A/C Dilemma

[LT1B-Body]

So, still working on the 78' Malibu. The car had A/C from factory, and the owner would like it to have A/C again, not an unreasonable request in AZ. I was thinking of going with a Vintage Air style kit and just spend the extra dough. But, apparently, nobody makes any kits for any Malibus/ Elkys after 72'. So, I figured I'd try and piece an A/C system together from factory parts. Unfortunately, my ac box is missing a good chunk of fiberglass that I can't repair (don't have the missing chunk).
The solution here of course is to find a new old air box from a different car, but in AZ there's no guarantee I can find one in any better condition than mine. I'd also like to stick the engine and trans in and I'm not sure if I should until I get the ac box in.

I'm not quite sure what to do at the moment.

 

[57 Handyman]

Posting pictures of what you need would help. I have a pretty complete AC box out of a 5th Gen El Camino. Other significant issue is I live in Hawaii. Let me know if you're interested.

 

[84dragcutlass]

Vintage Air has a Gbody kit, fairly new. Just got the quote for mine. $2500 and don't have to mess with any of the original unit

 

[LT1B-Body]

Vintage Air has a Gbody kit, fairly new. Just got the quote for mine. $2500 and don't have to mess with any of the original unit

Do you have a link?

 

[LT1B-Body]

Posting pictures of what you need would help. I have a pretty complete AC box out of a 5th Gen El Camino. Other significant issue is I live in Hawaii. Let me know if you're interested.

I'll take some pics when I get home later. I pretty much just need the firewall A/C box. All the rest of the parts I can get.

If shipping isn't absurd I might be interested.

 

[LT1B-Body]

Question, will having the engine in the car stop me from being able to put the ac box in?

 

[ELCAM]

Not if it is a small block. Probably have to pull the exhaust manifold/headers on that side, maybe the valve cover.

 

[random_farmhick]

Question, will having the engine in the car stop me from being able to put the ac box in?

I pulled the ac box out of a monte ss in a junkyard without pulling the engine or the valve cover, or exhaust manifold. It actually went pretty easy, took less than an hour from start to finish. Biggest issue I had was getting all of the rusted bolts out for the inner wheel well in the front where the battery tray was. If I had my tools from home it would have been even easier.

 

[JD1964]

Remove the wheel and the fender liner. That should give you some good access.

 

[LT1B-Body]

Ok cool. I just want to stab the engine in finally and haven't yet because of the A/C box.

Remove the wheel and the fender liner. That should give you some good access.

Easy enough, no fenders on it yet anyway.