Hidden louver in AC system

1985 308 QV Euro model
I have owned this car for over 20 years and discovered a hidden louver in the AC vent that I did not know existed. I read all of the excellent post on AC overhauls/upgrades on this forum but never saw this issue. I discovered it yesterday while working on my system. ( if everyone knows about this and I am the only one who doesn't, please don't flame me. This is my first starter thread)

I noticed that I have very poor air flow from the two AC vents below the radio.(first pic) However, I have really good flow thru the two small holes at the back of the vents (second pic).
While looking directly into the vents with a flashlight I noticed that it seemed to be blocked. So I stuck my finger in the holes behind the vents and found a flapper valve that basically turns off the air to the from vents. I don' see any control for the flap other than to adjust with your finger or other object. There is one for each vent. Sorry I can't get a picture of the flapper.

Is this news to anybody besides me?
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There are two knurled wheels either side of the louvres; one adjusts air up and down, the other opens and shuts that little flap. Do yourself a favour and tape up those holes - you'll get better air flow.

 

Mine seems to be disconnected somehow. I will take it apart and see why. I will tape up the holes.

Thanks

 

I think the holes are there to give some cool air (minimum) to your feet.

 

I taped mine close

 

Yeah, me too, about two weeks after I bought the car in 2008. I figured, as noted, that it was designed to get some air to the floor but I couldn't see that it did anything except reduce the already meagre cold air supply to where it really needs to be!

 

Agreed with Mike plus I rather have the cold air on my face/body than on my feet.

 

Mine ('84 Euro) we taped over. In my early efforts to improve AC I tired many variations including removing the part of the vent flaps that direct the air up/down since they seemed to restrict flow. I even added small boxer fans (such as used to cool a computer) to these holes. After installing Retro Air full kit with the improved interior circulation fan all my mods were unnecessary and, since I had plenty of air flow, I again opened these holes to get cool air to my feet and along the door sides for the driver and passenger.

 

What you never want to get "cold feet"?

 

The biggest single improvement is to put a relay on the high speed fan circuit

 

Can you post some more details or a diagram for this mod?
Alden

 

Wow... 308 A/C can't figure out which was worst the A/C or E brake. The first thing I removed from my car was the A/C was about as much use as ashtray on a ducati. I sold the car last June and fitted a complete new retro system for the new owner it worked a treat.

Cheers

 

Yes,
inquiring minds want to know.

 

My 308 had the same holes ... i took it off and "insulated it with A/C tape and the taped the holes closed ... not much difference really... the 328 A/C is much better, but not great compared to other cars... if you had a more powerful blower fan it might make more difference ... but i just think with the huge greenhouse effect its hard to keep these cars cool inside... unless you are in the winter!

 

I just taped up the two holes in my 308 after reading this.
I'll see next time I use the car if it makes a big difference.

I have a 87 328gts also and I agree the ac works a little better.

 

308 AC can be made to function well. Mine blows fifty degree air and with a bit of tint keeps the car cool in Florida summers.