Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DT1 · 11-01-2017, 10:00 PM

I have a new set of heater and A/C ducting and I'd like to know if there is a way to expand them to fit properly. I have never been able to put them on without slitting the ends and duct taping them in place. Is there a trick to it? Do they need to be per-expanded to go on? The only thing I can think of is to push them over a conical shaped object to slightly increase the diameter so they will go together easily. Maybe wetting the ends will help. Any advise will help.
Thanks in advance!

**Stocker** · 11-02-2017, 01:34 AM

I recently replaced all my HVAC ducts with OEM-type wire-reinforced cloth ducting. Some went on without much trouble, and a few were extremely difficult. Do it when it's warm out. I smeared a thin coating of petroleum jelly inside the ends of the ducts. Twist as you push on. Worse case, press firmly against the duct's wire with a flat-bladed screwdriver to help force it over the plastic tabs. If one end gives you too much trouble, do that end first so you can put more effort into twisting as you push it on -- with any luck, the other end of that duct might go on a bit easier.

It was a struggle but I got all mine on without slitting or taping anything.

*randy500* · 11-02-2017, 01:43 AM

Twist the fitting into the duct so that the direction you twist unravels the wire, does that make sense? Twisting the opposite way constricts the opening.
For example: If looking down the duct opening and the wire twists clockwise you would want to twist the fitting clockwise to "unravel" the wire, thereby opening up the duct opening slightly.
Should slide right in if you do it that way.

Andy4639 · 11-02-2017, 06:22 AM

Take the dash out makes it a lot easier to Run the duct work. Have the ac ball's out of the dash to.

DT1 · 11-02-2017, 08:09 AM

Good advise from all. The dash is completely gutted.

11-01-2017, 10:00 PM	#1
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please I have a new set of heater and A/C ducting and I'd like to know if there is a way to expand them to fit properly. I have never been able to put them on without slitting the ends and duct taping them in place. Is there a trick to it? Do they need to be per-expanded to go on? The only thing I can think of is to push them over a conical shaped object to slightly increase the diameter so they will go together easily. Maybe wetting the ends will help. Any advise will help. Thanks in advance!

11-02-2017, 01:34 AM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Re: Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please I recently replaced all my HVAC ducts with OEM-type wire-reinforced cloth ducting. Some went on without much trouble, and a few were extremely difficult. Do it when it's warm out. I smeared a thin coating of petroleum jelly inside the ends of the ducts. Twist as you push on. Worse case, press firmly against the duct's wire with a flat-bladed screwdriver to help force it over the plastic tabs. If one end gives you too much trouble, do that end first so you can put more effort into twisting as you push it on -- with any luck, the other end of that duct might go on a bit easier. It was a struggle but I got all mine on without slitting or taping anything. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

11-02-2017, 01:43 AM	#3
randy500 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 6,873	Re: Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please Twist the fitting into the duct so that the direction you twist unravels the wire, does that make sense? Twisting the opposite way constricts the opening. For example: If looking down the duct opening and the wire twists clockwise you would want to twist the fitting clockwise to "unravel" the wire, thereby opening up the duct opening slightly. Should slide right in if you do it that way.

11-02-2017, 06:22 AM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please Take the dash out makes it a lot easier to Run the duct work. Have the ac ball's out of the dash to. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-02-2017, 08:09 AM	#5
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: Heater-A/C ducting tips & tricks...Please Good advise from all. The dash is completely gutted.



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