1961 heater defroster box

[Gary A.]

I am in the process of restoring a 1961. I was under the impression that the defroster boxes where all pressed cardboard on the c-1. My 59 is pressed cardboard however, this car has a all metal defoster box. Is this original or a reproduction or a old GM replacement. This car appears mostly original and un-touched so this box has me confused. Gary

[Dennis C.]

Gary, I Do Not Know The Source For The Steel...

...box, but, as you noted, "cardboard" is the correct material. I might add, I think the repro is quite well done.

[Mike B.]

Re: 1961 heater defroster box

Gary,

For a period of time a metal reproduction of the defroster box was offered by several purveyors. If you happen to have old catalogs from a few years ago you might find it there. But it has since phased out in favor of the cardboard version most likely due to the quest for original authenticity. If you chose to replace it (about $110), put the old one on ebay. Someone building a driver will be more than happy with the functional metal unit. Mike