Center dash vent install problem

Newbrunswicktod · Newbrunswicktod's Garage

Hello all.

I just recieved my dash back from being recovered and I am having trouble installing the center dash vent. I've included some pics that show that the vent doesn't want to slide all the way into place. As hard as I push on it, there is still quite a bit of the vent still exposed and the tabs don't go far enough to clip on the back of the dash.

The car is an 84 Carrera that I bought back in April sight unseen. The dash was just sitting loosely in place and the center vent was not properly installed. Since I was doing a complete disassembly for a repaint and was going to have the dash recovered I didn't worry too much about the dash vent at that time. I know that there is more than one vent for the 78 thru 85 911's - one with adjusters on the side and one without, but I'm not sure if they are the same size or not. My vent has no adjusters. Is it possible I have the wrong vent? My car is an AC car but I don't think I have the original dash. Is the hole opening different for an AC vs. a non-AC car? Any guidance would be very much appreciated. Thanks all.

Todd

jmod · jmod's Garage

Hi, it could just be that the recover has added more material to the vent hole and made it smaller. The picture shows the material glued just inside the hole.

Jim M.

Newbrunswicktod · Newbrunswicktod's Garage

Jim. You were right on with your diagnosis. It wasn't readily apparent that there was too much padding and I was convinced that I had the wrong vent. But after your suggestion I could see where the vent was binding up on the padding. I trimmed away some of the padding and after some trial and error I was able to get the vent in place. The down side is that I took the vent in and out so often that I broke two of the tabs off the vent! I will have to source another one but at least I have the problem fixed. BTW George at AIR auto innovations did a great job recovering the dash. I am really pleased with the results and they are great to deal with. Fast turn around and great communication. I would recommend them for sure.

Thanks very much for your help Jim.

Todd