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Topic: Heater control caps replacement? (Read 1693 times) previous topic - next topic

Heater control caps replacement?

Hello all,

So like most of the plastics parts on this car, those trapezoid looking caps on the end of the heater control arms are breaking off. Unfortunately they broke into pieces and I cannot reverse engineer.

So, has anyone taken these caps off and how? I would like to remove one so I can reverse engineer the internal locking mechanism and re-create them out of aluminum.
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #1 –
push from behind the cap, push and hold the metal blade with a pick or small allen wrench and the cap should wiggle off with some persuasion.
Mike

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #2 –
Quote
push and hold the metal blade with a pick or small allen wrench

Exactly what do you mean by this?
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #3 –
what he's saying is the  "clicks" on when installed.  so there is a tab you would manipulate coming in from the back with a 90deg tool to release the tab "while pulling".

the tab would be made as a part of the .

i have a spare unit i can check up in the attic if you want me to verify cause to be honest , i am pretty sure this is one of those "rare" first time asked questions.

scott
304 772 3411

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #4 –
Its hard to explain it, Scott did a better job than me.
Mike

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: jcassity;468631
what he's saying is the  "clicks" on when installed.  so there is a tab you would manipulate coming in from the back with a 90deg tool to release the tab "while pulling".

the tab would be made as a part of the .

i have a spare unit i can check up in the attic if you want me to verify cause to be honest , i am pretty sure this is one of those "rare" first time asked questions.

scott
304 772 3411

Ahhh, now I gotcha. Yeah, most of my questions are the rare ones ;) One of the s fell off, and its just a matter of time before they all do, so I figured I might as well replace them. The goal is to make new ones that slip over the metal lever but be held on by set screws since re-making the locking mechanism with a solid piece of aluminum would probably be close to impossible.
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #6 –
Aluminum will be quite hot/cold during temperate extremes. What about 3D printed plastic s?

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: JeremyB;468724
Aluminum will be quite hot/cold during temperate extremes. What about 3D printed plastic s?

Your absolutely correct. But a 3D printer is the ONE type of machine that I don't have in my shop lol. The controls will be more for appearance than functionality because the car is only driven in the summer and has no AC.
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:
 

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #8 –
If you want to shoot me a sketch I'll print one in ABS.  Not sure how it'll hold up the point pressure.

One thing to keep in mind with 3D printing is that most of the materials available are not UV rated and will need a coat of paint. 
I printed a throttle cable guide to keep it from snagging on my steering damper on my bike.  It is holding well since I put a coat of paint on it.
1988 Thunderbird TC, 5spd
Stinger 3" single exhaust, Cone Filter, Adjustable Cam Pulley, Schneider roller cam, Walbro 255 lph, AEM Wideband O2
'93 Mustang Cobra replica wheels on 235/50R17

'21 F150 Powerboost
'17 Husqvarna TX300

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #9 –
There are several 3D printing shops online if you don't have a buddy (Mikey97D) that will print one for you.

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Mikey97D;468746
If you want to shoot me a sketch I'll print one in ABS.  Not sure how it'll hold up the point pressure.

One thing to keep in mind with 3D printing is that most of the materials available are not UV rated and will need a coat of paint. 
I printed a throttle cable guide to keep it from snagging on my steering damper on my bike.  It is holding well since I put a coat of paint on it.

Greatly appreciate that! Hopefully ill get to the car soon to start dimensioning things out. Problem is that its in storage a decent distance from my house.
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:

Heater control caps replacement?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: cougarbird86;468753
Greatly appreciate that! Hopefully ill get to the car soon to start dimensioning things out. Problem is that its in storage a decent distance from my house.
Let me know.  I'll be here.
1988 Thunderbird TC, 5spd
Stinger 3" single exhaust, Cone Filter, Adjustable Cam Pulley, Schneider roller cam, Walbro 255 lph, AEM Wideband O2
'93 Mustang Cobra replica wheels on 235/50R17

'21 F150 Powerboost
'17 Husqvarna TX300