From AC heater assembly to non AC heater assembly

[MoparMatt383]

This past weekend I removed the heater and AC assembly from under my dashboard of my 71 challenger.  The car was an original AC car and that was the only AC componant left.  I removed it because my heater core was leacking.  When I removed it I did not realize how big and heavy the whole heater and AC unit was.  What I wanted to do was find a heater unit from a non AC car and use that.  My question is:  is the non AC heater unit much smaller than the one I took out?  Also will the non AC heater unit fit in my car without any other modifications such as changing over to a non AC dash?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

[Moparmatt]

You stole my name! I don't know if i should be pissed or flattered...

Anyhow, I would advise against replacing the AC dash. You most likely could seal off the backs of the AC vents and run the heat w/o them. Besides, it would be a lot easier to run AC if you decide to go back to it with the correct dash...

[MoparMatt383]

I would say be flattered.  We dont need any infighting in the mopar camp, there are few enough of us around in the first place  lol.  I will probably keep my dash cause i dont want to go spending the money for another one.  I need to know if a non AC heater assembly will fit in an AC car without any big hassels.

[Chryco Psycho]

I believe the heater box wil swap with no problem But you will need heater controls & cables as the a/c is vacuum operated & the non a/c use 3 cables you will also have extra holes in the firewall where the ac lines pass through  

[Steve]

Matt,
I have a complete setup if you're interested in going back with the A/C components. I also have a heater setup. The heater box I have is a bit rough, but I do have a nice set of cables and cowl vents.

I'd be inclined to stay with the A/C setup. Classic Air in Florida has a modernization kit for the underhood parts.

[MoparMatt383]

Thanks for the offer steve, but I got the AC stuff that I have back in the car so the heater and defroster works.  I am just gonna stick with it as is for now because there are many other things on my cars that need the money more at the time.  Thanks anyway.

Matt

[JS27N0B]

Holes in the fireawall are different between A/C and heater systems. I don't just mean the extra ones for the A/C lines either. The blower motor opening is larger for A/C cars.

[4Cruizn]

I was considering the same thing but I don't think I'll try it.  Too much work involved!!