Topic: Partial Heater Box Removal

[jwc66k]

Slightly off topic, but I use Scotch-Guard fabric spray on the paper fiber heater plenum. It's clear and water repellant. I think it adds a bit of "stiffness" as well. The spray should also be used on the fiber water shield located behind the instrument cluster on the left side, p/n C4ZB-14A099-A, 64-66 only.
Jim

[mjd 65]

Slightly off topic, but I use Scotch-Guard fabric spray on the paper fifer heater plenum. It's clear and water repellant. I think it adds a bit of "stiffness" as well. The spray should also be used on the fiber water shield located behind the instrument cluster on the left side, p/n C4ZB-14A099-A, 64-66 only.
Jim

Thanks for the excellent suggestion, Jim.  It was very timely for me, because I finished installing my fresh air vent and was getting ready to reinstall the instrument panel water shield.  I'm off to pick up some Scotch Guard!

[Hipo giddyup]

Not to high-jack a thread... but what is recommended for an original heater plenum cleaning/restoration?? I have a good used unit I want to restore for my upcoming 66' Dearborn coupe so since we are discussing heater box restos, I thought I would ask since it pertains to this area.

[markb0729]

I know my heater box is not 100% concours correct.  For example, the bracket above the fresh air door that mounts to the cowl should be a natural metal finish.  Does anybody see other details that are not factory correct?  No offense will be taken.  It's all about the knowledge for the next project. 

[CharlesTurner]

I know my heater box is not 100% concours correct.  For example, the bracket above the fresh air door that mounts to the cowl should be a natural metal finish.  Does anybody see other details that are not factory correct?  No offense will be taken.  It's all about the knowledge for the next project. 

Looks ok to me other than the L bracket that holds the box up to the fresh air intake is normally natural metal, not black.

[J_Speegle]

Not to high-jack a thread... but what is recommended for an original heater plenum cleaning/restoration??

Believe we've discussed this before. The cardboard becomes stained, discolored and takes on multiple tones. Short of trying dye on it I have not found anything that addresses the issues. I have covered it in a water soluble glue to reshape and repair some areas and spread the glue over the whole surface and it tends to even out the look a fair amount but nothing perfect and not something I would suggest unless you have a test plenum to try it out on first.

Found a somewhat local retired guy that was thinking of doing repairs and restorations on these but he had not made the choice to jump into the market place yet.  His work looked pretty good though I had not seen what he started out with, only finished ones, they appeared to be presentable.

Like the Scotch guard idea for nice originals that are in good condition.

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks for the input Jeff. Let me get some pics of what I am starting with and I'll start a new post. It was sitting in a wood working shop for decades so it's covered in dust. I'll blow it off and wipe in down first to see what I've got. No way I can tell about any staining yet.

[amishtechnology]

I see the control levers are two different finishes in this thread. What is the correct finish?

[CharlesTurner]

The pins that stick up for the cables to attach to should be natural.  The brackets for the cables to attach to should be black with natural clamps and usually phosphate hex screws with a slot so they can be used with a screwdriver.

[65Ford]

Mark,
For the record, what color was the date code stamp?
Jim

I hope no one minds me bringing up an old post and hijacking it:

I just pulled my heater box and it's silver.

[jwc66k]

I just pulled my heater box and it's silver.

I assume your car is a October 64 San Jose Build with a two speed blower motor (three wires).
Jim

[65Ford]

Oh!  I knew I forgot to mention the Mustang.  Yes, it's the fastback in my sig.  2-speed motor, three wires.  The same date code is also on what's left of the heater plenum.  It still has the tower clamps and what's left of the red stripe heater hoses.  Unfortunately, the original owner got over spray on the assembly when he painted the dash shell.