Yeah. Sorry about that; they're not very clear, are they? I am not very good at drawing, even with a computer to help me. :lol:
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OK, just for fun... possible new kneepad-mounted HVAC vents...
Attachment 9281
or
Attachment 9280
The above are 2.5" vents.
Attachment 9282
The above is 2.25" and although it's smaller and has that weird three-vane design I think it looks better... black instead of chrome.
What do y'all think?
I only like the last one because it is black in color. All three are kinda "meh" but I think whatever you go with it should not be shiny or chrome. Just my opinion of course.
Just remember you have a car where the only circles are the wheels, steering wheel, and HVAC knobs. I personally think the round vents look out of place in the car, even when used in DMCH's 2004 prototype interior. That said, I've also visualized square and rectangular vents in the kneepads and they also look mildly out of place. Even when using identical vents to the center console or door vents (to be DMC-Correct). Having not found a way to satisfactorily (at least, to me) add/replace the existing vents I've chosen to maximize their effectiveness with tint, sealing (door vents), and making cooled seats.
Yeah, I am not installing anything else shiny/chrome so I prefer the black. Unfortunately, it doesn't look really nice in my opinion: I really like the straight-across look instead of the Mercedes-Benz look for the vanes.
And headlight switch and hazard switch.
Agreed. I toyed with the idea of vertically-oriented rectangular ones a la Proto-1, but that ducting would be a nightmare to fabricate. It may sound strange, but the interior doesn't really look good with any particular vents. Even the stock ones to me look like an off-the-shelf, make-it-fit solution (although I know they were typical for the time). Of course, since I will not be altering the original kneepads but rather making my own, I can always go back to stock, or make something else, later if I like.
If y'all see anything better -- black, round, in about the same size -- please let me know. I like options. :)
Thanks!
I found another option. I am not too hot on it, but it should get the job done without being unnecessarily ugly. And since it's a standard size I can replace it with something better when available.
Attachment 9309Attachment 9308
2.5" wide and $15 each. For $60 + S&H I think I can live with it for the time being. And my girlfriend will like it since it can be completely closed easily, forcing all of the cold air to go to me. :lol:
I so much need to do this. The vents behind the console could easily be blocked off and the side vents could be tapped into. I so much hate having to line up the center console vents when taking console in/out of the car.
Edit: I forgot to mention but I think you are looking in the wrong place for vents. You could easily get some modern vents at your local salvage yard or ebay.
Either that or create a ducting arrangement which will redirect the console-vent air which to the innermost vents in the kneepads and redirect the door-vent air to the outermost vents in the kneepads. If I can teach myself fiberglass fabrication, or bend plastic appropriately using a heat gun, I intend to go this route.