Is it possible to add dashboard center vent to early 911?

[Andy Somogyi]

I’ve got a 76 car, without the center vent. I’m probably going to pull my windshield, and I’m wondering is it possible to add the 77+ center vent to an earlier dash pad?

It’s easy enough to make some ducting, I’m just wondering if it’s possible to cut a hole in the 76 style dash for the center vent?




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[Uwon]

Dash mods are messy projects. There is so much stuff and wiring crammed into such an awkward sized area. So be prepared......
You can cut the dash but you will have to recover it to wrap the vinyl/leather into the cavity as the plastic air vent does not have large overlapping edges to hide the hack. Some pliable bumper repair stuff will be necessary.
The steel under dash probably requires minimal hacking. Here is a ‘78 which already has the factory cutout.

Johan

You will have to acquire the flattish air duct from the backside of the air vent to the big hole by the smugglers box. I’m sure something will have to move out of the way/modified.
If you decide to instead get a whole new dash from a Later car, then be aware that the defroster outlets may not align the underlining metal work. For example, a ‘86 dash top will not align with a ‘78 defroster outlet.
Hope this helps.

[drcoastline]

The non vented dash top is valuable. Not sure why you would want to hack it up?

Plus buying a dash with the vent hole already molded in makes more sense. Less rare than the non vented dash. Plenty of them out there.

[Andy Somogyi]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

The non vented dash top is valuable. Not sure why you would want to hack it up?

Plus buying a dash with the vent hole already molded in makes more sense. Less rare than the non vented dash. Plenty of them out there.

I was thinking about this because the non-vented dash is what I have, that’s what I’ve got to work with. And it would be nicer to have a center air duct.

But it would probably cost a lot to try to convert it, so I’ll try to make do with the under dash vents.

I’m looking at fabricating an improved AC system, but I guess I could just fabricate the ducts so it blows out the existing heater vents.

I’m likely going to pull the windshield, so I was figuring I could at least re-cover the dash at this point.


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[PCA7GGR]

My RSR clone started life as a '70 T and was 90% complete when I got it. It had a newer style dash with a non-functional center vent. After so rooting around the tubs at EASY, I was able to source the missing duct work from a newer tub and got working. Not a hard, nor expensive upgrade if you are replacing the windshield and have access to a new dash.

[Duc Hunter]

I just did this to my 75. Bought an ABS dash pad with a hole for the SC style vent, ebay was my source for the duct behind the center vent, and a DeWalt grinder made quick work of the metal dash to cut the factory style hole. Driving to DRT last weekend in Florida told me it was WELL worth it.

[mo-mon]

If I were you, I would use the clock hole as a vent. Check out emptyo's thread on the installation of his classic retrofit electrocooler on his '69.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by Andy Somogyi

I was thinking about this because the non-vented dash is what I have, that’s what I’ve got to work with. And it would be nicer to have a center air duct.

But it would probably cost a lot to try to convert it, so I’ll try to make do with the under dash vents.

I’m looking at fabricating an improved AC system, but I guess I could just fabricate the ducts so it blows out the existing heater vents.

I’m likely going to pull the windshield, so I was figuring I could at least re-cover the dash at this point.


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You don't have to fabricate anything. 74,75,76 had the A/C vents attached at the bottom of the dash and could be purchased as a dealer installed option. The round hole directly above the tunnel is where the duct goes through. Buy the vents and screw to the bottom of the dash.

And if you do want the center vent it makes more sense to sell your dash and buy another.

[Andy Somogyi]

Mine already has the dealer installed AC and I want to get rid of it and fabricate standard knee pads. I really don’t like the look of the dealer AC system. The under dash dealer installed vents just feel really cheap and I much prefer the look of the standard knee pads.

I’m looking at fabricating a more modern AC system and building a condenser box to replace the fan.

I don’t buy and sell. I don’t have 5 years to try to list a dash pad for sale and keep relisting for years. And then spend another 5 years shopping for one at a sane price. It’s just easier for me to fabricate it myself. I’m an engineer not a salesman.

Anyways, what I’m going to try to do is fit a condenser up front, and duct it into the factory heater vent outputs. So it won’t blow straight but I guess that’s OK.

Originally Posted by drcoastline

You don't have to fabricate anything. 74,75,76 had the A/C vents attached at the bottom of the dash and could be purchased as a dealer installed option. The round hole directly above the tunnel is where the duct goes through. Buy the vents and screw to the bottom of the dash.



And if you do want the center vent it makes more sense to sell your dash and buy another.

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[drcoastline]

Are you sure that's dealer installed A/C? It may be factory. That wraps up the side past the angled vent and goes to the ash tray. Dealer is under the original dash pads and smaller vents. The dealer installed A/C keeps the lower dash pad. Unless there was a redesign I am un aware of.

Like this.



Also you can post that dash in the classifieds it will be gone in a few minutes.

[jkuntze]

someone (maybe griffs ac) had a vent that attaches to the diffuser under the dash under 200 bucks and 10 min install check it out

[Andy Somogyi]

I guess I’ll just route some AC hoses behind the dash and vent them through the factory heater ducts, it’s just simpler that way.

AFIK, there was no factory AC before 77. My AC was made by DPD manufacturing in Tx.

I’m not here to make money investing, just want to build my car and drive it.

I don’t want to play the used parts game, don’t have the time for it. If you look at the history of most Porsche parts on eBay, sellers ask utterly insane prices for them and most parts have been relisted continuously for years and years. I don’t have the time nor the stomach for that. Like dash pads, sellers on eBay want like $1500 for a stupid dash pad. I’m NOT paying that. And if I wanted to sell mine, I’d have to play the same stupid game.

That’s why I don’t want to buy and sell parts. Just want to build my car and drive it.

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Are you sure that's dealer installed A/C? It may be factory. That wraps up the side past the angled vent and goes to the ash tray. Dealer is under the original dash pads and smaller vents. The dealer installed A/C keeps the lower dash pad. Unless there was a redesign I am un aware of.



Like this.







Also you can post that dash in the classifieds it will be gone in a few minutes.

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[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by Andy Somogyi

AFIK, there was no factory AC before 77. My AC was made by DPD manufacturing in Tx.

The Porsche used parts market has been destroyed by parts investors and speculators. If you look at the history of most Porsche parts on eBay, sellers ask utterly insane prices for them and most parts have been relisted continuously for years and years. I don’t have the time nor the stomach for that.

Like dash pads, sellers on eBay want like $1500 for a stupid dash pad. I’m NOT paying that. And if I wanted to sell mine, I’d have to play the same stupid game.

I want to get my car running and driving, don’t have time to play Dutch tulip fever with used parts.


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Andy, as a 156 post member I will assume maybe you are new to these cars and just a little under informed?

You created a post asking for help. I am simply trying to give you a little information to answer your question and help you achieve your goal. In addition, I see you are about to make a HUGE mistake and hack up a valuable part that is becoming increasingly rare. As an enthusiast of these cars I see the possibility of someone that needs a non vented dash could get one, you can get the dash you need with the "proper" hole, so it will look right not like a six year old with a butter knife hacked a hole in the front of the dash. I also see the possibility you could get the dash you need and stand to make a few bucks to put back into your car. It's your dash, your car and you can do what ever you want. I'm just trying to give you a little education.

Now, to educate you a little bit more, so you don't catch "Dutch Tulip Fever". What you know, is WRONG.

Porsche certainly did have factory installed AC before 77, and guess what? There was factory air in 1977 too. Here is an excerpt from the tech section.

"What brand of A/C do I have in my 911?

A Factory a/c from '69 to '76 has three thin louvers oneither side of the ash tray and the temp switch. is on the left. The word Behr is on theEvaporator. in the heater box.

A VPC has two slightly larger louvers on either side ofthe ash tray and both of it's switches are mounted to the right of the ash tray. Theirlogo is CCCCOOL

A DPD has the same two louver set up as VPC, the switches straddle the ash traybut with the temp. switch. on the right. Logo is simple--DPD

Coolaire has a solid Plastic face that runs the WIDTHof the dash and the ash-tray mounts below this. There are two large flex-tubes that jutout from the firewall and carry the air to the dash. The controls are directly below thesteering column. Also has a large plastic bump under the hood.

Since '77 all the switches are mounted in the console so it's a little harder totell them apart but you will find a logo or brand tag somewhere on the unit.

There really is no clear cut Best one, each has it's own plus's and drawbacks and each can be made to work as well as the rest. I'm sorry to say that the '77 was the worsta/c Porsche ever put on the street. Only one small condenser and no vent under the dash made this one sorry unit, but not to despair it can be updated."



You can find the full tech article here.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/tech_center_main.htm


Yes there are parts speculators and yes there are ridiculous ebay auctions. But maybe considering the last 911 rolled off the assembly line in 1989, 30 years ago OEM parts may be getting hard to find? Might you agree? And considering you have a mid year car 74-77 parts maybe rarer still? Possible? And imagine if you had a 74 like I do that has many parts that are one year only. Do you think some parts might be even rarer still? Do you think any of those factors could possibly be the reason parts are becoming more expensive? Oh and do you think items like dash boards or sun visors or rubber tails that get damaged by UV could be harder and harder to find? A non vented, dash in good condition is a $1,500.00 part, And do you think since the value of the cars has shot through the roof in the past few years and are being restored and fewer are being parted could have any impact on the cost of parts? You know since the already slim pickins is being used up to restore cars? The car you have isn't a Miata, or a Corolla where you can get a dash for $25.00.

Nobody told you to sell it on Ebay or to buy on Ebay. Perhaps again you are uninformed? You do know there is a classified ad section here on Pelican right? Hundreds if not thousands of parts are sold in the classifieds every day. Hey and guess what else? You can sell the part FREE. No fees, no commission, nothing. I guarantee you your dash is appropriately priced will sell in minutes.

I am sure I speak for everyone on this board when I say in the future do us all a favor and keep your attitude and sarcasm to your self when you are asking for help.

Good luck with your car, I'm out.