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Air ducts

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tahoe healey

tahoe healey

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OK, so the BJ8 is home and painted. Putting it back together has developed its first glitch. In 2002, I replace the black air ducts to the heater motor and it didn't seem like a major problem. Well now I cannot get the darn thing back together. I have destroyed the forward duct and have much blood to show for it. Anyone have an easy way to do this? It appears that the angle is unattainable at the blower. I need to get another one and I'm wondering if there is anything more flexible that the lone from Moss?
 
:eeek: It's not easy, but it can be done. First remove the band clamp attaching it to the fender well. Then loosen ( don't remove) the four bolts holding the blower in place. With everything now loose you should be able to slip it over. I used "goop" (yes the hand cleaner) to help slip it on.
 
Congrats on the new paint. We'll look forward to seeing photos.

Installing the air tubes does take some patience, as most R&R of the parts on our Healey does. Marking the areas you've worked on with blood, been there and done that myself.

There are other air tubes available as Randy has provided a link. Here's a link to Toms import toys, who sells some also. I can not speak for the tubes Randy mentioned, but I can speak from experience about the tubes from Tom's. I had them in my car and removed them. Maybe it's the design of the spiral, but air passing through made some noise. I installed the original design, sold by Moss, and they are silent.

Tom's import toys:
https://www.tomsimport.com/new/parts/parts.asp?sect=9&new=1

I did remove all four bolts that hold the blower bracket. That allowed me to move the blower and help a little to get the angles needed to install the air ducts. If memory serves me, I think the installed the air tube from the heater side first. The air tube from the front of the car was longer and I could push it forward shrink it more for movement, than the smaller length tube going to the heater.

TH, just be patient and persistent. You'll get them on.
And again, congratulations on your new paint job. I know you've been talking about it for years.
Party on.
r
 
I do not notice any noise from the ducts, but then with tubular exhaust manifolds and a Monza muffler/tailpipe assembly, who could?!

I'm using the same size duct on both sides, no heater, just fresh air!
 
Randy,
I only heard it on the fresh air drivers side.
I have the stock muffer system with 4 silencers.
Just a heads up for those considering these aftermarket air tubes.
Cheers,
r
 
tahoehealey, i use a piece of very thin aluminum duct the kind used to run stove top vent vans, cut to about 3.5" wide then i cut the length so it will go around the outside of the hard vent but not overlap itself by too much i use this device as a funnel to force the paper vent over and onto the hard fitting, it will prevent the paper material from being crushed when your trying to force/slide it over the fitting. gentle, gentle...
 
We always install the ducts completely before the front shroud and front fenders go on for the final time. That way you have the ducts out in the open to fashion the necessary bends to get it all into place.
Then we tighten the clamps to the blower very tightly so they won't slip off the blower, then remove the 4 mounting screws to the inner wheel arch and allow the blower assembly to drop enough to get the fender bolts into place when the body is finally fitted. With all fender bolts and hardware fitted, the blower complete with ducts still attached can be (but not easily) brought back up into position and the mounting bolts and washers are refitted.
 
Just did this and I will come to your house if you would like. I used the moss pipe as it is close to original. Pre form the front pipe, make the bend that mates to the blower. have the bracket/blower de-tach from the fender well, attach the front pipe to the blower in the intended location with the blower/bracket attached to eachother. de-tach the pipe from the heater in the cab. Get it all loose. Attach the pipe to the blower still without the bracket attached to the well. Get which ever of the 4 bracket bolts in loose. Pivot the bracket/blower on the bolt to align the other three. Keep working the pipe as you fit so as to not damage the pipe. Call if you want more. 530 412 0148
 
richch, thats the best way of doing this job indeed, sadly ive never had the advantage of having the front shroud and fenders off when doing it... :cry:
 
BobHorvath said:
Just did this and I will come to your house if you would like. I used the moss pipe as it is close to original. Pre form the front pipe, make the bend that mates to the blower. have the bracket/blower de-tach from the fender well, attach the front pipe to the blower in the intended location with the blower/bracket attached to eachother. de-tach the pipe from the heater in the cab. Get it all loose. Attach the pipe to the blower still without the bracket attached to the well. Get which ever of the 4 bracket bolts in loose. Pivot the bracket/blower on the bolt to align the other three. Keep working the pipe as you fit so as to not damage the pipe. Call if you want more. 530 412 0148
Click to expand...

TH,
Bob described in more detail the same way I did it, which I mentioned in my prior post. Good break down Bob! What a nice guy Bob is offering to come over and help.

Bob, I'm currently working though why my left rear tire is rubbing on the inside of the wheel well. What time should I expect you at MY front door, buddy o'l pal.

TH, good luck with the ducts.
 
Just an interesting sidebar to this thread;
The air ducts are actually produced for large organs, like those used in churches. They come in many sizes and shapes.
For another supplier of such things just google "church organ pipes".
 
Thanks all. Cannot take the shroud off. I was just wondering if all the supplier ducts were created equal. Bob, I know you are only 40 plus miles away but that is a great imposition. However, When I get her put back together I may drive up there if I'm not successful.
 
All that comes through those ducts is hot air anyway! I used some of the Pegasus hose inside the MOSS hose. The Pegasus is thicker and my hope was it would insulate the air to keep it cooler. I have not decided it that worked yet.

Jerry
BJ8
 
I am flying to Cabo a week from Friday but would be willing to fly to your airport Saturday or Sunday, if you would like assistance. I will be back the 2nd weekend in April. Let me know as it is not ba problem for me.
Bob
 
Thanks, Bob. I haven't got a replacement duct yet. I've been calling around trying to find something other than what I had from Moss. They all seem to use the same thing. I may take you up on that when you get back. Have a nice time down there.
 
I got mine from British Car Specialties in Stockton. I will check with you when I get back.
 
I did mine myself on a BJ8. You do know that you have to stretch the new duct first. I damaged my first one by stretching too far. I removed the 4 blower mount bolts completely, and by hand funnel shaped the very end of the duct so it would fit on the blower. by pulling it forward and working it back I got it to fit on the blower and secured it. Then by using a long allen
screwdriver I positioned the blower mount holes and got the screws started. Gotta go slow
and it sure tests your patience.
 
I talked to Dave at BCS and they get them from Moss.
I will try stretching the end. I tried putting slits in the end but that just encouraged the unraveling.
 
TH,
Try flaring the edge of the tube a bit with your fingers. To repair the unraveling, try streching one wrap of black electrical tape on the edge. You can then spray a little silicone on the electrical tape and the blower to help it slide on.

Persistance and patience.
 
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