mbc0724
Well-Known Member
Anyone take one apart? Can you explain how to do it? Thanks!
Disassembly of air grabber actuator
- Thread starter mbc0724
- Start date
I assume you mean a vacuum actuator used in 70 - 72.
The actuators need to be disassembled by prying loose the crimped connection in the center.
Mine finally died, and I had mine sent off to be worked on by a specialist about 9 years ago. In most cases, the rubber inside dries and eventually fails. The problem is that parts have dried up and are not available any more. Your biggest issue will be finding the rubber diaphragm inside.
From what I have heard, the reproductions are no good and do not work very well or for very long either. I have not used a reproduction, so I cannot speak to them or if this feedback is accurate.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
mbc0724
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply. It is a 71. I tried an aftermarket reproduction actuator a few years ago and it worked for a while and then went dead. This time, I want to open it up myself and see what is involved. However, I do not see an easy way to pry apart that crimped connection. I was hoping someone had done it recently and could advise as to what they used to get it apart--without destroying it!
sam dupont
Well-Known Member
Shops that repair pumps and air compressors have a variety of diaphragm materials you can choose from.
mbc0724
Well-Known Member
Excellent--once I figure out how to get it apart I will seek them out--thanks.
supercommando70
Member
I brought a set of 68 headlight door actuators off trademe and used the diaphragm from one of those to fix my air grabber one , cant remember exactly how i got it apart tho ... but once you have a couple to play around with , from what i remember it wasn't to hard , there may be a lock strip you pull out
supercommando70
Member
the headlight door actuators and the air grabber bodies have different ports , but use the same diagram
mbc0724
Well-Known Member
That is what I am struggling with--can't seem to force it apart...
Allen Wilson rebuilds them..
Wilson Productions Inc. - Specializing in Air Grabber Parts & Restoration
gtxdana
Well-Known Member
Let us know how you get yours apart without damaging it. It looks like you have to pry the crimp up on one half of the cases to separate the two halves.
I want to take mine apart so I can replate the housing and shaft, but I worry about the housing breaking, then I'll be stuck buying a junk aftermarket actuator.
Luckily, mine works, the seal is good, but the bellows is torn. I may have found a source for the bellows and seals that might fit the air grabber actuators.
gtxdana
Well-Known Member
Last time I called he said he was no longer rebuilding them.
Ok didn't know that, he still shows the service on his site. I know I bought the last 2 end caps he had for the flapper assembly maybe slowing down and not offering as much these days. He was the only guy I knew who was doing them.
mbc0724
Well-Known Member
I understand they don't do that work anymore. No one does. And the actuator is no longer being serviced by anyone or sold by anyone either (even the aftermarket type). I'd be interested in the source for the seals and bellow. Let me know. And I will let you know if I get this thing apart.
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