The aim of the invention is to improve the cooling or subsequent cooling range during the production of pre-shaped bodies for PET bottles, so-called preforms. Water cooling is primarily used for initial cooling and also during subsequent cooling. The air action, however, is improved by assigning mechanically displaceable elements to the air side action. As a result, the security with regard to malfunctions during handling as well as the cooling action can be improved. When combined, two especially advantageous embodiments yield an optimal solution. A valve-like element is provided for ejecting and an air nozzle is provided for the interior of the preforms, said nozzle assisting in the handling and cooling.