What is this component on a 1971 240z?

[RolfSis]

:eek: One side looks great, the other cracked .... what is this and how important is it to the performance of this Z ? AND if it's important, what is the impact and how do you fix it? Is it fixable??

Sorry for the multiplexed question, but we're total novice-types, who do love their Z. We may or may not sell it, as we continue to learn from you with gratitude.

[MikeW]

Fresh air intake horns. This air goes to the vents in the floorboard area. These vents are controlled by the pull knobs under the dash. With cracks there might not be as much flow but there's never much flow anyhow since the fan does not push this air. I doubt they can be fixed but they can be replaced. My car was missing these horns when I bought it and I never knew I was missing them.

[Weasel73240Z]

I'd replace 'em just so you aren't pulling any extra engine fumes into the cabin. Unlikely I know, but there are already enough avenues for fumes to get in to our Z's without adding another. JMO

[RolfSis]

BRILLIANT! Thanks, although I'm not sure what to do next, will share with the family tonight. We started smelling fumes when we'd get around 80 or so MPH (which of course we shouldn't), but that was also right after we chipped off the tar mats to check floors. Thought that was the cause of the fumes we smelled when the windows were closed.... probably as you said this one cracked hose.

Couldn't I tape that closed to stop the smells?

[RolfSis]

One side is GREAT, the other cracked.... how come? What would have caused this?

[Carl Beck]

All man make plastics - most especially of the less expensive type - crumble with age. 37 years is a long time. Someone most likely squeezed it to see if it was still soft - or leaned on it at some point.

Exposure to ozone, sunlight etc hasten the decay

FWIW,

Carl B.

[RolfSis]

Thank you, Carl.