Removing left ventilation duct

[WRe]

Hi,
has anyone ever removed the left ventilation duct (behind tacho/speedo) to the windshield and can give tips on what needs to be removed to get to it?
...WRe

[66andBlue]

Hi Wolfgang.
I have done it twice (1966 230SL and 1968 280SL) but only while dismantling everything under the dash. The ventilation duct (or "defroster nozzle" in the parts book) is fixed to the distributor box below with two hex bolts. Access to the one on the right is difficult.  When the radio is out you do have access to it as you can see in the photo. The bolt on the left can be reached from under the dash - after removing the panels and most of the electrical connections. I am pretty sure it requires removal of the distributor box.  It is a major operation! Hope the pictures give you an idea of what is involved. Good luck!

[WRe]

Hi Alfred,
thanks for your tips! I'm currently in the process of restoring the entire heating/ventilation system. The heatrer coer, blower and distribution box are already outside, but I can't get the left nozzle out because the pedal bracket  is in the way. Apparently it has to go out too, which I would like to avoid, but I don't see any other possibilty.
...Wolfgang

[66andBlue]

Wolfgang,
all I can say is that I never had the pedals out in my cars. Both are automatics not stick shift, can that be the difference?
I did slide the left nozzle out to the right, behind the windshield wiper linkage, with the right nozzle also out of the way. Perhaps I have more photos, I'll look.

[dirkbalter]

I recently assembled the duct also, coming from right side, with the distribution box out.
Not sure if it is absolutely necessary but I had to push the wiper linkage all the way forward to be able to move the duct in. Pedals (auto) in place.

[yves]

I did that also without removing the pedals

[WRe]

Hi,
I tried again today to remove the left ventilation duct, unfortunately without success, although both the air distribution and blower box and the tachometer were outside. You can only move the channel a little and you can't get past the wiper linkage and the pedal bracket.
So he stays in!
...WRe

[dirkbalter]

Don't give up 

[WRe]

Hi,
I tried and checked it again with an inspection camera also and had no progress. I really want to get it out but had no success.
Considering the fact that you hardly need the heating and the ventilation almost never, I considered the topic closed for me. It's a shame because I removed all the other components and restored them but I wanted to stop riding the dead horse.
Thanks for your support!
...WRe

[WRe]

Hi,
I don't want to deprive you of a solution from Pagodentreff:

"Renewing the left air duct is also possible without removing the bracket of the pedal system.
I'm removing the tachometer, station wagon, speedometer, speaker and heater control panel.
Simply crumble the old air duct by hand and vacuum it off...the new plastic duct...then put it in the oven or in the sun...it has to become so soft....that it can be twisted...then with push the air duct over the pedal block with a bit of force and twist it a bit....nothing will break..the air duct can take it well."

...WRe

[dirkbalter]

Lol, I saw that too.