Need to Find Odd Sized Returns

[tomandjerry00]

Howdy,

First post here, hopefully can get some help. Working on a house built in 1965 and has virtually been untouched. There are about 5 coats of paint on all the returns and they no longer function appropriately. Impossible to close or open most of them. Trying to find some cheap replacements but haven't been able to. The internal dimensions are 11.5" by 5.5" and 11.5" by 6.5". Was also thinking about sandblasting them, but didn't know if it was worth it at this point and if that would actually return all the functionality at an affordable cost. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!

James

[cjpwalker]

There are a lot of options available to contractors that you won't find at the big box store.

These are the guys that make them: http://www.shoemakermfg.net/ (go to residential). They don't sell direct/retail, but your favorite hvac guy should have a catalog and be able to order anything for you. Custom sizes are available, and they make a quality product, so not necessarily cheap.

Sandblasting might work for you as well as chemical stripper since you can pull them out of the house and work on them in the yard...

[tomandjerry00]

Thanks a lot for the link and rec! I appreciate it!

You have a chemical stripper of choice? I assume I just have the batch powder coated after?

[IWAE]

Hello Tomandjerry00 !

We do have the returns in stock. Kindly send us the picture, so that we can let you know if it works with your requirement.

[mechanical'al]

Well sorry to say your likely not using the correct term as return grills dont have any working (move'able) parts and those sound like odd sizes as supply registers though they maybe 6x12 and 8x12