64 C10 - connecting one of the defroster hoses

[elane352]

Greetings,

I need to replace the defroster hose that connects to the left side circular vent on the driver's side. This is a thrift heat set up by the way.

I cannot seem to connect the hose to that vent. I guess trying to do so while laying on my back and trying to reach up has not been effective.

I thought that if I could push up the circular vent piece, release it from the hole it goes in, and stick the hose up through the hole, it would be a piece of cake to make my connection. Then I could stick the connected vent/hose back down through the hole.

The vent does turn a bit. But there seem to be two little side pieces that hold it in place. I have been pushing in, pushing down, and pushing up to see if I could free things up and get the vent out. Nothing has worked. Since I have never dealt with these vents before, I do not know what is the right technique to push them up. And I did not want to get a wood block and take a hammer and try to release the vent that way. That I believe would result in damaging the vent or breaking it.

So if anyone has any insight, please share.

Eddie