Is this piece important?

[mtnmankev]

And where does it go?
I was troubleshooting my heater today, the controls are full of dust and crud and feel really funky.
This part fell out from under the dash.
I can't figure out where it goes.
I am going to assume I need to replace my heater/AC control assembly.
And hope it isn't expensive or a pain in the ass to change.

 

[crazy4offroad]

That holds the actuator rod(s) to the "flaps" that switch between vent/heat/defog, and hot/cold.

 

[CorvairGeek]

I think it is actually the little tab that holds the HVAC control head together (w A/C only). You can take a comparable diameter push type door panel fastener to hold it together. It's a good time to add a little grease (vacuum or dielectric) to the control head to keep it from leaking and hissing (particularly in the 'Off' position)

 

[mtnmankev]

I think it is actually the little tab that holds the HVAC control head together (w A/C only). You can take a comparable diameter push type door panel fastener to hold it together. It's a good time to add a little grease (vacuum or dielectric) to the control head to keep it from leaking and hissing (particularly in the 'Off' position)

Thanks, I'm sure that's where it came from.
I suspect the control head is history, and I don't completely trust used ones from a wrecking yard.
LMC has new controls for 80 bucks, but the pic doesn't show if it has the vacuum mechanism.

 

[CorvairGeek]

The functional part of the control head is a very common item and may be available locally too. The vacuum ports are on the opposite side of the picture and I circled the cavity where the ends of the clip are that are prone to breaking (as yours did).

 

[89Suburban]

Good stuff CG

 

[CorvairGeek]

I showed the wrong part earlier, that was the electrical part of the control head. Here is the vacuum part. Same little fastener on both that can break.
Sorry for the confusion. It's terrible getting old...

 

[mtnmankev]

Thanks for the info, guys ...
If I buy the new parts, will they come with the clip that attaches them, or am I screwed since I have already had one break and fall free?
I have never rebuilt one of these heater controls, so it's a steep learning curve for me.
And it must be done before winter hits here.

 

[CorvairGeek]

I'll start by saying I've never purchased any of the control head parts, just taken them apart and fixed them. With that said, the broken clip in your original picture would come with new parts, as they are assembled and not meant to be serviced. If we are talking the little metal clips that hold the controls to the control head, I'm not sure. I think the little things may be called Tinnerman Nuts. I think these are only on the plastic studs that hold down the vacuum controller, not the electrical.