1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

[Jeff W.]

As I disassembled the center air conditioner section I removed the deflector (the chrome 'register' like thing that directs the air by pivoting on an axle when moved by hand) and pulled it apart. I didn't realize it could be reassembled several ways. Two questions for someone with an original installation:

1. There is a protrusion or 'knuckle' in the center of the register that keeps the deflector from spinning completely around. Does that point to the rear or to the passenger compartment?

2. My deflector has four sections of felt that provide 'drag' on the deflector. Is the deflector installed in the duct so these sections are on the 'top' or on the 'bottom'?

This deflector requires two plastic fasteners to hold the rotating mechanism in side the rectangular housing. One of mine was missing. I made one. (Photo below.) The one on the right is home made. And no, I did not use a 3D printer. If anyone wants to know how I did it, let me know and I'll post more. As it's not yet installed, the jury is out on whether it will work.

[Kurt B.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Jeff,
Not sure if this helps but on my 68,which I have owned since 1972 and was not tampered with, the felts were glued to the top and bottom of the plastic housing that holds the chrome deflector.
Also, I tried to blow up your picture of the parts you made and my old eyes could not make them out very well.
Any chance I could impose on you to send me a larger picture as an e-mail attachment ?
kbunting@Verizon.net
Thank you
Kurt

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Thanks, Kurt. Yes, that is helpful. So you have felt on the top AND bottom. Do you recall how many segments there were on each side? Were there four?

Also, that 'knuckle' on the center of the cylindrical register. Did you notice if it was facing the cockpit or the firewall?

I sent a full size photo of the inserts separately to you. These things are less that 1/4" across.

[Kurt B.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Jeff,
Mine had 4 small pieces, 2 on top 2 on bottom.
If the "knuckle" you are referring to is the raised rib in the center of the chrome deflector piece, mine faces into the cockpit and I believe it is meant to be used to rotate the chrome deflector up and down. It acts sort of like a thumbwheel.
I always drive my 68 with the T-tops off so the air conditioner is never used. In fact, I removed the compressor and stored it in the garage. I was once told that the compressor draws 10-15 horsepower (but I'm not sure if that's true) so I removed it since I was not using it.
Kurt

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Yes, that small pointed part on the ribbed center dial. Protrudes from the dial forming a very small pyramid. It seems to be a 'stop' of some kind, too. Is that what you see on your dial?

Funny my AC doesn't work either. I'm just trying to get it to look correct.

Thanks for your help.

[Kurt B.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Jeff,
You are correct.
The round ribbed portion at the center of the chrome bezel faces the cockpit (interior) while the pyramid shape is out of sight and faces the firewall.
It acts as a "stop" or limiting device, to keep the center bezel from rotating completely 360 degrees.
Kurt

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1968 Air Conditioner Center Outlet Deflector - Orientation

Awesome! Thank you.