Dunno where to find that but you can replace it with a magnetic one

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Air-Care-AC-Latch/5001763155

 

Don't know what size grille you have but you might consider replacing the filter grille. Give it a fresh look.

43519 - Hart & Cooley 43519 - 20" x 20" (Wall Opening Size) White Sidewall/Ceiling Return Air Filter Grille (673 Series)

Hart & Cooley 43519 - 20" x 20" (Wall Opening Size) White Sidewall/Ceiling Return Air Filter Grille (673 Series) - <br>Check Submittal Drawing in manuals tab for exact dimensions.</b><br><br> <B>Features:</B> <li>All-steel construction</li> <li>1/2" spaced fins set at 40 degrees</li>...

www.supplyhouse.com

 

Don't know what size grille you have but you might consider replacing the filter grille. Give it a fresh look.

Thanks, yes it is 20x20, let's consider that Pan B if the below does not work.

Dunno where to find that but you can replace it with a magnetic one

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Air-Care-AC-Latch/5001763155

Thanks, I ordered one, supposed delivery tomorrow -- which, if USPS, means next week these days.

 

OK, what do you think of this? Where I drilled the holes in the grille, continue drilling into whatever housing it fits into... and install riv-nuts. Then fabricate wingnuts, perhaps even decorative one with ceramic knobs the the ones Lowes sold me, only the SCREW the little suckers in? Might be a bit fiddly at filter-changing time, but it should hold. My only concern is that I know that somewhere up there is a condensate tray...

 

Wow, this forum does not have an "edit post" option, does it; thus yet another post. Anyway, looked up there in the attic and the condensate tray is under the, um, air handler? Does not extend to where the filter is, by quite a bit. So I think I could drill to my heart's content. I think.

Also, eyeballed the area where the filter goes, with the filter element removed, from underneath. Looks like it is retained by 8 small sheet metal screws, horizontal, perhaps 3/4" above the element. If I could be confident of the new assembly fitting right in where the old one was, perhaps a smarter move?

 

To edit your post, look at the upper right hand corner of your post and click on the three vertical dots. You must be logged in to do this. Just buy a new grille, you can look at the submittal drawing for the grille in the link posted earlier to get the exact dimensions.

 

Thanks; oddly, on any other forum that I've encountered, one actually sees "edit" alongside "reply" and "quote". OK, this one is different.

I have indeed seen the submittal drawing, I'm just not trusting that something might not be 1/8" off and not fit. That said, a new grille after 35 years is probably not a bad idea.

 

You might try two or more rare earth magnets, like these:
magnets
These can be screwed or glued (epoxy type best) to grill and frame.

 

To edit your post touch and hold your post until it turns blue with little bubbles that say edit copy or whatever


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To edit your post touch and hold your post until it turns blue with little bubbles that say edit copy or whatever

I'll try that. OK, just did it. Works. Thanks.

By the way, the new grille works fine but I think there's a little more "air noise" than before. Well, I did not measure decibels before and after, so subjective. Hmm, a little air either sneaking past where the grille housing is attached to the ductwork (caulk the joint, perhaps?), or between the grille housing and the filter element (does anyone install a gasket?) Or just the design of the louvers?

Hmm, would it be safe for me to run the A/C with the grill open, with or without the element in place, to see if I can narrow down the culprit, if any? Would there be a pressure change that will damage the A/C, or confuse the system and cause a shut-down, or...???

 

You can remove the great and the air filter in the AC for a little while for anything if you have gaps in there somewhere you can use silver foil tape not duct tape , it is peel and stick on a roll, Not usually a gasket on the grate it will collect dust .


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You can remove the great and the air filter in the AC for a little while for anything if you have gaps in there somewhere you can use silver foil tape not duct tape , it is peel and stick on a roll, Not usually a gasket on the grate it will collect dust .

I happen to have a roll of that tape, although I do not remember why... I'll try it.

Somewhat interesting about no gasket/seal on the mounting surface for the filter element, considering the extensive promotion of these hyper-fine-filtering capabilities touted fore some brands of the elements,,, and I presume/suspect it's possible for air, and thus maybe dust, to get by around the edges?

 

You know, I went to replace the element yesterday, and see that the screw heads for the 8 retaining screws protrude enough that the element runs a bit afoul of them, making it harder to "seat" the element in the grille's frame. Distorting the cardboard a bit, I got past them, the element is more fully installed now, and it seems quieter. I'll probably still go back with the foil tape.