How does one go about installing new a/c vents in a series 2 ('68 2+2) air condition facade? Does the A/C unit have to be removed and accessed internally, because there's seemingly no way to take out the broken louvers and insert the replacement from the front? (There's five long, thin vents on the A/C box)

Thank you for any suggestions or experience with this.

Peter

Submitted by Bfastr@cox.net on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 09:10

If you just want to replace or repair the vents you dont have to remove the evap from the car. There are two screws on the bottom front edge that hold the metal clip, they are holdong the metal clmp to the housing between each louver. you can remove every other one and get the louvers in and out that way.
The radio will block one set of screws so you may have to renove that.
Have some needle nose pliers on hand to grab things thru the openings.
Its pretty simple, as geaorge says you will want to replace the felt strips as they provide the restance to keep the vents from spinning round all the time. Just but some stiff felt and use some spray adhesive.

I would post pictures, but i found out that spilling coffee on a laptop isnt the best idea...

BobF

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 08:34

Did the vendor you bought them from not offer helpful advice?

Here's how it's done, it sounds easy but it really is a PITA:

- Disconnect the battery, to prevent smoke release.

- Unscrew the bracket that holds the ignition switch "ear" to the a/c case. Move the ignition switch aside, you shouldn't have to remove it from the bracket.

- You're going to need a helper for the next step. Have someone strong hold up the driver's end of the evaporator. Above the passenger's footwell, find an L shaped bracket supporting the back of the case. Remove this while holding up the passenger end of the case. Whatever you do, don't let it fall. It really takes two people, not because of the weight, but because it's a clumsy shape.

- The case has a lip that is hooked to the bottom of the dash, but the hoses are still connected to the back. What you're going to do is gently work it back until it's free from the dash, then swing it down. You MUST be careful not to put strain on the hoses or case, or you're going to have a much bigger problem. And whatever you do, don't undo those hoses. They are just flexible enough to allow access, and no more.Sudden freon release is very possible. (The good news is that the job gets easier if you accidentally release the freon: just cut the hoses away, and you won't have to be careful. But you would have to find new hoses, and someone with a supply of R12).

- There are small phillips screws that hold the fascia to the case, go around the case and remove them. Once they are all out, you'll probably find the fascia is still sticking in place. This is because it's sealed with a rubbery glue. Just work it out gently. The fascia and case are as thin as eggshells...be very gentle.

- The louvers are held in place with half round brackets that screw into the back of the fascia. Undo these and drop in your new louvers.

- Installation is the reverse, etc. Use RTV to replace the glue sealant. If you don't you'll have water leaking on the carpet.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 07:38

Peter the front panel can be removed but if you have a 1968 it is not a series 2. The only point is that the method of mounting the Ignition switch during that period changed. If your switch is mounted on the AC console you must of course remove it also. Once the front cover is off the vents are easily changed from the rear. Remember there are little strips of felt that stabilize the vent so it does not flop around.
So ignition switch aside remove the mount on the passengers side and slide the whole unit a bit to the front of the car. It will drop down to get at the screws on top. There is a full AC service manual for E types in the JCNA shoppe.