Astro ventilation gaskets

[Jeff W.]

I searched the archives with zero results. Can anyone explain how to install new gaskets on my 72 conv without taking the rivets out? The AIM shows where everything is, but I cannot seem to seperate the pin out of the rod assembly that opens and closes the 2 doors.
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

I searched the archives with zero results. Can anyone explain how to install new gaskets on my 72 conv without taking the rivets out? The AIM shows where everything is, but I cannot seem to seperate the pin out of the rod assembly that opens and closes the 2 doors.
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

Jeff-----


If you are talking about the kick panel air valve "doors" activated by the forward console-mounted levers, you cannot install the gaskets on these "doors" without removing the rivets. Dr. Rebuild sells these gaskets as a kit with the rivets. Others may not have figured out that you need the rivets (or, small screws) if you are going to replace the gaskets. You need the rivets, of course, rather than screws if you are going to replace them as-original.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

OK, back to the drawing board.
Thanks Joe

[Chuck S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

OK, back to the drawing board.
Thanks Joe

Oh...those doors. I thought you were talking about the rear doors. The rivets used in the kick panel doors are hollow shank rivets, and are not that difficult to set.

Drill out the old rivets using a drill press, separate the two steel door sheets, clean out the old gasket, beadblast the door sheets or otherwise prep, and paint the door sheets with satin black.

Reassemble the door sheets with Doc Rebuild's gasket between the sheets using a center punch to fully spread the rivet shank ends and then completely peen with a flat ended punch. Be careful not to overpeen; you'll dimple the door sheets.

One caveat: The rivets the Doc provides are not long enough to secure the pivot pin. One pin is rivited and the other is spring loaded...it is removed by compressing the spring until the opposite end of the pin clears the metal bracket stamped from the door sheet.

For longer hollow shank rivets go to Home Depot and look in the specialty fastener drawers...you will find they have identical rivets with longer shanks, EXCEPT they are not cad or zinc plated...only natural brass. I painted mine with some of Eastwoods Cad paint; it's undetectable, and the doors are hidden anyway.

[Jeff W.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Sorry Joe, I did mean the astro vent in the rear compartment. I am still struggling with the terminology. I guess it is the Plenum Air Door.
Now lets start from scratch.
Thanks

[Chuck S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Can't help you with those...air cars don't have them.

[Alan S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Jeff,
I replaced the seals on my 71, my photos show the door apart, but I don't remember how I got the rod out that lets the two pieces separate. If no one else can help I'll take a look at the door tomorrow and maybe that will refresh my memory. Sorry!
Regards,
Alan

[Jeff W.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Thanks Alan, I will look forward to hearing from you.

[Alan S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Hi Jeff,
I finally was able to get these three Reproduction Air Filter Stickers scanned and uploaded. As you can see they vary in size, lay-out, color, font, font size, material and sheen, etc.
When I'm ready to put mine on, I'm going to compare them to a Bowtie car that's as close to my production date as I can find and pick the most accurate sticker.
All the colors are the least vivid on #2, and the most vivid on #1, which is also printed on very shiny, slick paper. #2 is printed on the paper with the 'flattest' finish, and already looked 'old' when I bought it many years ago.
Regards,
Alan

[Jeff W.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Thanks Alan, look forward to talking to you soon.

[Eugene V.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Hello Alan,

I too am looking for an air cleaner decal. I have a 1970 LS5. We're you able to confirm
which of the reproductions was closest to the original?

Thanks,


Gene Ventura

[Alan S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Hi Gene,
I have a picture of a nice original.... but I can't find it!!
I have to go to work now but will look again later today.
Perhaps someone else will post a 70 closed base sticker picture.
Regards,
Alan

[Alan S.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Hi Gene,
Here are 2 pictures of a label I saw at the Altoona Regional.
I'm not sure now what year 70-72 it's from???
It's certainly very different than the samples I posted. Does anyone recognize it?
Regards,
Alan

[Eugene V.]

Re: Astro ventilation gaskets

Alan,

Thanks for the photos.

Gene Ventura