[DeTomaso] What is the tube on the left side of this Pantera lower cowling - Large tube

[MICHAEL DREW]

Mike,

Starting sometime in 1973, Panteras adopted a new fresh air induction system. There is a flexible tube attached to the bottom of this metal tube which is over the passenger’s feet. It makes a 90-degree bend towards the centerline of the car and enters a square box. That box has a trap door valve. One way, it blocks cabin intake and allows air to go from this tube, through the box, and into the left side of the heater box. Move the lever on the dash and the trap door swings 90 degrees, blocks off this fresh air pipe and introduces air from the cabin instead (recirc). 

Early 1971 Panteras had a similar system except it uses a rectangular flapper valve on the top of the heater box. 

The factory parts diagrams show the different variations pretty clearly. 

Oh, and the later cowl setup like this had the pipe sticking up several inches above the floor of the cowl to prevent rain ingestion. The pipe was outboard of the grilles to protect them so the rain wouldn’t fall in. 

Cheers!

Mike

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 21, 2021, at 00:55, Mike & Elizabeth <mbefthomas2 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>    To clarify, not the smaller one at the left, of which there is one at
>   each end and would be connected to the drain tubes.  I'm asking about
>   the single larger tube.  - MT
> 
> 
>   From: Mike & Elizabeth <mbefthomas2 at gmail.com>
>   Sent: Friday, August 20, 2021 2:54 PM
>   To: 'Detomaso List' <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>
>   Subject: What is the tube on the left side of this Pantera lower
>   cowling
> 
> 
>   [1]https://www.ebay.com/itm/203311639986?hash=item2f56516db2:g:eBEAAOSw
>   O5Vd6Ci-
> 
> 
>   If you look at this cowling tray for sale on Ebay, there is a tube
>   coming out about a third of the way from the left, what would be the
>   right bottom when installed in the car.  What is this for?  I have the
>   same tube on #6328 with the other end of the tube open inside the
>   cowling.  Is this a fresh air intake?  Was it attached to anything such
>   as a tube or a shutoff valve?
> 
> 
>   Inquiring minds need to know.
> 
>   Thanks
> 
>   Mike Thomas
> 
> References
> 
>   1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203311639986?hash=item2f56516db2:g:eBEAAOSwO5Vd6Ci-
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