Dash redone, now defrost not connected, thoughts?

[steve_1125]

Hello, I had the dash rewrapped (upholstery shop) and reinstalled by mechanic. However, mechanic advised there are no attaching points anymore for vents to connect to the dash (perhaps a lack of brackets). He said the rest of that system is otherwise intact. Anyone have any thoughts on a fix for this if there is one? I am not getting any definitive answers from my "experts" at this point. If anyone has a referral in Northern California who might tackle this, that would be great too. Thanks much

[Pepperbilly]

Where did all the plastic vents go? The ones with the swivel louvers
I presume. They fit into the dash cutouts and then the cardboard and plastic tubes attach to them. Photos would be very helpful here.

Bill

[raygreenwood]

Which vents are we speaking of?

Are these the hard plastic ones down on the bottom center near the vent and fan slider knobs like Pepperbilly is speaking of?...or...are you speaking of the two defrost slot vents up near the windshield?

Ray

[steve_1125]

Sorry gentlemen, I left out the key term, defrost slot vents, mechanic claims after the dash was redone, it lost the brackets that properly connect those vents now nothing powers on. Unfortunately I am merely reporting hearsay and no first hand knowledge. The best thing for me would be a referral to a shop that knows the 412 and determining if this can be operational again. To be clear none of the vents work, but again mechanic claims it is because the defrost cannot be reattached without a workaround to the loss of the brackets (he says the system is otherwise intact). The vents on bottom center appear attached but do not power on


Pardon lack of succinctness! Bit frustrated, thrilled I have a pristine dash but was expecting all to be functioning again.

[Pepperbilly]

Apparently you mean the defrost vents that attach just below the windshield. I donot understand why no power as you say just because the plastic vents are not there? If everything is electrically connected the defrost fan will run, vents or no vents. Apparently a fuse is blown or some wiring is not connected. Ahh, good luck finding a shop that knows 411/412s. You are better off in these forums and use photos so we can help.

Bill

[raygreenwood]

Ok.

The vents up top near the windshield have a couple of defects for placement. About 50% of the output is blocked because of how they are factory mounted. I spoke at length about this so long ago...it may even be on the STF instead of here.

A few changes to how they are angled, how the hoses attach and how they point on the dash vents doubles the output. At some point I will get to what I did and post it.

But the issue of power on the actual defroster fan....first check to make sure the wires down below are connected. And the next issue is that a common problem with the cables and the assembly of teh slide switch can stop operation. Ray

[steve_1125]

Thanks gentlemen, I so appreciate the prompt and candid responses. I will go back to my mechanic who has done wonders with this 412, and discuss options. I may ultimately have to live without.

[raygreenwood]

[steve_1125]

Thanks Ray, the gallery at The Samba wasn't working for me so I put pics at this Shutterfly link https://link.shutterfly.com/z0G3erdEIob


As suspected, it needs to be reassembled and mechanic say upholstery work has thwarted that. I would need to find a shop that would know how to do that

[raygreenwood]

[Pepperbilly]

Yep, I’m afraid Ray is right. Not enough attention to detail and inventoring every last bit…so important. What does the dash material look like now? If it was layered on top of all else it’s probably not going to fit correctly back into place. This job is beyond me because I have never replaced a type 4 dash. There is also another samba member. His name is ClassicCamper on this forum. He also may be able to help because he has replaced his dash.

Bill

[steve_1125]

Thank you gentlemen, Ray I am aware the car is super rare and it is my second. But I didn't have the foreseeability to know the shop removing the dash and restoring it would bungle the vent system. That said, I need to live with my decision and just do without defrost. While I am a type 4 enthusiast, I am not mechanical, so I had to rely on what I could find. This shop generally does good work and was one of the few in this area that actually would work on 412s.
Guess I should have just left the cracked dash in place. The upholstery shop did a very nice rewrap I must say.

[steve_1125]

Hi Bill, I included some pics of the dashboard. Other than the ventilation, everything else electronically is functioning as new. I was impressed how my mechanic was able to get most of it working again. The removal of dash was also critical to take care of some rust that occurred and lead to leakage. So no regrets.


As to the ventilation, I have all the parts needed to get it up and running again. Will save that for another day/year

p.s. I saved this 412 from the junk yard in 2003, and while I am not personally a mechanic, for the last 19 years I have endeavored to improve it day by day

[Pepperbilly]

Hey Steve,

Good for you that this 412 was saved. They are becoming very rare.

Thanks for the finished dash photos. It looks nice, generally speaking. I can see it is a bit thick appearing and for some reason the ashtray is not sitting flat in it’s hole.

As you have probably seen, I am doing a very factory restoration on my wagon. Obviously it is an expensive journey because I seek out the best parts possible etc. Yes, my dash is cracked but I made the decision long ago to live with it. It is super nice in all other respects.

Maybe you will be able to get the ventilation system sorted out. There are people on this site that have wonderful knowledge. Wish I could help you more here.

Bill

[steve_1125]

Thanks Bill, yes the ashtray is a bit awkward, but generally the dash looks beautiful, but between you and me, I think you made the right choice I enjoy seeing your photos for your ongoing project. I will update you regarding the vent, but right now I think I need a respite. Another nice thing I had updated on the car is updating the shocks, Bilsteins, and it runs quite nicely. The engine is completely original, LJet in the 1974. You have a 1973, which makes yours even rarer than mine

p.s. I do recall the user Classic Camper from previous posts, but cannot seem to find him now, if you have a contact that would be great, but no worries

[Pepperbilly]

ClassicCamper is easy to find, just look down the list in this 411/412 forum. He has been showing the progress on his blue wagon since 2016 I believe.

Actually you have the rarer 412 because of this one year only L Jet. Before 1974 it was D Jet and carbs. Hopefully you are maintaining and replacing your fuel and vacuum lines on a regular basis…especially the fuel lines! Don’t want to lose it to a fire.

Bill

[steve_1125]

Thank you Bill! And yes, on top of the lines

[raygreenwood]

[steve_1125]

Thank you Ray and appreciate your time and efforts!

[steve_1125]

Ray and Bill, a happy ending here, the vents and defrost are working again.
Made a short video. Drove the car on a country road last weekend and so nice to have air breezing through the now in place hoses again.
Thank you for your support! https://youtu.be/32ngHvvwaMU