Stretching things a bit.....

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Ok, this is slightly welding related. I have a 1982 Chevy C-30 Crew Cab Dually that DID NOT come with factory air conditioning. I had to cut the firewall and weld in a template that I made from another truck. I now have a brand new Factory Air conditioner installed in the truck. I am missing one part and I am hoping someone can help me determine what the heck it is called so that I can search for one. Between the windshield and the hood in what I would call the cowling is where fresh air is taken in and flows down to the kick panels where the vents are located in the cab. Ok, when you turn on the air conditioner, there is a vacuum operated mechanism (directly under the cowl screen) that pulls a plastic flap down in order to stop that fresh air from coming in the cab. I need that plastic part as the one I have is cracked and I don't think it will last. It is cracked right at the seam of where the plastic bends. I have no idea how I would plastic weld in a spot that is supposed to flex. My last resort is some black 100MPH Dale Earhhardt duct tape. But any and all suggestions are welcome. If anyone knows what that bugger is called I can go to the dealer and ask to buy one....although, at 20 something years old, I dunno. Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:It's called a thingamabob.  Some of the older A/C guys call it a doohickey, but that's pretty old school.  Ask for the thingamabob and you'll look more professional.
Reply:Meh, I don't believe you. You like DuhWalt....now, if you had a Milwaukee race care picture...I might believe you. You know darn well that you have to have a Automotive Refrigeration License to purchase a Thingamabob anyways. And the Doohickey was phased out due to an inferior casting mold that would cause the flux capacitor to enter hyperthermal mode and defeat the cooling cycle. But I might be able to retrofit a whatchamacallit with some JB Weld.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Recirculation valve or damper...maybe.You could reinforce at the crack with sheet metal screwed or riveted in...also maybe.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Personally, I like outside air coming in all the time. Especially in winter because w/ recirc air the windows fog up easily. If you really need this couldn't a search of wrecking yards turn up something?                             MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I think it is called a Blend-Door actuator, if I understand your post correctly.T.J.
Reply:I think TJS has the right words for it.  I remember hearing that before associated with the internal vs external air.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:yeah, try  ANYTHING , cept  "dale Earnheart " black tape . He's dead , it didn't save him.  Maybe some 200 mph  Duck tape (silver colored)  might help , if nothin else werx !    Side note :  I really disliked Dale, he was such a bully.  BUT,  I highly respect Dale Junior - a nice, considerate guy, and a darn good racer .
Reply:Thanks guys, I think Blend Door is probably my best bet. Ok, did you say something about winter? What the heck is that? I live in Yuma, AZ. We have 4 months of 100+ degree weather and the rest of the months we are averaging at about 70-75 degrees. I don't want any outside air. You can keep all of it. Hehe..I work outside all year I don't mind sweating for my 8 hours, but when I get in my truck, I want to drive it and be comfortable. A junk yard would probably deliver the same old cracked blend door. They are 20 year old trucks.Dale Earnhardt could be alive or dead. I wouldn't know. I hate Nascar. I was invited to go to Phoenix Int'l Raceway and I went. Lame. Circle track. Traffic was tied up for miles so people could come and watch drivers go fast in a circle. What is that all about? No sport. I call foul. And who designed those really comfortable flat metal benches in the sun? I consider myself educated enought to find other useful things to do with my time. You know, like sitting at my desk visiting this forum. ehehThanks guys, as always I enjoyed the replies.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:If you put a new AC system in the truck, it should be using R-134a and not R-12a. You really don't need a license to purchase any parts, just a license to purchase R-12a. Of course it's not legal to purge your AC into the atmostphere.
Reply:loosen the fitting  an say  OPPS  a  leak --or  the doowhoop leaked
Reply:Weasels, you completely missed the satire. I am well schooled in CFC's and HCFC's. I am certified by Esco Institute to purchase, use, evacuate and recover R-12, which is a refrigerant. I believe you are incorrect in your statement that a new system should be using 134a. The truck is a 1982 where R12 was used originally. Also, R12 is still available for recharging those systems. Due to cost, I am in fact using 134a. It doesn't cool as well in a retrofitted system such as mine, but it can be very effective in a properly designed system, which mine isn't. Hey, life is good. Thanks for all the replies.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain