AstroVent System ('70)

[Keith W.]

Are there any good documents on the Astro Ventilation System that can serve as a reference to operation and repair if needed? My louvers/vent doors in the rear do not operate or move. It appears they are controlled by the vacuum system given the canister on the passenger side.
The black hose that runs to the canister, where does it run to? I am assuming up front either somewhere to the vacuum system or does it run to the air/heating controls? I do have a minivac for testing purposes but not sure where to pick up the other end of the hose.
Any help certainly would be much appreciated.

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[Mike E.]

Re: AstroVent System ('70)

That rubber hose connects to steel hose behind the passenger seat, and that connects under the hard center console to a rubber hose that goes to the heater control under the soft center console. If I were you, I would start right at that vacuum pot against the rear bulkhead. The rubber hose that connects there has an extra rubber extension with a hole in it that slides over the metal tube. I would use a hair dryer/heat gun to soften those and slip that off the metal tube. Hook up your mityvac there and see what you get. If the vacuum pot works, then the best next option is to check out the metal line. If the carpet has been wet, the metal tube can rust out. The LAST thing you want to have to do is check out the connection to the control under the soft console.

[Keith W.]

[Terry M.]

Re: AstroVent System ('70)

If there is one hole in the metal tube, there are likely more. I can't help with a source for a reproduction. but I don't think a DIY replacement would be too hard to do since the tube is not visible when installed. Exposing the whole tube (remove passenger seat and carpet to expose the entire tube). Use the original as a template for the replacement. Brake line of the proper diameter should be readily available at a well stocked parts store. I would avoid the low-budget stores that ask for your VIN number (LOL) and go to a store that depends more on commercial accounts. I like NAPA, but Car Quest stores are often a good source. Diameter and length will be your technical details needed.

If you get as far as the HVAC control in the soft console the rabbit hole becomes very verry deep, as Mike has suggested. FWIW I have never come across a good explanation of the operation of those vents in any of the literature, but there is some of it in the 1969 (1970) Chassis Service Manual. I have not had a chance to see the 1968 Service Manual. As a first-year of use manual it might have a better explanation. I just don't have that manual to look at. Usually subsuquent years simply coppy what is in the earlier manuals - errors and all. We all have been there.