A/c vs non a/c

dsandberg · October 01, 2017, 11:09:59 AM

Hi everyone, I'm restoring a 70 challenger and I've decided to not put a/c in it. I've been told I got firewall opens for an a/c set up and a non a/c dash. So my question is what does a non a/c system consist of compared to a a/c system? Is there anything I have to do to the firewall to make it work?

1 Wild R/T · October 01, 2017, 11:14:16 AM

Yeah, change your firewall..... You can patch the major holes, cut new holes, add a new stud to hang the defroster vents off of since the stud location is different for A/C vs non A/C, then theres the single fresh air inlet for an A/C car vs two fresh air inlets for non-A/C....

Topcat · October 01, 2017, 11:33:55 AM

If you want it just like the factory, then it would IMO require removing both side aprons.
The firewall is put on first and goes end to end. Then side aprons are installed over it.

Or you can patch in a non A/C.

RzeroB · October 05, 2017, 08:15:41 AM

Hmmm? On second thought it might just be easier to change out the dash, reinstall the A/C and cruise in cool comfort during the summer??

blown motor · October 05, 2017, 10:07:03 AM

To what level are you restoring it? I removed the A/C from my car. Took out the compressor, condensor, lines, etc. and left the rest as is. Didn't touch the firewall, same heater box. The nipples that the lines hook up to still come through the firewall. Very simple, just wouldn't please the purists.

1 Wild R/T · October 05, 2017, 10:27:12 AM

Quote from: blown motor on October 05, 2017, 10:07:03 AM
To what level are you restoring it? I removed the A/C from my car. Took out the compressor, condensor, lines, etc. and left the rest as is. Didn't touch the firewall, same heater box. The nipples that the lines hook up to still come through the firewall. Very simple, just wouldn't please the purists.

How hot does it get where you live? Cause non-A/C cars have vents on both sides that open & allow airflow, A/C cars don't, they have on air inlet that passes all the air through the heater core & the A/C evaporator so airflow is maybe 30% of a non-A/C car.... If your temps get into the 80's is may not be a big deal... Around here we get 100+ & at times 115... You won't want to drive on days above 90..... DAMHIK... With a non-A/C with proper vents you may not enjoy it but you can still get by on a 100 degree day... No airflow... No desire to go anywhere...

blown motor · October 05, 2017, 10:54:41 AM

Rarely ever see 90. This summer don't know if we hit 85. When it's hot the windows are down.

dsandberg · October 05, 2017, 12:54:07 PM

Quote from: blown motor on October 05, 2017, 10:07:03 AM
To what level are you restoring it? I removed the A/C from my car. Took out the compressor, condensor, lines, etc. and left the rest as is. Didn't touch the firewall, same heater box. The nipples that the lines hook up to still come through the firewall. Very simple, just wouldn't please the purists.

Well it's not going to be numbers matching by any means. I like the idea of keep the firewall the same just in case I decide to add a/c later. And with me not having any thing remotely for an a/c system, I think I might try to make some custom firewall covers and gaskets to cover and seal the openings.

RUNCHARGER · October 05, 2017, 07:19:30 PM

Yeah: It's a tough choice. I just left the A/C box and firewall in my Road Runner as I couldn't bear welding up the firewall. I think I would leave the stock stuff behind the firewall and put modern stuff ahead of the firewall and keep it functional if I run in to the situation again.

Todd489 · October 06, 2017, 06:24:08 PM

This was an a/c car