In search of a rear window defroster grill that is in one piece not cracked or broken in any way for a 1972 Cutlass.

Don't need the whole defroster unit with the motor just the grill cover.... if anybody has any leads please let me know...

Thank you

 

I thought 72s only used the resistor wires in the back window - RPO C49 electric rear window defogger.

 

Apparently not... I have a 1972, 41,000 mi original car and it has the rear defroster with the mechanical blower in the trunk and the plastic grill on the rear window deck.

The switch is integrated into the stock heater control panel so it's not aftermarket.

 

I remember parting out a 72 Cutlass sedan with the blower type rear defogger. Also thought not available. Maybe it was dealer installed from a left over accessory package.

 

Anything is possible... Certainly back then.

Possibly a 70 or 71 grill would fit as well?

 

Just for comparison - this is a unit pulled from a '79 Nova. The '79 was an abbreviated model year as they were rushing to get the "citation" and it's sisters into production. The Nova is an example of a rare American model that did not change in terms of many parts for quite a long time. ('68/'69 to '79), many small parts and understructures remained constant. Am guessing this basic unit was unchanged for many years, and that they went to a Plastic grille, and plastic housing, as the seventies wore on, and cheapening took effect.

 

From the 72 owners manual:


The blower-type rear defroster was a dealer installed option in 72. Interestingly, no mention of a blower-type rear defogger is mentioned in the 71 manual other than wagons and convertibles.

 

I would like to find a grill from any year that fits if possible but the one in the picture above looks exactly what I need.

Any leads appreciated...