Heater Box (To Rebuild or Not to Rebuild)

[SlyGuy]

Hello All,
I recently shifted my attention to the heater box on my build ('72 Challenger). And I see that, like everything else, it will be very expensive to rebuild. It was an A/C car originally, so that is the box I am dealing with. However, I am NOT going with A/C for this build.

I was researching parts online, and came across an auxiliary heater/defrost unit made by Vintage Air. It appears to be a self contained unit that includes the core, blower, and switches. Is this a viable option for my Challenger? I'm sure I would have to drill new holes in the firewall to accommodate it's heater core configuration, but can I really install something like that in place of all that heater box stuff? Seems to good to be true. Do any of you have experience with something like this?

[70chall440]

First off why do you think it will be expensive to rebuild your original? They can be done pretty reasonably do long as the housing isn't destroyed. That said, I believe the vintage air system does work pretty well and is smaller. If you go this route, don't throw away your stock stuff, that is one of the things that isn't reproduced.

[SlyGuy]

I believe you are correct that the cost of rebuilding the box probably wouldn't be hugely more expensive. However, since my project is a "build" and NOT a "restoration", I like to consider anything that might be easier and less expensive. The Vintage Air heater/defroster unit lists at $240. Just wondering if anyone else has went this route with an auxiliary heater in an e body.

[jimynick]

I'd call Vintage Air and see if their box is a direct fit into your car. You may need to not only reconfigure water lines, but air vents as well. As a general rule, you can have either cheap or good and the choice is limited to one of the above. Good luck nonetheless!