Hello all you great Ford truck lovers, I am new to FTE and would like to say hello to all who have 73-79 F-series trucks. I live in the Peoples Republic of California and I am sad to say that my 78 F150 needs to be smog tested every 2 years. It has sat idle since 2017 because it smoked from the engine when I last attempted to do a smog test and failed. Well, as time went by I finally decided to get to it and find the problem. Yea, I'm lazy so it took a while for me to get to it. A wire had gotten loose and rubbed up against the exhaust manifold. Fixed it quickly but not until I changed valve cover gaskets and spark plugs. So that taught me to start with simple things first which I had already learned over 50 years ago but somehow never seem to remember the things I shouldn't forget. With that work done I took it for smog test. Well older vehicles, pre OBD are of course $80-$100 for a test and I got slammed hard. Some time before I owned it dual exhausts and cat's were installed. Now not legal in CA so I tried with Cal BAR and yep, so be it, I had to convert back to the way it was manufactured, back to 1 pipe and California approved cat. $960 later I was able to pass my smog test. I was surprised how low the emissions were for my big 7.5L, 460 cu in and 4bbl Holly. Actually just as low as before the exhaust pipe swap. That's California for you. Well I knew I had back penalties and fees at DMV so I went in person after I was vaccinated for COVID and was able to plead my case politely with a manager who was very nice. So I got out of DMV for only $375 with tags in hand. And, it only took me 2.5 hours. Yep, PRC. Not China. Good 'ol California.

Well now that she's back on the street I'm restoring lots of stuff like a new drag link and pitman arm so she doesn't wonder all over when I'm passing a semi on I-80. Around town she acts ok but not on the freeway at an even low speed of 65 mph. Oh, I didn't mention my secret. It's got a beefed up engine that California doesn't know about and a bullet proof C6 with shift kit. With the interceptor cam and bored 30 over she is really a torquer. I beat a 69 Chevelle with a loud 350 off the line and never looked back. HaHaHa, I love it!

So here is my question to you more experienced members who may be willing to help me find a part and I hope this post is in the correct and appropriate section. It's an under dash paper accordion air duct that connects in back of the defroster to a square outlet from the plenum. I found an illustration number but looked all over for a Ford part number that I doubt Ford carries anymore. I am hoping someone in the US would have one I can order. Even a used one in good shape would please me. I don't want to put the dash back together without one and it's going to the A/C shop soon for a repair and charge before the Sacramento heat sets in. Scroll down to see my beauty.


Thanks to anyone who can furnish me a lead or part #.
There must be at least 500 years of combined experience at this forum from all you great Ford truck experts and I wish you all a very happy and productive time here at this forum.
The California Kid

 

NO...no...no.... "There is a new KID in town"....... LOL.
(Eagles)

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry you have to sit-up, beg, roll over and speak just to get a truck cleared to exist in the PRC.....

Hang in there! Keep pushing forward. I'm not sure about part numbers..... Numbers Dummy might be able to help but I haven't seen him post in a while.

Someone will come along soon that can help.

 

Welcome to FTE, nice story, nice truck and remember to sign up for you FTE california chapter. California is so big there are 2 chapters, sorry I do not know the chapter boarder.

North https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum90/
South https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum103/

I might have the very duct in my parts shed, will go up and look in a bit.

 

No one makes those ducts new. Junkyards are an option but finding one in decent shape is like winning the lottery. You can repair your old one.
3M spray adhesive and some moisture proof material and 30 minutes of work will have you back in working order. I used a random bag I had laying around. There are a few posts on here about this also.

 

Nice job mudbogger2, I plan to use that option myself!

 

Thanks Rich, when you get a chance I would like to see a photo of the one you have and your asking price. Tonkamartin has them on eBay he makes out of dryer vent hose and charges $65. Seems like they would be better than rotten paper.

 

Hey Mudbogger2, that's a good idea. I'll look around the shop for something and use the old attaching frames for a home made part.

 

As requested and PM sent. It is in great shape with no no rips or tears. Has the 2 metal end clips and the lock strap on the other end.
Yea I move a few parts. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum238/