Asking for alternate part advise

[FL911SC]

Hello to all,
I am in the process of doing the heater backdate on my 1979 SC. I got the right side port from my local shop in exchange for my solid plate. I bought the left side from our host. I had read the reviews and posts in this forum regarding this part and had an idea of what I was in for. As expected the part wouldn't fit so I applied the hammer. I started gently and then added heat. The result is the part is so out of shape I don't think I could screw it to a block of wood. So before I have to drop another $100 I thought I would ask: Has anyone found a different source for the left side hot air duct?

Of course any advice to help with the current part is welcome too.

Thank you!

[kodioneill]

You need the duct that clears the distributor cap correct? A lot of guys cut, reform and weld in a patch using brute force as you seen does not work. There are some old threads on this if you use the search function.

[FL911SC]

Thanks kodioneill.
Yes, I am trying to clear the distributor cap. I have read through the post and was/am hoping for a better approach. I don't have the capacity to weld and would rather pay a bit more to avoid the headache of all this.
I have to admit, with all the folks doing this backdate and all having the same issue, there hasn't been a better solution provided.