We don't have a flapper valve on our plane ('74 Archer). There is a
blower
switch, but no control for airflow other than the vent outlets themselves.

Wow, what's up with '74 model Pipers? That's EXACTLY what some dim-wit had
done to OUR plane -- a '74 Pathfinder.

In short, at some point in the distant past they had removed the blower
motor (probably to save weight?) but didn't install the proper duct and
controls in its place. They just connected the ductwork straight through --
which leaves you with a very, very cold airplane in winter. Of course,
there is nothing mentioned in the log-books about this. (Vot else is new?)

Your plate is an innovative solution, but...it sure sounds like a kludge to
me.

Luckily we were able to obtain the missing parts from Wentworth salvage, and
reinstall them. This fix allows you to shut the outside air completely off
from inside the plane, using the ceiling controls.

Your plane is missing:

1. The duct/valve thingy. This hangs where the blower motor used to go, and
is nothing more than a round furnace duct with a flapper inside.

2. The control cable that extends from the ceiling to the back of the plane,
where the control duct/valve thingy lives. (Ours appeared to be present,
but when we took the ceiling apart we found that the dimwits had CUT the
cable with a wire cutter!) We got the cable from Wentworth, but you could
buy a truck choke-control cable at an auto parts store, and have the
identical part for less than ten bucks.

The duct work itself is nothing special -- it's just round, flexible duct.
(6 inch, I think, but you'd be wise to measure the opening of the flapper
dohickey.)

The real bitch is finding someone small enough to lay in the tailcone and
install it. Mary was the only one able to do it, and it was even tough for
her. (For a case of Sprecher Beer, I'll bet she'd do it again. Maybe.)
It goes in with two bolts and a couple of phillips screws -- nothing
difficult at all.

It's really worth doing, though, Bob. It makes a huge difference in comfort
and utility.

Anyway, the vents look great!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"