63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

[Kenneth B.]

Hello Folks,

OK, I have finished repairs to the heater Y-duct assembly, and I am ready to re-install it.

It appears to attach to the main heater box assembly with two fasteners: One facing the back of the radio, and one on the driver's side.

(a) Can someone tell me what are the correct fasteners to use?
(b) Do the outer ends of the Y-duct attach to the console side panels?

Thanks in advance.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Ken, there are three pieces involved. The main heater box, the Y duct and a small air snout. As I recall hex head self tapping screws were used to hold the Y duct to the main box. The Radio side panels attach with screws after installation. This is to hold those panels in place. Here is a picture of all three pieces.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners & Snout

Ken, there are three pieces involved. The main heater box, the Y duct and a small air snout. As I recall hex head self tapping screws were used to hold the Y duct to the main box. The Radio side panels attach with screws after installation. This is to hold those panels in place. Here is a picture of all three pieces.

Thanks, Harry, I appreciate the reply.

I was not aware of the "snout", apparently mine disappeared from my car many owners ago. How does it attach to the main box? Is it a 63-only item? How critical is it for proper heater operation? I'm not concerned about originiality, as my car is very un-correct.

Thanks again.

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

The 'snout' as you call the duct piece is indeed a 63-only part. It's NOT available as a service replacement or reproduction item. Originals are DARN hard to find and tend to be costly when/if you can find one.

Many resort to fabricating their own and there was an article in Restorer magazine from one owner who did the job himself....

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Ken the snout/air duct also attaches with (1) self tapping screw. If you look at the right side of the snout, it is fabricated to fit on the lip of the main heater box.

Also, Jack is correct, I've seen this little pieces go for as must as $100.00. I've also seen a vendor at the Florida regional who did not know what he had sell one for $2.00. Keep looking!!!

Harry

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

It has been awhile since I last had mine apart, but I recall those self tapping screws are only good for a few times before the tapped holes strip out. I recall having to use clip nuts last time, and they worked fine - better than new (same for the snout).

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Ken,
The picture Harry shows is a late 63 heater box. I don't know your serial # but there is a earlier version heater box that looks different and I am not sure the date of changeover. The Y duct is full in the front like the back and I think the snout is different although I can't tell you what is different about it. I think attaching screws are about 1/2" long with hex head 5/16" wrench size and self taping without points on them.

[John M.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Kenneth send me your address and I will give you two originals, they are a cap head with a circle dot in the center.....Thanks Jhn Meissinger

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Tim is correct, there were several main heater boxes in 63. The first two versions was essentially the same where the fiberglass was concerned. The difference was in the mechanism that opened and closed the internal shutters to allow or disallow air, heat or defrost. It was an awful design that accomplished one thing, it cooked the driver. The third design is the one I posted. The Y duct and the snout is the same on 63's

Anyway the changeover occurred in April of 63. I have a main heater box dated April 4th of 63 that is the old design and one dated April 27th that looks like the picture I posted.

Harry

[Gerald L.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

I have an Apr 30 built car with a heater box dated "HD 6 63B". This inner box has the old slide lever defrost control, not the later swivel version shown above. I have seen two 63 Y-Ducts, identical except for the diagonal cut in the face as shown above (this cut removes the 90 degree corner so it clears the mechanism). The earlier Y-duct did not require, nor have, this cut. The attaching screw hole location on this face is also different early to later version.

Are not there at least two snout versions? I have seen a 4 and a 5 sided 'rectangle'. Each mounts the same. I do not know the application of each.

Harry, can you decode this inner box date for me please. Gerry Lehmann

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Gerry, the dates on the two boxes I have are actually April 1st and April 29th, misread my notes.

Anyway, the April 1st box has stamped into the metal HD 06 63B. The date stamped inside the box in ink is APR 163NC309. This box is on my April 20th built car.

The April 29th box is stamped into the metal HD 06A 63B. The date stamp inside the box in ink is APR2963NC309.

I should have said the box change over occurred in April, they were probably used on the line in late April, or for sure May.

I believe the HD 6 63B is a version/model number not a date, is the 6 actually 06?

Harry

This is the April 1st box.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Here is the April 29th date.

[John D.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Ken the snout/air duct also attaches with (1) self tapping screw. If you look at the right side of the snout, it is fabricated to fit on the lip of the main heater box.

Also, Jack is correct, I've seen this little pieces go for as must as $100.00. I've also seen a vendor at the Florida regional who did not know what he had sell one for $2.00. Keep looking!!!

Harry

Harry, I heard that vendor lived in Winter Park, FL also. Said he knew you.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Harry,

I need on of those little springs if you or anyone has a extra. I made mine because the original is long gone but believe it or not that spring makes the linkage work properly. Don't you guys remember the discussion about weather there is a flat washer behind the sliding bar, that seems to make it move smooth also.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Heater Y-Duct Fasteners

Tom, sorry no spring. I restored both boxes and as soon as I have to replace the heater core again, the newer design is going in. The kit to restore the box is available from Dr. Rebuild, he may also have the spring? Give him a call.

The internal seals in the newer design box are so much better for keeping heat out.

Harry