1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

[Ted B.]

I am looking for a replacement for what I believe is the original defroster box. I realize that C Central, Paragon et. al. have replacements for $150 and up. Is there a better and lower cost source? I've seen a metal reproduction for under $100 but am not sure what the judging implications are.

Thanks.

[John T.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

If your questions is about points loss, it would be small. The heater, control plenum, defroster hoses and ducts in total have only 3 originality points assigned.

Hope this helps.

John

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

For judging the pressboard part is much more correct then the metal one.
How correct I am not sure.

[David K.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

i have a new one in my '62 from Paragon. It is the cardboard one like the original. The original was so bad it was hard to give it a good comparison against the new one. Regardless, the new one looks good and functions well. I am glad I went with the cardboard one that is as close to the original as I could find.

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

John:

Thanks for the info. The heater/defroster is the only thing on the car that does not work. The original hoses were rotted, so I got new hoses. I also purchased a new switch which I have yet to install. I'm leaning toward putting in the correct defroster box so it becomes an issue of the price diifferential ($90 vs $150), but it is also nice to know that either fix will not be a judging points issue.

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

Bruce:

Thanks for your reply - the Paragon box is the least expensive of those I have seen. I've got a new switch and hoses to install so I'm leaning in the same direction as you.

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

David:

I'm glad to know the Paragon box worked out for you. My original is missing several pieces (amazing after 50 years) and I've got new hoses and a new switch to install as well.

[Stephen G.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

I got the cardboard box from Corvette Central. I got no deducts at Wildwood Regional.

It looks pretty close to my original except it works! Mine was totally distorted and the flapper was shot.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

You might check with Mary Jo to see if she has a repro box and if her pricing is better. I just purchased a set of accurate repro battery cables for my 1960 and paid $38 plus shipping. CC and Paragon wanted $79.95 plus shipping.

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

Steve, Joe:

Thanks for weighing in - I've ordered a repro box from Paragon - pressboard as original. I also talked with Mary Jo yesterday about a metal box she has for sale - about $100 with shipping - I rationalized spending the extra $50 for the correct repro.

[David K.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

I think you made a wise call. I am sure the metal ones are very good, but the cardboard ones don't rattle anyhow. Besides, I can't imagine that your '61 will see any of the conditions it may have seen in the past 50yrs. that made the original go bad to begin with.

[John F.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

Heater and related of my 62 all original.

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

David: No kidding. If this one lasts half as long as the original, it will be the next owner's problem!

[Ted B.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

Thanks for the pics!

[David K.]

Re: 1961 Corvette pressboard defroster box

May you and everyone here, out live your defroster box!