1960 A/C Dash Parts Wanted

[Wudro]

Does anyone have an extra Chrome A/C Bezel and Vents on the dash of a 1960 TBird they are willing to sell?
Thanks in advance
Ryan (Wudro)

For Reference:

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[YellowRose]

Two people come to mind, Ryan, John Draxler of Thunderbird Ranch and the best way to get in contact him is to email him at: jdrax@tbirdranch.com. Because he often is not near his phone to answer it. The other person is Carl Heller ~ partsetal on here. He will probably see this post, but you can PM him to see if he has one in stock. If that does not work for you, if someone can give me the Ford Part # to that AC chrome bezel I can look for it nationally. Do you have the chrome piece for the radio? If not, I need that Ford Part 3 also..

[Wudro]

Thanks as always Ray! I’ve been in contact with Carl, and he has the vents but no bezel. I just emailed John. What I’m trying to do is Retrofit the Original Dash A/C assembly to work with my aftermarket Classic Aire kit. I’d like to run 2 of the ducts up to the dash and only install 2 down below. I do have 2 radios, but I’m thinking of getting the USA-740 to put in. I hope it would fit and look clean. I’m not sure though. There is a chance I may also need this part behind the Vents that I assume is cardboard and connects to the A/C unit.

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[YellowRose]

Ryan, as I recall, that part IS cardboard, and probably pretty well shot now after some 60 years. You may have to make a new one for this to work. John ~ jopizz probably can comment more on this. IF the one that is there is still in fairly decent condition, you may be able to use it, or use it as a guide to make a new one, perhaps out of metal....

[Wudro]

Unfortunately, John Draxler doesn’t have any of those parts right now. If he’s out and Carl (partsetal) doesn’t have a bezel, I may be SOL. I roamed and rummaged around Desert Valley Auto Parts near me in AZ, and didn’t see one there. I may have to abandon this idea and go back to the suggested install. Thanks for everyone’s help as always

[YellowRose]

Ryan, do not give up just yet... I have NOT put my Bloodhound nose to the trail yet looking for this part. Because I was hoping that someone would come up with the bezel. Is that the only thing you lack? Other than maybe having to make that cardboard 19711? Does Carl have the 19234 and 19649 parts? Let me see if I can find the Ford Part # for the bezel that goes above the radio. If I can, then I can search nationwide to see who has that part used. Or can find a Squarebird parts car that part can be taken off of.. In fact, I might be able to find one in my own backyard. There is a major scrapyard about an hour from me that has a number of Squarebirds in it. I know that, because I have been through them getting the VIN #'s and Data Plate info from them to report to John Rotella for his tbird.info Registry. I will call them tomorrow and see if they can tell me if they have one they can pull. It probably would have to be cleaned and re-chromed because those cars have been sitting in those fields for many years. Knowing what that Ford Part # is would help, but I also know what it looks like and can send them a picture of it... I assume you are speaking of the chrome piece below the AC vent that is right above the radio knobs that shows the AM Stations in it...

[OX1]

Thanks as always Ray! I’ve been in contact with Carl, and he has the vents but no bezel. I just emailed John. What I’m trying to do is Retrofit the Original Dash A/C assembly to work with my aftermarket Classic Aire kit. I’d like to run 2 of the ducts up to the dash and only install 2 down below. I do have 2 radios, but I’m thinking of getting the USA-740 to put in. I hope it would fit and look clean. I’m not sure though. There is a chance I may also need this part behind the Vents that I assume is cardboard and connects to the A/C unit.

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That was my plan too. I don't like the rectangle outlets they give you that look like they came out of an 80's Fairmount.
I think they had underdash chrome round one's (or I found them on E-bay, forget) that I thought would look better, and being
n lower edges of dash, much less noticeable overall.

[Wudro]

I agree OX1! I figured 2 in the dash assembly above the radio, and I’ll get 2 round ones to mount somewhere else.

I have not tried Pat Wilson’s yet OUR5T8BIRD. I’ll give them a call. Thank you.

And to our favorite Bloodhound... I believe the number is 19649. It appears to me to be rectangle, with the same horizontal ribs as the radio, instrument panel and glove box door. I could be wrong though, because I’ve never seen one disassembled. My understanding is Carl has the 19234. The 19711 box I thought could be a good starting point to transition to the ductwork but I can make something out of sheet metal as you mentioned. The part you detailed I think is part of the radio. It appears the A/C bezel sits on top of the radio.
We all appreciate your assistance Ray! But please don’t waste too much time looking for it. You have more important things to do! Hopefully one will pop up.

[YellowRose]

BTW the Classic Auto Air kit for the Squarebird does come with the 4 round ones...

[YellowRose]

Ryan.... Check your private messages... If you have any questions call me at 210-875-1411... In fact PLEASE do call me, or shoot me your phone number so I can call you on my dime... I have some questions I need to ask you...

[frank58]

If the cardboard part is still together but fragile you could fiberglass it.....??

[Wudro]

That’s a good suggestion frank58. Unfortunately, both my Finish car and Donor car didn’t come equipped with A/C. So I’m lacking all parts. I think a sheet metal fabrication would be the best bet. Also, because I’d have to go from rectangle on one side and 2 round holes on the other for the vent tubing.

[OX1]

BTW the Classic Auto Air kit for the Squarebird does come with the 4 round ones...

Didn't always. They still have old pics on their site even.

https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/...ioning-system/

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[OX1]

I've thought of possibly even using in dash vents in the lower recessed panel. Have to check how much space is back there, I forget.
Would allow you to cool high and low in conjunction with factory vent.


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https://www.ebay.com/itm/In-Dash-Round-Vent-AC-Heat-Aftermarket-Automobile-Air-Conditioning-/172918731950

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[Wudro]

Well I just went to another place called “Hidden Valley Auto Parts” and they had 3-‘58s but not what I needed. A funny thing I’ve never seen. He said one out there had A/C in the trunk, and I thought he was mixing up the years or cars or something. But, sure enough, there it was. Not sure if that was stock or dealer installed. Wild!

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