TAC Tech => Interior => Topic started by: Wallington on February 27, 2024, 11:06:09 PM

Title: Door jam vents
Post by: Wallington on February 27, 2024, 11:06:09 PM
Has anyone tried the OER or another reproduction brand of the door jamb vents? I had a set from several years ago, only just decided to test fit and found no chance of slipping into place, both sides. The stamped panel is thicker than the spacing between the tabs. It even cut into the flange of the rear tab to show it needed at least 1/3 of its thickness filed back to start to fit, and yet this was still only installing on one corner first, not both, and the tabs taper to thicker as it slips in. No chance.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/WZsAAOSw3u9hHWx9/s-l960.jpg

Naturally, my almost perfect original set were sold or given away years ago prior to testing. Standard.

I also see that many stock photos appear to show a NOS type that has the screw holes recess, mine does not. I'm not aware of any changes. Even those that claim to carry their own brand of these still appears to be the same pieces from same factory.

Anyone have further info
More trivia, I have not checked to confirm this.

NPD / AMK list this as the 70-76 version of screw used, #8 x 3/8" screw.

https://d2zl5tj7gmc4tr.cloudfront.net/images/products/c-12943-1ak_20230317150307.jpg

They list this as the 77-81 version, a metric M4.2 x 13.
https://d2zl5tj7gmc4tr.cloudfront.net/images/products/c-12943-3ak_20230221090231.jpg

Anyone have further info, original screws used on theirs or fit of reproductions? Massive dramas or fit like a glove?
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: 81Blackbird on February 28, 2024, 06:12:40 AM
As far as the screw hole is concerned, you can try wrapping a paint stick to protect the finish and a C-clamp to get the hole to close enough so one of the screws will fit.  As for the OER
vents, it's a shame the company can't duplicate the OEM part.  This may be a go time to add this  to your OEM vs OER thread.  :o)
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: roadking77 on February 28, 2024, 07:31:35 AM
Sorry cant help, only used original parts. But you would think a part could be made at least close to correct.
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: wheels78ta on February 28, 2024, 09:14:13 AM
OER has no clue how to replicate a part to look and act as an original.  After buying their console, plus reading the horror stories on fitment of their other products,  I won't buy any OER stuff if possible.  I'll look for good used or NOS.
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: sreta on February 29, 2024, 11:55:33 AM
I vote for the first set of screws. I think the screws on second photo are wrong, or maybe I'm wrong  :D
My vents had broken edges, but fortunately my friend have 3-4 3rd gens for parts, so I got them for free, as well as little door rubber bumpers.
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: firebirdparts on March 09, 2024, 12:59:46 PM
Well, you've got me interested now.  I've never heard of classic headquarters.
Title: Re: Door Jamb vents
Post by: sreta on March 09, 2024, 02:38:12 PM
Last year I bought some parts from Firebird Central, a couple of them were in Classic Headquarters bag.
Title: Re: Door jam vents
Post by: Wallington on April 06, 2024, 03:09:34 AM
Ended up breaking one of the vents anyway, cracked right through when filing to try and make fit.

Had to ship a used set around the world to simply compare. And yes, there's differences. And no, they are not close to the condition of my originals I gave away when I picked up the new OER packs. Originals have more space (only just) and more taper of the tabs, both things I have to file for with the OER vents. The other differences are that the OER does not have countersunk screw hole, and the overall length of the bottom lip is about 1/3 longer than GM, meaning when trying to flip it into place it has further to go and more pressure on the seam when it doesn't fit, and snap. Plastic isn't meant to bend or flex along a sharp casting corner. And of course, even one of the GM used I picked up is cracked the same way. So yet again, need to source yet another. Should already have about 10 sets for the cost I've spent on these plus shipping.