Vintage Air Options on 1950 with Modified Firewall???

[Curt - TN]

For those who have gone the route of a modified recessed flat firewall what did you end up doing for Vintage Air kits or parts?

I looked at the standard Vintage Air install sheet for the inside unit and it looks like it needs a large flat passenger side firewall for it to mount around the old large round hole.

As you can see in my application there is no way that is going to fit correctly. I am trying to keep the engine bay and firewall as clean as I can but I suspect I am going to need to go with a Compact or Mini system and partly build my own.

[e015475]

A 'dummy' Vintage Air unit is available. I borrowed one to check the fit of the VA evaporator/heater/blower on my truck from the local SoCal Speed Shop.

You might see if Vintage Air has a dealer in your area and see it they have an 'dummy' unit for trial fits.

Like you, I like a smooth firewall, and I installed some 'hat' channel across the inside of the firewall I could drill into to mount the AC (and stiffen the firewall)

There seems to be plenty of room under there, but it looks like some of the glove box is going to have to be sacrificed on mine.

[donandal]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1464467717

This is what mine looked like, installed in the VAir recommended
Location.

I think you are right about interference in your case.
It fits thru that big hole, ( that you are missing)
and it tucks pretty close to the firewall. Just
enough space to get your hand up behind it on mine.

[donandal]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1464467717


This might show better...
I think that bracket on the right is in the same holes
You still have on your firewall right side where the
hinge bolts came thru. I converted them to studs in
the same location for my bracket.
It might give you an idea of the height above the floor.

Also, I have about 4 inches between the A/C and the dash
that I can use for the glove box .

[b00sted]

Installing this in my 49. Cost less, has air. heat and defrost and they work perfect as friends have it in their trucks and cars.

And is very small.

http://www.southernrods.com/a-c-and-...plete-kit.html

[youngrodder]

I used the same firewall as you and I used the VA kit made for our truck I only had to modify the mounting bracket slightly. I had to loose 1/2 the depth of my glove box liner but that was it. I used a vertical billet bulkhead to the left of the recess in the firewall.

I can try to dig up some pics if it helps.

Marc

[youngrodder]

Here is a pic to give you a better idea of what I did.

Marc

[smittster]

I am interested in this topic also. I did not replace the entire firewall but did modify it.

[Donaldo]

I moved the VA unit to the center of the truck and lowered it a couple inches, floor vents will now flow evenly, not just onto the passenger side. It also give me room for the full size glovebox.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Interesting Donaldo. I assume you plan to cover it or mostly cover it with a center console?

[Donaldo]

Hi Dan, I painted it light grey pearl which is the interior color except the dash. I also put all the controls into the lower roll sections of the dash.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks great, congrats! Wht color green is that? Kinda looks like the newer Fiat 500 color.

Just went and took a look at your site - impressed. Those birds are gorgeous! So's your truck i am down here in Pasadena but i get close to you in Morro Bay periodically as my step son, daughter-in-law nd grand daughter live in Atascadero, right up the road from you. I'm trying to get my truck done for the Fourth of July cruise in Atascadero this summer. If i make it, might I see you and your truck there? Anyway, impressedas hell with your beautiful truck. I really like your reverse lights and the ay you detailed. Their mounting holes. I'm going to have to do a search to see details.

[Donaldo]

Fiat color it is, Verde Green, or as close as I wanted. When I first saw it I knew it would look good on fat fenders and round parts ! Atascadero is just 17 miles over the hill. Hope to make the Morro Bay cruise in May, but still a lot of truck to do yet. July would be a good cruise for sure.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I went to tht Morro Bay show last year.Saw some very nice stuff. I'm not sure I'll be done by May but possibly done and not upholstered. If I CAN bring it, I will.

I really really STILL debate painting my truck in something like that Fiat color. I'm planning to only build one truck otherwise green it would be my truck was rustoleum Sage green before i took it all apart and i liked it/got a lot of compliments on it. But I've had my heart set on red so long. I don't know. Last minute decision, I'm sure.

[Donaldo]

Paint it red how you want it - the compliments will follow. I just figure those that have their druthers can build their own....

I missed the last MB show, had the flu. Hope to see you at the next one. Cayucos has a good show each November, maybe could check it out.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I think i went to the Cayucos show year before last. It was nice. Hopefully we can meet up to see each other's truck this year. If not, well there's always next year....at least we hope so! Lol.

[Donaldo]

"next year" - I know that concept well - I'm 4 yrs into my 2 yr project, according to wifey.

I didn't want to highjack this thread, but back to those thinking of welding up the holes and such - I can't think of a better way to learn - and the mistakes can be ground off. Beginning welding is where we all started. It ain't rote !

[e015475]

Big fan of red too, but that Fiat 'Verde Chiaro' is the one for me too......

[Donaldo]

""that Fiat 'Verde Chiaro' is the one for me too......""

when I first tried to match the Fiat color, it was 'verde green', and then when I really needed the paint there were several 'verdes' to compare. And then there were color code variations - I think they would all look good on chevy trucks, any year.