Hey guys,

My car came origionally with AC but when I bought it most of the wiring and connections were ripped off and missing, Only the compressor was still bolted on. The car as most of you know was a small block but I am going back with a BB. I want a nice clean looking engine bay and since my car is a convertible and will only be driven a couple of days a week I don't need or really want the AC. What can I do to eliminate the AC box that bolts to the fire wall but still maintain what is neccessary to have heat? I have seen a signature pic from someone on here that replaced the wjole box with an aluminum plate. Can you do this and still have heat? Thanks for any advice, how to directions, and comments. :cheers:

 

Wade nice project you have going there! I think that I would retain the A/C though. I does have it's advantages of course and also it *could* even improve the value of the car if you ever decide to sell or trade.

The A/C is an integral part of the dash (sorry to state the obvious) and complete elimination would be counterproductive! Seems like you have enough going on there :smash: already.

Just my .02 and I certainly wish you the best! Keep up the great work. :flag

 

Thanks Paul. I didn't want to go as far as changing everything. I want to take it to the point where if later on I decide to put it back in I can. I hate the cluter of the AC box on the firewall. Another reason for not putting it back on right now is the cost of the new brackets need for the compressor to bolt onto a BB. Also the fact that I would have to replace the AC wiring harness, compressor, receiver drier etc. Thanks for the comments.

 

ttt

 

If I remember correctly, the "black box on the firewall" that you are refering to holds the A/C condensor. The heater core itself is attached to the interior side of the firewall. The black box is attached to the blower motor and has some internal ducting directing the air from it to the heater core and into the cabin. If you removed the black box, there would be nothing to direct the blower motor's air to the heater core. You'd have to fabricate some kind of covering to do that. If you want to keep heat, I think it'd be easiest to keep the "black box" installed.

However, if you just want to elimate everything (like I did) you can remove it. The black box and blower motor were fairly easy to remove from the engine bay. With that out, you'll see the heater core on the interior side of the firewall. You have to remove the dash to get it out from the inside.

Here is a picture of what mine looks like from the engine bay. When I find the time I plan to fabricate a blockoff plate out of metal.


Here is what it looks like with the heater core and all ducting removed from under the dash. I decided this would be a good spot to mount my MSD ignition stuff.



[Modified by Langadorf, 12:01 PM 12/7/2002]


[Modified by Langadorf, 2:30 PM 12/7/2002]