Changing a/c dash pad to non a/c dash pad

[kingtroll]

My car has a dash pad with a/c vents and the right vent is cracked. I am thinking about when I eventually replace the dash cap to a dash pad that I will just replace it with a non a/c dash pad. I don't have a/c anyways and the ac vents don't seem to be reproduced anywheres. I don't think it will be a problem but has anyone else done this? I like to ask because I have learned to never assume anything when it comes to switching stuff.

[426HEMI]

There should be not problems with changing to a non A/C dash pad.  I have switched them out in the past and do not see any problems that you would run into.  I would keep all of the A/C things just in case you decide to get rid of the car or if you move somewhere that you would want to put A/C back on.   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

There is no problem making this switch. There are AC vents on E-Bay occasionally. I think there are some on there now for E-Bodies.



  Mike

[kingtroll]

I didn't think it would be an issue. I only worry if I want to put a/c in the future the old vents would be used in that case I would think .

[hemiken]

Post when you do the conversion please.   

[kingtroll]

Post when you do the conversion please.   

I am not sure if I will convert but regardless I will be changing the dash pad and when I do I'll be sure to post pics. (before and after)

[70RTdroptop]

My car, when I bought it, had the original AC dashpad in it. The car was already 3/4 cloned to a 440SixPack RT, and those did not come with AC. So I switched out the pad, no problem. However, non-AC cars have the underdash knobs for the vents, and the temp / vent  controls for an AC car are vacuum operated. With mine, I just left the  3-switch temp control ( which I put in to be more correct for the clone)  midway between hot and cold, and since I don't have a vacuum switch to shut off the heat or defrost, I have it blended between the two. That's the main thing here - at least as far as I know, converting an AC car to non-AC, there is really no way to shut the heat off short of disconnecting the heater core. If I'm wrong here, please tell me - I'd love to get my 3-switch control to shut off or start up  my heat and /or defrost! The floor gets awful hot in the summer when I'm driving, even with the top down!

[kingtroll]

I live in South Florida and the summers are SUPER hot and humid but I usually don't use the car that much but for local cruise ins or a cruise later in the day when it's not so hot. It would be nice to have a/c but I have other things I have to do first and then I'll have to make that decision on putting back a/c or not. When you live in a hot place like I do a/c is a VERY good thing to have but I have a very lopey cam and probably have to change that, see what a/c ducts are there or missing etc...and like most of us budget is a big factor on some of our restoration decisions. I am now having a new carb put in, front floor pans, front wheel bearings, alignment, rear bumper, new power steering unit, new carpet, new plugs, valve cover gaskets, front seat belts, and some other items so next I want to finish the interior....headliner, dash pad, interior pillar covers rear seat belts. I also am considering changing the heads since mine are the later ones without the larger valves to edy heads . Then I will probably change the cam etc... etc...body work paint so you see every decision has to be thought out. Thats why i appreciate the response on items like the a/c because I know many of you have been there and done that and everything comes down to whats the best way to do things and it may not be the cheapest way intially.