Installing new vents on my truck

[86swb]

I just got my new vents from LMC and want to install these in my 84 Silverado but do not want to break off the nipples. How do you get the old ones out and put the new ones in? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

[J Knight]

You have to remove your bezel and dash pad, then remove the dash trim piece to change them.

[86swb]

OH, is that all? I thought it would be hard. So you just about have to take the whole front end off just to install these? Sounds like fun-"NOT" lol

[bnoon]

It's not hard at all. Takes 10 minutes to pull the bezel and pad once you know where the screws are at. Since it's your first time, just be patient and make sure you find all of the screws. If it doesn't just slide right off, you've missed one! <or more>

[86swb]

I have pulled bezels before so that is no problem. It is the pad I am worried about because mine or OE and in perfect shape. So when I pull the bezel I should see the screws?

[bnoon]

I can't confirm screw holes on 81-87 since I've had earlier ones most recently, but I don't remember any screws behind the bezel. The bezel does come off first though. Dash screws are on the end caps by the door edges and along the bottom edge above the glove box ash tray area. Again, can't confirm exact location, but I do remember it was easy on my 86. I tore down the entire duct system, cleaned, and replaced it all including vents in less than a couple of hours. My old 86 had mouse poop everywhere when I first got it.

[Dead Parrot]

On my 75, I just see the 4 hex nuts at the bottom of the pad and none in the door area. During my most recent trip to the local pull a part, I took a pad off for practice since I will soon have to explore under my dash for a heater core replacement and possible vacuum flapper motor fix. On that truck, don't know the year, there were also 1 phillips head screw on each side that were only accessible with the doors wide open. Once I had the 4 hex nuts and 2 screws out, the pad came off easily. Did find a pair of under pad round speaker brackets and one side vent in good shape. Don't know what might have been in the bezel/gauge area as both those were long gone.

[86swb]

Originally Posted by bnoon

. My old 86 had mouse poop everywhere when I first got it.

I just hate it when that happens.

[Jonboy]

Once the bezel is off, there will be 4 screws on the bottom of the pad above the glove box. There is also a phillips head screw on the far right side of teh dash pad you don't see until the door is open. Don't forget that one.

Once the pad is off, the bezel that goes around the vents will be held on with some quick nuts. Be careful pulling those, the plastic might be brittle.

[86swb]

Well, guess I will be taking all these apart to install the new vents. Thanks for all the advice guys. I guess I might get started on this tomorrow. I will just take is slow and that is ok because I am slow anyway being 71 this month. Age is only a number. (I keep telling myself)

[05duramaxhd]

when I put mine in last year I think I had to add some felt or rubber on one end to make them "stay" in one place, I am pretty sure I had to do it one the small driver side one

[86swb]

Originally Posted by 05duramaxhd

when I put mine in last year I think I had to add some felt or rubber on one end to make them "stay" in one place, I am pretty sure I had to do it one the small driver side one

Do not understand what you are telling me. Felt or rubber to keep the vents in? Could you explain a little more?

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by 86swb

Do not understand what you are telling me. Felt or rubber to keep the vents in? Could you explain a little more?

On each vent there is what looks like a washer made of felt that keeps the vent in what ever position you aim it.

[68Timber]

Someone here mentioned recently using rubber O-rings instead of the felts to keep the vents from flopping.

[86swb]

Looks like we have a lot of "John's" on here. lol I guess these felts or O-rings go over the nipples? I am going to try to start on it today and if not it will be Monday.

[05duramaxhd]

Yeah it's for what they said