what to do with my a/c and heater box?

[Bonnewagon]

Usually the AC and engine wiring is seperate from the computer wiring. The computer is usually located in the passenger side kick panel and the harness goes from there right through the firewall and comes out right under the AC/heater box down where the inner fender meets the firewall. You can't miss it, it's a big fat plug with LOTS of wires. If you still have the computer, DON'T touch it.

 

[85elcoSS]

Usually the AC and engine wiring is seperate from the computer wiring. The computer is usually located in the passenger side kick panel and the harness goes from there right through the firewall and comes out right under the AC/heater box down where the inner fender meets the firewall. You can't miss it, it's a big fat plug with LOTS of wires. If you still have the computer, DON'T touch it.

any suggestions on hiding all of those wires? especially the ones that are no longer in use? I dont plan on getting rid of the computer. I just want to trim some of the excess junk if you know what I mean? thanx for the help!

 

[Bonnewagon]

I once took all the "extra" wires and rolled them up into a ball and hid them in a 16oz beer can painted black jammed down in betwen the fender and firewall.. It looked just like a component. Then the rest I wound with convoluted tubing just like the factory uses. I hate loose wires.

 

[85elcoSS]

I once took all the "extra" wires and rolled them up into a ball and hid them in a 16oz beer can painted black jammed down in betwen the fender and firewall.. It looked just like a component. Then the rest I wound with convoluted tubing just like the factory uses. I hate loose wires.

That is actually a dang good idea. I will try that maybe something alittle more rigid like a small coffe can but good idea. I too hate loose wires. thanx again for the help. awesome forum Imust add, I am soglad Ifound it. 😀

 

[85elcoSS]

update. I found a factory non a/c heater box on elcamino parts .com for 129.00 it uses all of the ducts for the existing setup. its made of fiberglass. So if anyone is looking for one also there u go! 😀

 

[Blake442]

Those set ups that adapt to the existing A/C system duct work require so much modification and fabrication, that it's faster and easier to just remove the dash and install a factory non a/c set up.

I recommend that anybody that is considering buying one of those, read their online instruction manual first, so you know just how much work you're getting yourself into.

 

[1983mailbuwagon]

i have a few non a/c boxes in a couple of part cars still if anyone is interested. theres nothing like having 400 horse and still have the nice cold air from the factory ac in my mind. if you want to remove you box completely you can make it look nicer then just bolting a plate in. welder and some time all it takes. i needed to remove mine because my tire would of hit no matter was i did. i hate the cool fall nights and hot days without heat or air. I did install an inline fan in the duct work under my dash so i still get fresh air, but it's point less when its Hot outside. Good old manual A/c- open the windows

 

[Longroof79]

I've yet to see an aftermarket replacement A/C unit to eliminate that big ugly, space consuming airbox on the firewall. Some of us live in climates that warrant keeping A/C in the car...even though mine hasn't worked in several years. :?

 

[1983mailbuwagon]

Vintage air sells a system that goes under the dash. made for hot rods but they will work in the g bodys. puts the box under dash instead of on firewall. I still have the factory box on my other malibu. A/c is always nice to have.

 

[Longroof79]

I'm guessing by using the Vintage Air set-up under dash, you'd still eliminate (and block off) the OEM air box. Would this be a universal unit, not necessarily for a G-body car? It would be nice to restore some simple creature comforts..especially being an old fart.