Newbie with questions (go figure)

EdandQ · 04-25-2006, 06:51 PM

I have to say, I recently purchased a 1976 911s which I love, but it does need some work. I have been lurking here for a few weeks and have gotten so much information from you folks, and want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into this.

That being said. I started out with knowing that my speedometer didn't go above 50 MPH and the trip meter would not reset correctly, so, not to your surprise, I found out how to fit it on here, but then as half my gages didn't light up properly I figured I'd wait to reinstall them until I received all the new light bulbs. Okay, I also noticed that one of the instrumebt light bulb wires had been broken but it was in there quite a ways and hard to get too..... So, since my fan is squeaky and my wipers didn't stop in the rest position, I figured I go in from the trunk this time and try to fix the wipers and fan.

Okay, I was able to get to the broken wire for the instrument light and fix it (from the trunk), and am in the process of trying to fix the wiper relay (not seeming to work for me)... but when taking out the fan, I noticed that there is no ducting in the middle at all, just a hole in the trunk. Why would this be (no history on car). Should I fix it?

Okay, I know this is long winded, but had to say, everything I have done, I've done with confidence and already learned so very much and every bit of what I've done I have learned off here!

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about with respect to the missing ducting...

Thanks so much,
Ed

Paulporsche · 04-25-2006, 07:06 PM

That hole should have a duct in it...possibly for the AC. If you don't have AC, I think you should either patch it w/ a piece of metal, or even plastic. It looks like you can screw and silicone it it place. Or, for better cooling, run ducting from your fresh air system through the hole. I think that's what I would do.

Regarding your wipers not parking: check the contacts in the switch. Remove the steering wheel and the cover which exposes the switch. Sometimes the contacts get dirty and sometimes they they fatigue from pressure. You should be able to bend them back into the correct position.

Is your car 117 Light Yellow? Post some pix for us to see.

EdandQ · 04-25-2006, 07:17 PM

I know this car did have air conditioning at one point in time. If that is the case, it would make sense that there is no duct there. I have the compressor from the A/C, but I don't think I have any of the other parts. I still don't have a clue where that duct leads! But, I'd rather make it right, rather just cover it over.

As for posting a pic, well, just snapped a quick one. It's not good and nothing like most of the people who post on the board here, but in time....

Jim Sims · 04-25-2006, 07:32 PM

The missing components have nothing to do with "air conditioning". What are missing are significant portions (like the blower!) of the ventilation/windshield defroster system.

EdandQ · 04-25-2006, 07:44 PM

I'm sorry, I should have said I have removed the blower in order to work on it and also to get to the wiper relay. It is set aside (you can sort of see it in the picture) My apologies for not being specific. But, even before I started to remove the blower, there was ducting on both sides of the blower, just nothing at the bottom but the hole.

Super_Dave_D · Super_Dave_D's Garage

Do you even need AC in Seattle? I nned to get mine fixed or It might actually get too hot to drive (to work). Serves me right for laughing at my norther brothers snow pics.

EdandQ · 04-25-2006, 07:54 PM

Well, no I truly do not need the A/C..... except maybe one or two days during the year! But, It just seems odd to me to have a hole where I am sure something should be there and is not. And what's odd is that if it was for A/C, I don't see how it would have connected to the existing ducting as there are no openings (unless they have been converted)

slodave · slodave's Garage

I have removed a bunch of A/C equipment and have plugged the holes. My car does not see much wet weather so I cheated and used some modeling ply-wood (very thin) that I had lying around. I painted each side with multiple coats of Rustoleum and used silicone as a barrier. It's easy, cheap and easy to remove. I would not recommend ply-wood for your weather.

Dave

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

That hole comes up from the smuggler's box and was the opening that allowed the Air Conditioning to be routed to the dash vents and side vents.

Here is a picture that shows the setup. A large plastic duct sits on top of the hole and has a small opening (maybe 1 3/4" to 2" dia.) on the driver's side which ducts air to the side dash vents and a larger hole (maybe 3" to 3 1/2" dia.) on the passenger side which ducts air up toward the center dash vents.

EdandQ · 04-25-2006, 08:54 PM

Scott,

Thanks a ton. That makes sense now. I guess either I cover the hole or buy all the ducting that should be there and reinstall the compressor back on the engine eventually. I will probably get the ducting eventually but it's good to know it's not that big of a deal right now.

I have to laugh because it's amazing the things you uncover when you dont have a true history. Heck, there are extra wires I keep finding too, but in time, I'll get it all figured out

Thanks again!

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

You're welcome! It's my pleasure to offer up any info I can. It's my way of paying back all of the people on this board who have helped me in the last year and a half.

Jim Sims · 04-26-2006, 04:39 AM

Scott, I believe the image you posted is the A/C ducting for a later car. The '76 A/C ducting both factory or later install is significantly different than that shown. Unless a '76 came with the optional gasoline fueled auxiliary heater, the hole in the center of the trunk is unused. Since the hole is typically unseen behind the treated cardboard cover over the ventilation/defroster system the hole was not covered. Jim

Rich76_911s · Rich76_911s's Garage

I also have this hole in my 1976 911S, and I am posotive I never had a/c. I will have to look around and see if I can find the prints and notes I have of when I dissasembled the beast. I took it apart pre-digital camera. If I find that stuff I should be able to help. Good luck.

Sorry the hole is so hard to see in these pictures. But it is definetly there:

Rich

EdandQ · 04-26-2006, 07:33 AM

Wow, this is truly good information, thanks all!

I do know I had/have A/C. I can't tell you if it's factory or not as I don't know the difference. Accross the bottom of the dash is the entire A/C system, and I have the compressor as well, though it's not installed. As for the hole that is in question, while it is entirely possible it wasn't used, I doubt it as it looks like it had something hooked up to it at one time. Just the wear around the hole leads me to believe something was there.