Under dash brace -removal for AC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Gold Coast Qld
Under dash brace -removal for AC
To use an aftermarket AC in my 73 convertible, it is necessary to remove the under dash brace that runs from just above the passenger speaker to the center of the firewall (approx).
I am not so sure this is such a good idea, it must be there for a good reason and was wondering if anyone has done this already and what the results were.
Thanks
Jeremy
I am not so sure this is such a good idea, it must be there for a good reason and was wondering if anyone has done this already and what the results were.
Thanks
Jeremy
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would think it would be okay to remnove that if you needed to for A/C box fitment.
There is a lip at the back of the birdcage, that runs around the base of the windshield that supports the back of the dash pad. The front is supported by the knee pads, which are supported but the bases of the A-pillars and center gauge bezel.
There is a lip at the back of the birdcage, that runs around the base of the windshield that supports the back of the dash pad. The front is supported by the knee pads, which are supported but the bases of the A-pillars and center gauge bezel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
There is the possibilty of "cowl shake" if the brace is removed. I reworked my AC unit to allow brace to be re-installed. I don't think much about designers of retro-fit AC systems after going through the installation on my 72 roadster. I often curse them when I am working on their poorly designed systems.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
There is the possibilty of "cowl shake" if the brace is removed. I reworked my AC unit to allow brace to be re-installed. I don't think much about designers of retro-fit AC systems after going through the installation on my 72 roadster. I often curse them when I am working on their poorly designed systems.
It is NOT ok to remove this brace on a convertible. Cowl shake will be a problem if you remove the diagonal brace. Solid LT1 has some good advice here, try to rework the brace or the AC box to retain the brace.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Gold Coast Qld
I am using a local (australian) evaporator/heater core with fan. It fits Ok under the passenger dash. I will then use a Sanden compressor. The condensor is the cross flow unit (cannot remember the brand) and the same with the drier. Total cost will be around $700-$800 and will hook up easy enough to the std controls.
I looked at Vintage air and the others but they were too expensive to ship over to Australia. The local units are the same ones the hot rod boys all use and they work fine.
I will take some pics as the work progresses.
I looked at Vintage air and the others but they were too expensive to ship over to Australia. The local units are the same ones the hot rod boys all use and they work fine.
I will take some pics as the work progresses.
