed to go over the inner heater box. That's the way mine is and I thought as long as I was in there I'd replace it. Maybe it has to be forced over the lower box outlet when installing it? Just curious and I figure one of the old timers knows this. Thanks

[Bob R.]

Re: Why are all C2 defroster ducts broken?

I would guess the duct dries out from heat and cracks. My 63 while still in usable condition also has some small pieces missing. I've seen many of them up for auction on ebay and generally they are broken in the same spot. When installed properly they should not fit tight against the heater box.

[John H.]

Re: Why are all C2 defroster ducts broken?

Probably from pulling the heater case to replace the core; the mounting stud above the center of the tunnel requires that the case be pulled straight back until it clears the end of the stud, and if you're in a hurry, it's easy to break the bottom of the duct.