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I am installing a Vintage Air air conditioning into my 1968 C3 convertable. The Evaporator unit is huge and will not fit with the under-dash support bracing in place (see photo). Can I safely remove these two braces? Does someone know a work-around for this if these braces are needed?
Hi PC,
The information I'm looking at indicates that convertibles that had the a/c option still had the cowl brace rods.
I don't know if the aftermarket systems allow for them or not.
The braces were added to reduce 'cowl shake'.
You can remove them but expect more 'creaks and groans'.
Regards,
Alan
You could fabricate braces that would fit "around" the vintage air box. The previous owner removed the braces on my project/the car had those squeeks/groans Alan described..........
The good news is....after I rebuilt the original suspension and installed new tires ALL the squeeks/groans went away.
VA instructions say remove those braces that are in the way
VA instructions say to remove those braces which will be in the way.
I want to remember I only had to remove one brace to get the VA unit to fit. Also had to cut one of the tabs off or bend it over. Never noticed any driving difference before and after. Or you could do what DG suggested and fab up something, but I really do not think you need it.
You all have been a tremendous help! I have removed the braces and have installed the box. Now, I will see what I can fabricate to replace the braces. I cannot thank you enough!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Good news for you. I don't have those braces and I don't really have any creaks and groans. Bad news for me, I guess Bubba took my dash apart and forgot to replace them
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Dec 18, 2017 at 06:00 PM.
Good news for you. I don't have those braces and I don't really have any creaks and groans. Bad news for me, I guess Bubba took my dash apart and forgot to replace them
FWIW, ... I had an end of March 68 roadster that had those braces and an early Nov 67 roadster that did not.
Not sure when the braces came to be, might be in the dates on the AIM revision numbers?
And Bubba (who was often me, ) had been in both a number times.
You might try driving without the braces and see if you can tell the difference.
In regard to not knowing your braces were removed ... Sometimes ignorance CAN be bliss! Now that you know, Murphy's Law will dictate that you will now start to hear creaks and groans! Lol
Last edited by Parodi Cigar; Dec 21, 2017 at 08:04 AM.
1968 C3 Air Conditioning Install
