Door jam vents

[Wallington]

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?

[81Blackbird]

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.  )

[roadking77]

Sorry cant help, only used original parts. But you would think a part could be made at least close to correct.

[wheels78ta]

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.

[sreta]

I vote for the first set of screws. I think the screws on second photo are wrong, or maybe I'm wrong 
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.

[firebirdparts]

Well, you've got me interested now.  I've never heard of classic headquarters.

[sreta]

Last year I bought some parts from Firebird Central, a couple of them were in Classic Headquarters bag.

[Wallington]

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.

[Wallington]

Ongoing saga that should never have existed. Bought 2 more good used with international shipping, seller seems to have swapped them from pics and I got one that was rough and one that was cracked. Junk. So I found a seller of new repros with correct pic, confirmed with them that the parts matched this detail, of course they do...more international shipping, items that turned up were of course nothing like sample pic but even 2 different castings to each other, same packet. One is regular type, the other almost a 3D casting and flat and angular, no curves. They accepted a refund but new eBay rules say I have to use their shipper of choice, DHL. But no, over here the nearest DHL that accepts parcels to ship or return is 90 min away. All the rest are collection points. So another freeby for the bin. Then a local guy said he had a couple of good used spares and will pick the best. More money sent, junk arrives that has been chewed on and spat out. Bin overflowing now. Now, who will I buy from next.

[aussieta]

i assume you have tried dave clee
as far as i know he stopped importing used but may have old used stock
just checked
https://pontiworld.com.au/usgmsp/product_info.php/products_id/585

[b_hill_86]

Now, who will I buy from next.

Me if you want lol. I have one I don’t need. If international shipping cost isn’t too much you can have it. I can dig it out and send some pics first if you want.

[Wallington]

Thanks AusTA, although pic possibly shows otherwise I think Dave stocks the OER for that one. I possibly even asked him. Same with one or two of the other local stockists. Actually, I think that's where my original set came from, just years ago.

Haha Thanks Brian, I was more posting out of boredom and to share the absurdity of something so cheap and simple that no one can seem to get right! The more you ask them to check, the more you say this is the reason why, plus the fact you are also shipping around the world at the cost of the item on top of it, and they can't even bother to peek and confirm they are helping out. And the local guy with used who knows you are already fussy, forwards something that's busted, I don't get it!

It was more about not being beaten and I'm not feeling like I'm coming out on top! It wouldn't be so bad if I had a few small items to justify asking the seller if they had one to throw in, don't really need anything. But still...unfinished business!

Just for the hell of it here's the last 2 new vents that arrived. Not the best pics as was for seller/ebay only. The first one is fairly typical OER/Dorman style and the lower was completely flat and thin like a laser-cut plate, almost. I didn't try to install either to test. I just want one, GM or repro, that fits and has recessed screw hole, is that too much to ask?! Apparently it is!

I think there was a second part of this thread, or maybe in the GM NOS vs repro where I had pics of the OER and the dramas I had filing to even make fit regardless of the non-recessed screw hole for the countersunk/oval head original screws used, not showing here. It's really a non-issue other than the dramas getting sent the correct type after confirmation they even had it!

Firebird body vent spares new (2) by Ben, on Flickr

GM used

Firebird used original 8788235 body vents 70-92 (2) by Ben, on Flickr

[b_hill_86]

Lol ok fair enough

[jbanna]

Did you get the right door jamb vents?  I've a couple extra scavenged from junkyard Firebirds many years ago, when they were still common in junkyards...

[Wallington]

Thanks, nah gave up for the time being, but not beaten. Yet! Figured I'd wait until I needed something and combine post as it works out fairly expensive each time, one of those annoying cheap parts that get very expensive just with shipping, then finding out what they sent was broken, wrong, not the part they showed, lost...etc! Most sellers of new parts used saved stock photos, they don't know what they have and won't check. And when they do, still send something different! You'd think they'd take an extra 5 seconds to be sure knowing that the buyer has not only requested it but is paying double the cost price just to shop with you, but no. Often packed for sending across the street too, not around the world.

[jbanna]

No worries, mine aren't going anywhere!  I will say they are in pretty good condition, with no cracks, etc.  Email me directly at josephbanna@comcast.net if you want pics, as I'm not on the forum too often these days...

[Wallington]

I managed to somehow sell the mismatched New vents locally!

Firebird body vent spares new (2) by Ben, on Flickr

Sure, it was below the original purchase price, and also below the international shipping cost added onto them. But a sale is a sale, I'm off to buy the expensive bread today!

[wheels78ta]

Both sets are original used.  I don't have any NOS or repos to compare them to.

Set on the left is from a Y88.....Set on the right is from a 1975 Trans Am.

The dimples that keep it together are different for the year.

A penny fits perfect between the tab and outer lip.

Both sets have the recessed screw holes.

[jbanna]

It seems crazy GM didn't just use the same tooling for parts like this on all F-Bodies...

[wheels78ta]

Some measurements..............

[Wallington]

Thanks Willie, Appreciate the time and effort again for trivial details. I'm sure I'm the only one that's ever had dramas, or just aware of when things crack.

70-92 apparently, Jbanana. 3rd Gens, not sure what else. So many of them out there used that the new ones only replace those looking tired and scruffy, find a neater used set that hasn't been cracked on removal like half the ads show and seller probably isn't even aware of.

What gets me is that there's these other brands, not just the restoration brands but the service replacement brands that decide they will redesign the part. The other thing too is that new from the pack both of the no name brand vents had every single rubber seal flap in both vents distorted and curled, and would not even seal when blown on, the only task they are meant to do when closing or opening a door to adjust the pressure. The OER set were much better, there was one flap out of the two vents that had a slight curl and didn't seal, the rest were fine. And then there's a few scruffy old cracked GM I was sent. The rubber seems half as thick or very fluttery and all seal perfectly just looking at them. I bet they function better than the 50 year newer items. They were just scruffy. They clean up a lot with some effort but now to the standard they need to be, and if cracked and chipped then into the bin regardless.

I still need to try a G-clamp on the retainer screw hole which has been opened up too large. Not sure it will help as not much of a burr or thread to pinch down, just stripped out.

[jbanna]

I used to visit junkyards countless times in the 80s and 90s, trying to find OEM parts such as these - fortunately, my originals and junkyard dogs are all in excellent condition, and function as advertised. 

As for the mounting screw holes, you may have to weld a small "patch" over (or under through the trim panel access holes) the stripped hole and tap a new hole in the right size - I did this for both door handles over the years, and all has been good since then...

[Wallington]

Yes, my originals were likely close to perfect too. But from memory may also have had black overspray. Ether way, when the reproductions became available I picked up a set and sold the used units cheaply. As mentioned, I didn't fit the repro vents for maybe 8 years and then found the fitment issues.

I had a few ideas also for if the screw holes can't be repaired. The paint there is like new otherwise it could be tack welded and redrilled perhaps. Instead, I looked at the possibility of a longer bent strap on the inside secured to the inside of the body opening, tack weld, rivet, wouldn't matter. But it would add a second layer of threaded metal that will also not fall down or start to spin like other repairs could do.

But anyway, all just chat and ideas. I don't know if I'll even own the car in the near future. Been out of work for some time now and now given marching orders from where I live and store everywhere and nowhere to go so much will simply be passed on. Basically a house deposit replacement and will be just be swept away.

[wheels78ta]

Glad to help when I can, Ben......I've been so busy lately repairing and working on our other vehicles....plus getting ready for a big family gathering, etc.

I came across these the other day and remembered this thread.  Always great information that you provide.