Topic: Straighten Bent '67 A/C Vent/Control Panel

[drummingrocks]

I recently bought a really nice set of used '67 A/C interior vents.  There's only one problem: the driver's side vent/control assembly is bent where it meets up with the instrument cluster.  I was hoping to get some opinions on what to do.  Should I try to bend it back straight, and if so, how?  I'm afraid that it will just break.  I would leave it alone, but it's really noticeable since the instrument panel is straight and this piece is so obviously bent.  Also, I have a deluxe interior--should I remove that small blackout at the top of the assembly?  I thought that might have been done only for standard interior pieces, so that it would blend in with the camera case inserts.  Thanks for any help/advice!

[67350#1242]

I've straightened vents as badly bent as this before with good results.
Have to be careful of course - try placing between 2 wooden blocks and carefully pressing together in a vise - go slowly.

[67gtasanjose]

+1 Be careful & slow, hope all goes well.

Now on the camera case...Yes, it gets removed. There was another discussion about this a few months ago (4 months ago?)

There should be a brushed aluminum piece instead of the black. ALSO, the blackout around the sliders is just supposed to be chrome. NOT THE BLACKOUT AROUND THE LETTERING, that stays black.

[drummingrocks]

+1 Be careful & slow, hope all goes well.

Now on the camera case...Yes, it gets removed. There was another discussion about this a few months ago (4 months ago?)

There should be a brushed aluminum piece instead of the black. ALSO, the blackout around the sliders is just supposed to be chrome. NOT THE BLACKOUT AROUND THE LETTERING, that stays black.

Right, I think you're referring to my old thread about the difference between the two designs.  I've already pulled the camera case inserts and bought the replacement brushed aluminum ones.  I'm glad I made that thread, as I really didn't think the camera case was an insert; I thought it was cast into the metal.  The fun part is going to be stripping the black around the sliders.  I may just strip the whole thing, then repaint the sections with the lettering.  I just hope the chrome is in good shape underneath...

[Oz390]

As noted, clamp, go slow, take your time.  Localised pressure can help, for similar items I've use small blocks at the apex of the curve on the side you are pushing "in".  Not just two flat blocks across the whole surface.  This can apply a bit more selective pressure where you need it.

Some light heat may help, but may blemish/discolor chrome if you are not going to refinish...

[jwc66k]

From outside the box - a couple of blocks of wood specially placed to "undo" the bend, a "C" clamp, an oven at 200F, some fancy Bar-B-Q mittens for handling purposes, and say 30 minutes and a half turn per cycle, about four cycles of heat and turns.
(Do this without permission and you might be sleeping on the couch.)
Jim

[1967 eight barrel]

It's pot metal, and we know how that goes at times. If you can straighten it out, the chrome may come off. Best of luck.

                                                                                                               -Keith