[1972 Goat herder]

I pulled this part off of my 1972 Trans Am and need to replace it (obviously)! It is for the heater/AC system located near the firewall. Can anyone tell me the Part Number for this piece or perhaps the correct name? I looked through my Assembly manual and searched the "key" 71/72 Trans Am resto threads, but did not come across this part. Details: It is a "foam" flapper (8" long x 3.5" wide) affixed to a metal bracket (7.5" long x 3" wide) with 3 staples. The bracket has a mounting tab (3.5" x 1.5") that contains 3 drilled holes. Any insight would be appreciated.

[LeighP]

Not sure of the correct name, but what it does is seal off the end of air intake plenum so the fresh/recirc flapper door can operate to supply (or cut off) fresh air to the aircon induction through the passenger footwell vent valve.

[2manyT/A'S]

Just off the top of my head....baffle?.....plenum divider?

[FunctionalShaker]

Looks like a side shroud vacuum control baffle. part # 3998417.

[Held for Ransom]

Assembly sheet 1A2J-5. Number 3 (doesn't show picture of it).

Parts Manual picture (#13)...

[FunctionalShaker]

That's the one.

[1972 Goat herder]

Guys - Thanks for all the input. With the Part Number, I was able to find it. It is listed as follows:

9.786 BAFFLE AIR CONDITIONING AIR INLET PLENUM
3998417 1970-72/ALL/SUP 3973721

Now the "hunt" begins!

[West Coast GTO]

Just replaced mine with a good quality used part from Franks Pontiac Parts here in California.

[1972 Goat herder]

West Coast GTO - I see Franks has one listed on their website. Was your purchase so recent that it may be the part listed (or do you think they have others)? Were you happy with your purchase from them? I have heard mixed reviews on their parts and doing business with them.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by 1972 Goat herder

West Coast GTO - I see Franks has one listed on their website. Was your purchase so recent that it may be the part listed (or do you think they have others)? Were you happy with your purchase from them? I have heard mixed reviews on their parts and doing business with them.

Franks stuff on his site is "Color" coded, so you know if he has more than one. I think Blue means he has a few in stock. I rebuilt mine with tool box drawer liner,( home depot carpet dept) just cut from template and glued in place.
Franks a good guy, fast and efficient..

[FunctionalShaker]

Goat herder, your picture looks like #13, but you've described number #12. Might want to be sure of what you're looking for. The part number I gave matches #13.

[West Coast GTO]

No, he had a couple available when I bought mine. He will tell you the general condition of the part(s) he has in stock. He has always been fair and honest for both the T/A parts and my former GTO. He is, how can I say, efficient almost to the point of being brusque but knows what he has in stock at any time.
Formulabruce( I think) detailed the process of making a template for the missing foam here on this forum; I just took the easy way out and removed and replaced. Works great.

Originally Posted by 1972 Goat herder

West Coast GTO - I see Franks has one listed on their website. Was your purchase so recent that it may be the part listed (or do you think they have others)? Were you happy with your purchase from them? I have heard mixed reviews on their parts and doing business with them.

[1972 Goat herder]

Functional Shaker - I found that it is a bit confusing in my Assembly/Parts Manual. In the Diagram section they show Part reference #13 as P/N 3998417 and describe it as "BAFFLE, Side Shroud Vacuum Control - Group # 9.786. When I locate the P/N, they must combine Reference #12 and #13 together and call it "BAFFLE, AIR CONDITIONING AIR INLET PLENUM P/N 3998417 1970-72/ALL/SUP 3973721 Group # 9.786.

To your point though, I am after Part reference #13 as P/N 3998417. I see that Frank's website has one, (as West Coast GTO indicated). I will contact them on Monday.

Thanks again for all of the help and insight.

[Formulabruce]

Part is the same till '80 last I knew, if that helps. Its non moving.