Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

[Joe L.]

Re: Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

So the flaps on a convertible are screwed to the rear inside back panel above the carpet? As the car drives over the road, the flaps open into the rear vent area from air pressure on them? This is the area i'm concentrating on this weekend. I will sandblast the metal frames then spray satin black rustoleum. Paragon sells the flaps, gaskets, an fasteners. Any pictures available on this subject?

Jeff------


The opening and closing of the Astro Ventilation doors on the rear bulkhead is controlled by a vacuum actuator which is in turn controlled by the HVAC controller on the console. It has nothing to do with "air pressure".

[John C.]

Re: Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

Jeff and Joe


The vacuum operated rear doors did not begin until the 1969 model year. In 1968 you only had the rubber flap.

I've attached some pictures of this configuration. One thing I find interesting on my car is the rubber flap was glued at each of the corners so it could not open. It look like a factory job to me. This makes the rear vent useless. Not sure if it make a difference but my car is a convertible.


If you want to make it look factory correct make sure to get a lot of carpet glue on it.


John

[Joe L.]

Re: Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

Jeff and Joe


The vacuum operated rear doors did not begin until the 1969 model year. In 1968 you only had the rubber flap.

I've attached some pictures of this configuration. One thing I find interesting on my car is the rubber flap was glued at each of the corners so it could not open. It look like a factory job to me. This makes the rear vent useless. Not sure if it make a difference but my car is a convertible.


If you want to make it look factory correct make sure to get a lot of carpet glue on it.


John

John------


Somehow I missed that this was a 68.

Also, on 69+ the rear doors were sealed shut if the car was equipped with C-60. I expect it was the same for 68.

[John C.]

Re: Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

JoeIt is strange because I don't have C-60. It will be interesting to see if any other 68 owners report the same thing.John

[Jeff P.]

Re: Astro-ventilation flappers on rear bulkhead

John,

Thanks for the photos of the Convertible Astro Ventilation Rear Flap Assembly! Yes this is the style and year i am restoring. The glue was very sloppy, and the flaps were glued shut. By the looks of this I thought maybe a carpet installer owned this car at one time. Joe I should have said this is on a 1968 Convertible Vette!