Center Vent Options?

[Duffman]

I have installed the HotRod Air aftermarket AC in my Z and am not satisfied with the air flow provided by the center vent over the vent controls. I have a 70 240Z with a later model vent that diffuses the air both to the right and to the left, but I am trying to find a vent that will help me concentrate the air to the driver. Here in Arizona the hot summers are challenging for any

AC system and focusing the air directly on the driver would add in the comfort department. I am hoping I can find a replacement vent of the same size, with louver controls.

Here is a pic of my original vent, which has big gaps and does not concentrate the air at all where I want it.

Any thoughts out there?

[EScanlon]

IIRC the center vent only blows air in the Vent position, but not sure what it does with the A/C on. The later style had vertical ribs that yours isn't showing, maybe that would help.

Other than that it might require a trip to a boneyard and scope out other vehicles to find something that can be made to fit.

Other A/C owners out there may know more?

FWIW

E

[Duffman]

Sorry, E, I was showing a pic of my original vent, the one that is installed has the ribs that point to both the driver and passenger. Still not a great option. Looking for something that will allow me to point the vent directly on the driver or passenger, or both.

[zbane]

What are the dimensions of the vent piece? Width, height, depth? I have the center vents from a spare s130 dash that I would be happy to send you, if it appeared that they would work (though comparing your unit to those in my dash, I don't think it would-but you never know).

Having the dimensions would also help if someone were to go browsing at a pick-n-pull.

Edited August 30, 2008 by zbane

[Duffman]

Thanks, I feel I need something different than a 240Z vent, not sure if later models have anything that might work. The inner dimensions where the vent/louver would go are 1 1/2" by 5 3/4". Would love to find something that fits inside and has louvers that can turn the air any direction.

[hls30.com]

Have you tried the obvious-filling the opposite side of the existing plenum to force the air to the drivers side?

If you paint or cover the obstruction with black material, you will still have all of the stock components in your car, the vintage look, and the answer to your problem(limiting the path of the air will increase its velocity and impose a specific direction(if filled purposefully), and unless I misunderstood, that is what you are after...

Just a thought,

Will

[Duffman]

Bill, guess I am looking for the ability to better direct airflow out of the center vent, rather than let it shoot out straight ahead or forced right and left. Something with louvers would allow me to direct it on the driver or passenger, or both, with better intensity. Would just as soon leave the side vents alone. At least that's what I am thinking!

[bj2348]

Hey Duffman,

This might be more coin than you want to spend, but I offer it up non the less:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com

Given your space requirements, I'd suggest these:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/squarevent.php

Thanks go to TonyD for showing me the way a couple of years ago.

Jay

[Carl Beck]

I don't know about Hot Rod Air - but Vintage Air offers several different types of vents. Your main problem is finding one that is the exact dimensions you need. Unless you are willing to make a custom center finisher..

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Duffman]

Thanks, Jay, will look into that website.

Carl, I have a call into HodRod Air, will see what they say this week as far as vent options..

[psdenno]

I realize that your main issue is being able to direct the air flow more effectively, but have you also done some of the other things that make the existing setup more efficient - like heat insulation in the passenger compartment and rear deck area and a rear window louver to block the greenhouse back window. As a SoCal desert dweller, I know those two changes made the AC seem twice as effective on my '71 Z. If you're not big on the rear louvers, a tinted window helps greatly.

Good Luck!

Dennis

[Duffman]

All good points, Dennis. I have just completed the interior, with FatMat throughout. I realize without the louvers or tinted windows, the comfort level will not be as good, but wanted to have better air flow control as a start. The window tint, and maybe louvers, will be coming!