1972 Door Jamb Vent Purpose?

[Michael O’Harran]

I came across a door jamb vent cap (no vent at all) and I like it because its marked "Mach 1" and black so its great for my resto, but I don't know the purpose of the actual vent and if this with interfere with a design issue. Can anyone advise what this vent actually does, or if its just an access point and not needed to be an actual vent? Thanks.

1970-1973 Mustang/ Cougar Door Jamb Vent Cover pair - Etsy

This Car Parts item by 3DPlayground has 10 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Pekin, IL. Listed on Jul 31, 2023

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[tony-muscle]

The vent opening has been helpful when adjusting the stops for the rear windows, when laying wires between trunk and dash, and to spray primer while repairing the rear fender. It saved the work of removing the interior trim, which requires removing the rear seat. That said, those were probably not the intended uses but it works for me .

I also wonder what was the intended purpose.

 

[Michael O’Harran]

The vent opening has been helpful when adjusting the stops for the rear windows, when laying wires between trunk and dash, and to spray primer while repairing the rear fender. It saved the work of removing the interior trim, which requires removing the rear seat. That said, those were probably not the intended uses but it works for me .

I also wonder what was the intended purpose.

I did what I could by first looking on line to see what I could find, but that ran dry quick. These niche' things are actually known in groups like this for people who are passionate about specific collects groups. This forum has proved beyond useful so far in my build.

 

[computercarguy]

I believe it is to help relieve cabin pressure quickly, like when you are closing the door. Also, when the windows are up and the blower fan is on pulling air into the car for heat and a/c, the old air has to go out to allow for flow.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

I am pretty sure that they are there to just vent air so the trunk, and doors close easier. On a new car with good rubber seals and no rust holes, they would be pretty well sealed up, and without the vents you would probably have a harder time closing the doors and the trunk, air pressure would just impede you a bit.

 

[Michael O’Harran]

I am pretty sure that they are there to just vent air so the trunk, and doors close easier. On a new car with good rubber seals and no rust holes, they would be pretty well sealed up, and without the vents you would probably have a harder time closing the doors and the trunk, air pressure would just impede you a bit.

Alright then. Leave the vent. Thanks everyone.

 

[RIBS]

Also water gets in that cavity so I am sure it was to air it out so it could dry….since everyones quarters and door latch bases are rusting out I would say that was a fail….my convertible drip line dumps its water just in front of the rear tire in the quarter window cavity.

 

[Michael O’Harran]

Also water gets in that cavity so I am sure it was to air it out so it could dry….since everyones quarters and door latch bases are rusting out I would say that was a fail….my convertible drip line dumps its water just in front of the rear tire in the quarter window cavity.

Oh that sucks. Sorry to hear

 

[Hemikiller]

They were the exhaust vents for the DirectAire ventilation system.

 

[Michael O’Harran]

They were the exhaust vents for the DirectAire ventilation system.

View attachment 61118

That learning design details like this are always awesome for me. I love it. I always say nothing is arbitrary. Thought went into every inch of design in everything in life and it either has design, historical or functional significance, but sometimes that knowledge can become lost to time. Thank you.

 

[Sheriff41]

I guess Ford thought my convertible was sealed. It was delivered with plenty of cabin exhaust ventilation!

 

[MikeGriese]

If you ever take apart a modern car, you will see the same kind of vents behind the interior panels and in the cargo area behind the bumper covers. The vent covers should have soft, flexible flaps that open in only one direction attached to the frame.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

They were the exhaust vents for the DirectAire ventilation system.

View attachment 61118

Thanks for that Hemikiller. Back in the day Ford was so proud of their "Directaire" system they regularly mentioned it in their print and TV media advertising as well.

 

[3D_Playground]

Thank you for taking a look! These were designed for a family member's car- he wanted them solid for some reason unknown to me.
However, I do also make an OE looking version. https://www.etsy.com/3DPlayground/listing/1191874218/1970-73-mustang-cougar-door-jamb-vent