Anyone know why MaMopar put the trunk vent flaps on the early ('64-'66) Barracudas located under the rear window chrome trim as you lift the trunk lid up???? What are their function? Should I clog them to prevent any fumes from exhaust pipes leaking in?

Happy Thanksgiving...273HYPO

correct- 66-67 Chargers had the same thing!

Is that why there a four holes under the rear window chrome trim because they act as inside cabin ventilation which flows thru the trunk vent flaps?

Thx, 273HYPO

the holes i think you are referring to are to get to the trim screws

The Vents w/ flaps you mentioned serve several purposes based on brochures and other info. I have read though the years.

The first purpose was allow you to close the doors easier. When you close the door of the car with all windows in the up position, the flaps allowed air to escape reducing air pressure in the car and allowed the doors to shut easier. The reality is that the cars aren't that tight to begin with so the effort needed to close the door is probably not changed too much.

The second purpose was for flow through air when the vents were open.

The slit in the side rear trim panel on the inside of the car near the back glass was to help with defogging the rear window.

You asked if you should plug them up. I would not recommend it. If water gets in there it will have no way of getting out and will begin to rust the body seams in that area. The flow through effect helps dry any moisture that might get in that area.

Joe

Makes sense that the holes assist in air flow and accessing the trim. But I had another fella Barracuda owner tell me that they absolutely have their own plugs for these holes.

This is a conundrum!

plug em and then slam the door... you will suddenly realize why they are there when the back window blows into 9 million billion little shards.. dan

LARGE rear window glass + sudden increase in pressure = broken glass (in theory)