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HVAC Ideas - Replace F-Body controls

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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 01:35 PM
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Default HVAC Ideas - Replace F-Body controls

I've seen some threads about relocating HVAC controls (specifically 00-02 Firebird, but other F-body controls are similar I think). I really don't like any ideas I've found yet:
1) in the glove box - driver can't really reach them
2) in the console - takes up most of the console
3) where the TC switch goes
4) above the vents

The electric fan speed control could easily be changed to other options. The wire temp control - well, maybe a servo or a slider? I think that might be the trickiest control to change... And the mode control, well it's all vacuum, how do automatic climate controls do this? I'm sure there are other GM cars with climate control, I wonder if anyone has tried to adapt something like that to this car?

I'm replacing my head unit with a Car PC, and I have an 8" screen. There won't be room for the stock HVAC controls. So I'm looking for ideas about swapping other controls, rather than just moving these ugly ones.



Other notes:
it would be nice to integrate them into the computer. The things I'm not sure how to do, though, are:
1) how to automate the temp **** since it's a cable - how to other cars do this?
2) how to interface with the vacuum controls - why are they vacuum controls? I know that my Nissan Quest has an electronic control but maybe vacuum in the background, because there is a slight delay when changing modes.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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i like the idea of controlling it through the pc. it could be done but it would be complicated work. you would need some type of electronic logic controller that can communicate with the pc thru usb and then software to make it work. then you would have to convert the cable controlled doors to servo controlled.
it would probably be easier to convert to straight up electrical controls, get rid of the vacuum lines and cables and replace them with electric servos, like you have in an impala. and make a smaller control panel. then put it somewhere like the ashtray, the bezel around the steering column, etc.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 04:35 PM
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Controlling the AC with pc would require tons of work/skills. Someone asked this question before and it is a lot of work. Its not just the interface with *****.

I don't know how big the HVAC controls are in the back, but I always thought about relocating them to the TCS area. To have all the 3 controls there, I 'd use smaller ***** turn the controls..Something like guitar ***** maybe.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 04:45 PM
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Would love to see someone retro-fit something a little better in the AC department...(automatic AC climate control, etc) not just relocate stuff.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 05:27 PM
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what i am going to do is relocate im spliting it in 2 parts 2 are going were the cig lighter and t/c switch are and the other is gpoing in the ashtry trying to control it with the pc is just gonna cost to much
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 08:21 PM
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I would start with this, a separate system from the pc radio/entertainment system, but, nonetheless, computer controlled. Do some research on this, very user friendly, and tons of support.
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 04:44 AM
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Old thread but exactly what I'm looking for. I'm planing on doing something similar and could really use the hvac space. What did you end up doing OP?
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Old Jul 24, 2011 | 01:59 PM
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i think something like some of the silverado/sierras have would be sick but the work to make it work wouldnt be worth it IMO
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Old Sep 29, 2011 | 11:37 AM
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Has anyone relocated their HVAC controls anywhere beside glove box? I want to install Carputer in my TransAm...
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 14k
i think something like some of the silverado/sierras have would be sick but the work to make it work wouldnt be worth it IMO
Similar setup as the Vettes.
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 11:06 AM
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the dual climate feature started in 03 on GM cars.. you have to have a split air box (basically 2) to make that functional..
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by GR33N GoblinM6
the dual climate feature started in 03 on GM cars.. you have to have a split air box (basically 2) to make that functional..

Not 100% acccurate. I know for a fact that the Buick Park Avenues have had them since 1996 or 1997, so Cadilaac probably had them then as well.
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 06:06 PM
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Very interesting...
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 12:46 AM
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I was refering to the one picture posted. THAT particular dual climate head unit, started in 03, have it in my 03 yukon. Its the digital version, there is also an analog version as well
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