Challenger A/C in non-A/C car

[rftroy]

Don't see an A/C section, so I'll try here.

I have a 70 Challenger that is a non-A/C car.  I have an A/C dash and would like to get and install the factory under dash unit.
I will use a Sanden compressor and aftermarket condenser but I want to keep the factory vent and heater controls.  So, forward of the firewall is aftermarket, behind is factory.  Don't want to use and aftermarket dash unit because you lose the vents; also, some of their controls are kludgy.

Has anyone modified their firewall to install a factory A/C unit?
My first thought is that it would be easiest to weld patches on the non-A/C firewall openings and then cut the appropriate openings for the A/C box. 
Other option is buying an AMD A/C firewall and sectioning the passenger's side in.  This seems like way to much work.  Plus it's a lot of money.

Anyone done this?  What methods did you use/find best?

Thanks,
Robert

[anlauto]

Vintage Air makes a system that uses the factory vents....

[rftroy]

Actually, Alan, the Classic and Vintage units only circulate air inside the car. They have no provision for taking in outside air.
They also block off the passenger's vent in a non-A/C car.
They use the factory dash vents, but I want to keep the outside airflow feature of the factory system.

[anlauto]

I just bought a system for a resto-mod I'm building and had no clue about that...Oops.... maybe I should have researched more...

I wonder if there's a way to draw the fresh passenger side air into their system ?

[rftroy]

It would be very difficult, at best.  Both Classic and Vintage systems use an under dash box that take in air from a fan on the lower passenger side of the compartment.  Right about the passenger's feet.
Both companies block off the passenger's vent, on a non-A/C car, but leave the driver's vent in place.
On my 69 Barracuda, however, the new A/C components are in the way of opening the driver's vent.

This is why I want to do a hybrid system using the factory ducting system.
Just looking now for the easiest way to modify the firewall.

Bob

[roadman5312]

                  Just out of curiosity why do you want to be able to draw in outside air ?  On factory A/C cars that air went into the evap case on the pass. side. 

[anlauto]

I just removed the factory A/C firewall section (and tossed it)    in favour of smoothing out the firewall and only drilling the holes needed for the Vintage Air system...

[rftroy]

There are many instances where I want to be able to run fresh outside air through the car.  It can cool you off without using A/C.
Also, if you've ever driven by a run over shunk, you appreciate the ability to replace all the air in the car as fast as you can.

With these systems you lose that ability.  In fact, if you want to turn on the fan to circulate inside are, you turn the A/C on.  I put a switch on the A/C compressor clutch so I could turn on the fan without starting the A/C going.

Bob

[rftroy]

I just removed the factory A/C firewall section (and tossed it)    in favour of smoothing out the firewall and only drilling the holes needed for the Vintage Air system...

Darn!  That's the piece I need.
Has the trash been picked up yet?

Of course, it sounds like you would want it back.

The cleanest way would be to cut the firewall and patch in a new A/C piece, but it's $500 from AMD. 

Bob

[anlauto]

Yea...metal work on this car was done a year ago....that piece is long gone....

[roadman5312]

         If your doing Vintage Air just make ( or have made ) hoses that go thru the firewall into the right fender using bulkhead fittings.  Clean firewall underhood.   

[anlauto]

         If your doing Vintage Air just make ( or have made ) hoses that go thru the firewall into the right fender using bulkhead fittings.  Clean firewall underhood.   

That's what I was thinking

[soundcontrol]

Thats news to me also, about the fresh air. Got a Vinage Air system waiting for the car to get done (stock AC car). Did the original AC box draw fresh air from the outside? I remember my old non AC Challenger, I really liked the fresh air vents.

[roadman5312]

That's what I was thinking

                                                                       

[rftroy]

Thats news to me also, about the fresh air. Got a Vinage Air system waiting for the car to get done (stock AC car). Did the original AC box draw fresh air from the outside? I remember my old non AC Challenger, I really liked the fresh air vents.

Yes, the factory A/C box drew in air from the hole in the cowling that is used for the passenger's vent in a non-A/C car.
Both Classic and Vintage put a block off plate over that hole.

You can see in roadman's lower picture the fan on the under dash unit.  This is where air is drawn in by the aftermarket unit; down at the passenger's feet.

I like fresh air, so, unless someone has a more clever way to do it, I will probably weld up the firewall and cut in A/C holes.
Of course, it would help to have a template for that.

I really like roadman's hose routing.  Very clean.  I'll have to remember that.

Robert