removing air flow baffles

[PaulinPa]

I'd like to paint assembly and it looks like baffles should come out.They appear to be held in by plastic "clips" at the ends where the shaft comes thru the metal frame.I've tried prying them but altho there is some movement they don't come off.Am I on the right track?Do you have to pinch them and pry?Thanks.

 

[Honolulu]

huh?

what baffles are you referring to?

 

[PaulinPa]

Sorry,center console climate control.They are a grille that can be moved left or right to direct air flow.

 

[kurtd]

It's been a while since I took mine apart but I believe there a plastic sleeve at each end of the adjustable air grill which is a press fit. When removed the grill can removed from the rear.

Once removed the grill can be carefully disassembled by removing the tension wire along the back if you so desire.

Kurt

 

[bert35csi]

Hey Paul, this is definitely not a fast and easy task, takes quite a bit of time and patience. It helps a lot if the vent assembly is out, make things a whole lot easier. Basically, the only tool needed to release the clips is a thin sharp pointed metal pick. You only need to release one clip and the whole vent piece should pop right out, it's held together with friction only. Insert pick between one of the vent pins and the clip and pry it outwards, pry from both side of pivot pin with a lot of gentle persuasion. Do not pry elsewhere other than the inside or parts of the plastic clip may break, rendering them useless. Use extreme care in prying out and not damaging the plastic clip as they are no longer available. Hope this helps.

These are the disassembled parts

The two exact plastic clips-top clip faces out outwards

Insert pick between vent grill piece and holding clip---pry from both side of pivot pin

The clip is almost out, keep on prying outwards

Bert
72 3.5 CSi
88 M6

 

[glenn in encinitas]

Bert-

That writeup with super photos was awesome. This board and its members are awesome!

Have a good weekend coupesters

 

[glenn in encinitas]

That was an awesome reply post. Must be the tequila :twisted:

 

[bert35csi]

Thanks for the compliments Glenn! Just glad to help out fellow coupesters any way I can.

Bert

 

[blumax]

I question merit of painting this part

IMO a bad idea--dis-assembling this part to paint is a really questionable action--if original they will clean up as new if not painted. Using a biodegradable cleaning solution with small brushes, paper towels and Q-tips is better as there won't be any need for painting such smooth plastic with the added question of whether you would get good adhesion for a durable finish--original is best.

If painted just find another set of grills from a parted out car and just clean it

 

[blumax]

Now eating crow--the paint is not for the plastic parts!!

Sorry as I was understanding your plan was to paint the plastic vent grills.