New controls for heat/defrost

Finally took care of the heat/defrost controls. The heat has worked well since I overhauled the system and fabricated a few parts. The missing piece of the system was being able to flip the lever to send warm air to the defroster vent. The floor vents were broken, the driver's side cable and metal flap was missing, and the passenger side cable was hopelessly rusted and seized. I ordered some used vents from eBay, and they were in fair condition.

Only problem is that, even in factory new condition, operation leaves something to be desired. Taking off your seatbelt and leaning over underneath the dash while driving on the freeway is for the birds!

I decided to relocate the controls to the main tunnel where they are at your fingertips. Old parts used in the project are the stock heater vents, stock metal flaps attached to the vents, and the original metal tab and screw that secured the original cables near the vents.
New parts were two universal control cables ($6.95 each), and a flat piece of metal stock 1/8th inch thick, about 7/16ths wide, and about 5 inches long. I use the metal stock to make a bracket with mounting holes for the cables, and a central hole for bolting to to the tunnel using the rear shifter bolt. Nice and secure! After the holes were made in the bracket, a 30 degree twist was put on the new bracket to angle the controls. I thought about putting them straight up, but angling them looks better, they can be closer together, and the cables work smoother. I'll make the carpet fit over them neater when I get the correct carpets. The carpets in the car now are for the wrong vehicle or are just a very bad fit. The cables themselves run along the tunnel, then curve around to connect to the vents.

The results are excellent and the only item that cannot be undone for a restore is the slit in the carpet. The controls are right there, you can use both at the same time with one hand, operation is logical (pull up for defrost, push down for floor vents), and you did not take control away from the passenger if you have one.

Paul

PS: Excuse the cheap seat covers, they protect the seat, and I hate sitting on plastic in hot weather   

Last edited by Altema (2010-08-01 15:25:26)