Defroster tubing instalation tips

[HEI451]

I am in the process of utter frustration in the installation of LMC replacement repro defroster ducts.

I had thought to use my heat gun on the lowest setting to stretch the ducting, anyone have any ideas, better way to do it??

[Chevysdominate]

I made the same mistake and bought the cheaper vent duct version from lmc. I ended up putting them on the shelf and "fixed" a set of originals I had with duct tape. I think a heat gun would help a ton though. Maybe put them in the oven for a few minutes to soften them?

[awbrown]

I got mine from classic parts and they slipped right on ....

[Clyde65]

Look at where they slip on, there should be a few little "thingy's" that hold the hose on there, I have seen some broken off and the hose wouldnt stay on.

[HEI451]

Well, I've had it with these things, they are just over 3/16ths inch too small in diameter to fit the holders. LMC just told me they have "never" had any problems putting tyhese disasters on. And, now, I need a defroster vent as well, because one of mine broke when I attempted to install the hose on one of the billion times I have tried.

I wonder when China-men will learn to read English, and adhere to correct sizes for their junk replacement parts garbage.

['63GENIII]

I got mine from Napa. The coiled metal reinforcement was flat as opposed to a round wire thing but with a little work they went on. I had to twist mine on. Just like screwing it onto the duct ports. Seemed like if I went the opposite way though, the duct would close up a little. Think the stuff was around 20.00.

[HEI451]

I just got back in from getting it dialed in and finished. I just got irritated and did it the way I should have in the first place.

I looked through all the scraps of mandrel bent tubing and fuel tank inlet rubber hose, and made two ducts out of the steel tubing, and 4 connectors. 8 hose clamps and a little fitting/welding, and I have ducts that won't tear, rot, etc.

After getting the ducts made and installed, I finally had the opportunity to mount the stainless steel glove box I built a week ago, when the ducting fiasco began.

LMC gets their useless sewer tubing sent back to them.

['63GENIII]

At least from the sounds of it, it sounds like you'll never have to do that again!

[JimQ]

For the benefit of future lookers, I'll second that the hoses from Classic Parts worked great. They are made from a cloth like material with an embedded wire coil. They went right on and stayed there.

Q

[jbgroby]

Thats the one I used, works great. entire album here.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/579894970vydbSl

[AllenKarber]

I'm sorry to resurrect this older thread,but I made the mistake of buying the cheaper LMC hoses. What a hair-pulling experience that was. I couldn't get them to work. I got the short hose on,but it would push the defroster ducts out of the dash. My neighbors kids probably learned some new words.

I ordered some OE type hoses from Classic Parts,and the price and shipping was cheaper too.

[awbrown]

I'm sorry you didnt read this thread first ....

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by awbrown

i got mine from classic parts and they slipped right on ....

x2

[AllenKarber]

Originally Posted by awbrown

I'm sorry you didnt read this thread first ....

Me too....

I have my new hoses,but I haven't put them on yet.

I think I have found a new parts source!

[61K10]

aren't their 2 different sizes of hose?

[AllenKarber]

Originally Posted by 61K10

aren't their 2 different sizes of hose?

There must be because the ones I bought from Classic won't go on either.



Edit:

I got one of them to go on. I'm just a little cranky today. Time for the 2nd one.

[CRGRS 66]

I am going to chime in on this as I plan to replace my ducting as well.

I was going to get some ducting through my work... I sell hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial hose.... and wait for it ducting.

I would recommend that everyone take their dimensions, or a sample to their local hose and fitting supplier, should be way, way cheaper. If one of you guys came into my shop I would cut you off a piece and send you on your way no charge (call me next time you are in Cambridge!!!), not worth the the paperwork to be honest. There are also some colours available, yellow and black for one.

just google industrial hose suppliers in your area, bring your truck, or show em a pic, I will bet they will be happy to help.

[forestb]

I just used some mettle expandable tubing from the hardware store it was the perfect diameter and I didn't even need clamps. Once I put them in place they just stayed in place with no problem.

[61K10]

the suppliers list two kits-----60-63 and 64-66

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by 61K10

the suppliers list two kits-----60-63 and 64-66

The 60-63 uses a different size tube than the 64-66.