C3 Vent Ball Replacement

[Bill E.]

I need some advice on replacing the side air vent outlet balls. The car is a '74 convertible, automatic, with AC.

The Service manual is no help and I didn't find anytihing in the Archives. Although the construction of the ball assembly is straight forward, it looks like a lot of stuff will have to be removed to get at it. Any thoughts before I take apart more of the car than I need to?

Thanks, Bill

[Chuck G.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

If you want a "down and dirty" trick, just pull the ball out through the front. It'll come with some tugging. Then, just pop the new one it. Chuck

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Chuck, what about the seals? Bill

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Bill
I just completed this on my 75. It is not as hard as it looks. The driver's side is more difficult do to the steering col. On the right side it is easier to remove the lower panel by removing the 3 screws accross the top, the 2 in the door jamb and the 2 on the right side of the gauge bezel. Then just pull the panel out. Lay the panel upside down on your bench and remove the 3 hex head screw' that hold's the assembly in place and unscrew the pull knob and your there. I bought mine from The Last Detail Corvette Parts. Was very satisfied. Their kit included the seals. The kit was on sale for 27.00.

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Bill
I should have told you to do the right side first. Then you will see what has to be done on the left side. I did mine by removing the driver's seat and the duct extension and removing the assembly with the dash panel in place. This is much more difficult but with patience is do-able.

[Chuck G.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Can't address the seal issue. I would guess you would have to pull the panel. If you just want to put a nice shiny new "ball" in there, you can try my trick. Chuck

[Mark F.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Mike

Did the chrome balls have a seam on them, or were they original and smooth?

Thanks

Mark Franken

[Raymond W.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Bill,

I replaced the vent balls on my '74 last year...I too wasn't sure of what this would involve. The seals on mine were in very good shape, so I left them alone. I was able to remove and install both vent balls without removing any part of the dash, etc. Turn the vent ball 1/4 turn so that the open vents are facing left/right. In this position, the vent ball is 1/8" narrower. You should be able to easily pull it out. Install new vents in the same manner. Good luck...let me know how it went.

Ray

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Hi Ray, you and Chuck had the right idea. I just changed both vent balls and seals plus cleaned out the dust in the vent tube in a total of 10 minutes!

I know just enough to be dangerous so it sure pays to ask a question when you don't know what you're doing.

Thanks for the advice. Bill

[Bill E.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Mark, yes they have a seam and one of the edges of the diverter vanes on one side isn't chromed. The other side is OK so that's the one I have pointed into the car. The seam doesn't show when the ball is installed unless you turn the ball sideways.

The box states that the vents are for 67-72 Trucks,65-68 Full Size Passenger Cars, 66-69 Chevelle and El Camino, 67-68 Camaro, and 68-77 Corvette.

The ball was made by Counterpart Automotive. Bill

[Chuck G.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

I love it when a plan comes together. Pulling the vent balls out is an "old Indian trick" from years ago. Chuck

[Mike Barnard Sr No 36249]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Mark
I don't recall a seam. These repo's were identical to the one's I took out but I don't know if yhe old one's were the originals or not. The old one's did have some marking's on them but I can't recall what it was. If you are interested I think I still have them and can check it out this weekend.

[Mark F.]

Re: C3 Vent Ball Replacement

Mine don't have a seam. They are in pretty good condition, but I was looking to up date them, but I'm assuming there would be a point deduction for having a seam. Are there any judges out there that would know if there is a deduction for having a seam on the vent balls.

Thanks

Mark Franken