ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

After my LS1 swap, an am now completely broke and have no HVAC. I have been planning all along to use an aftermarket underdash system. My firewall has already been shaved, so please don't mention that I can use my stock components. They are long gone. I have been searching the internet without much success, thought maybe I would post up here.

I was hoping to find a creative way to save money and possibly use an OEM HVAC from a newer car. If it is possible. Does anyone have any experience with this or any advice?

Thanks guys,

Ryan

Accrdwgnguy

The hardest part is finding a system that physically fits, and making it fit. The wiring will be easy.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

My guess would be to look at some smaller compact sized cars and/or trucks. Maybe some older imports might also work out. They were pertty simple and had smaller Evap Units..?

Good hunting..

BC

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

A buddy of mine mentioned that he has seen some people use the units from the rear of SUV's such as the Escalade's? Anyone heard of that?

bczee

iTrader: (12)

How about some of the Jeeps ??

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

I am not sure, I don't see why they wouldn't work. But that is what I am asking the forum, if they know of anything or could point me in the right direction. From what I hear, the toughest part will be getting the controls to work properly.

MillsMotorvation

Like to see what comes of this!

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

I've been looking in some wrecking yards for a smaller import car system that I can adapt to my car as well. I will let you know if I find exactly what I'm looking for.

Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

I've been looking into this also. I've been gathering parts for my swap and a/c is a must. I used to have a 3000GT VR-4, the a/c box on it was fairly small but it had all electronic controls, temp sensors and all that junk. Maybe one on a car like a Nissan Sentra or something might fit.

If all else fails, I'm going to get a Vintage Air Gen II compact unit. I've found them for a little over $400 minus the controls.

jlcustomz

I have seen more than one el camino with a gm suv rear system mounted in the smugglers box space behind the seats & all the vents behind the seats also. Not sure what the units physical size is though.

As far as something to fit under your dash, if you have a salvage yard with panel trucks(walk in stepvans), they may have an aftermarket unit in them. usually hung from ceiling & powered by a reliable sanden 508.

JMac11

Guy on the Chevy truck message board found an old under dash unit and pieced together a system. While not great looking, he said it works great. in a 72 Truck. Tons of units used on EBAY......

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

I saw a writeup ages ago where a guy used the AC setup from a front wheel drive (GM I think) vehicle and retrofitted it to an older vehicle. This is in concept all Vintage Air is doing - moving the entire unit to the cabin to clear up firewall space. Most of the front wheel drive vehicles in the yard have inboard AC / heat unlike the RWD cars even into the 90's where the blower fan and condenser are under hood.

I would measure how much space you have and take those dimensions to the salvage yard. With some time, persistence and creativity you might surprise yourself. Good hunting.

Andy1

My '86 Dodge van conversion had an aftermarket rear AC unit. It was actually quite small. It's likely you could find such a unit at a Pick-n-Pull. Old van conversions are becoming more plentiful these days, and rear AC probably sells for cheap. Granted they're most likely to be R12, but it may be that all you'd need to change out are the o-rings....That should be easy.

Andy1

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

Thanks for the info guys, I will check into the rear SUV AC units. The biggest problem I foresee is the controls.

LSCha0s

iTrader: (4)

I worked on dodge caravans with a rear air unit back in the 90s might be worth a look.

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

Another vote for a rear unit out of a late-model Escalade/Yukon/Tahoe. I can crawl underneath our 05 Yukon if you need pics or measurements. I know it uses two evaporators, but damn if that thing doesn't keep us ice-cold in even the worst Phoenix summer days. You might also want to check out VA's website for calculations to properly size the system.

slowbu

iTrader: (4)

Most all the small older import cars like civics Hyundai, Tercel,paseo have manual controls for vents hot/cold an fresh air, idk how the spacing is under the dash but if space is close id look at some of the small import trucks

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

If you wouldn't mind that would be great!! Thanks

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

Sadly, it's actually located behind one of the interior panels, so I couldn't get a look. But here's an example of what it looks like. Rockauto has 'em for ~$50.


Couldn't get measurements, either. But here's some more info.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

I have a 02 Camaro one if you want it.. just pay shipping.. If interested, I can get a picture of it later.. But you might find one locally just as cheap