Ac Or Non Ac
 

Aside from the AC vents in the dash of our '72 blazers, is there any difference on the engine room bulkheads of an AC or non-AC blazer?

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

There are a couple additional holes in the firewall with AC. I think the holes just aren't punched out in the non AC. The Battery tray is different too.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

I was thinking of installing a non AC dash in my AC tub.Here is a picture of my tub .It is in pretty good shape just needs a little rocker and floorpan repair.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Why?

Don't like the AC dash? Or is it messed up?

It's a fair amount of work to swap out the dash but your at the perfect place with your tub to do it for sure.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

If you're not going to use AC, consider turning the side vents into hidden stereo tweeters.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

The dash is cut up pretty bad around the radio,ashtray and heater controls.Just thought it might be easier to swap dashes.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Post a pic of the dash, maybe a patch panel would work better for ya.

Changing out the entire dash unit is a P.I.T.A. :rolleyes:

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Thanks for the offer kna4977. As I don't have any of the AC components I'd rather put an unmolested non AC dash back in it. With the dash pad off I thought I could cut the vented ribs and make a dash swap. All I need is a non AC dash. I would like too find one locally or close by if possible.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Not too hard to change.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Even if you don't want a/c, wouldn't the dash vents be worth it for winter heating? BTW - how much of a pita is it to swap the dash? I have a non-a/c & bought an a/c dash to put in. Probably won't do a/c at first, but I figure it looks & functions better than the non-a/c dash.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

No problem. If you change your mind let me know. I have some other A/C components + some non A/C components. Keep me posted on your needs.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

It's easy to cut one out, don't know aboutputting one in. The A/C dash IMO definately looks and functions better.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

To clarify for those wanting to run right out and change your dash, it is not that easy to do when removed as a complete unit!

Even when cutting between the holes that are beneath the dash pad. (easy part)
The hard part is removing the spot welds on the outside edges of the dash face welded to the upper pillar.

The flat tabs that are spot welded in FOUR places on each side have to be gotten to without doing damage to your thin dash sheet metal. (the one in the truck your saving)

Okay true, easy to do if you wanna rip it/bend it/wreck it to get it out but it's very tough to get at those tabs the way their located.

If possible a patch would be alot easier, even cutting out the center and replacing that section alone would save time/effort IMO.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

If you go that route Gillnetter, you'll also need to have the rest of the A/C 'plumbing' parts, dash control, cables, vacuum pod and accessories to go along with it all.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Lots of good info here, but the buying and selling (or offering to sell) belongs on the parts board, not here.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

VT, are you saying that getting the dash out clean & reuseable is a pita, or putting one back in? Just checking because that is soon on the list. Thanks!

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Leaving your existing dash intact AND installing the new face are both tough.

There is a flat metal tab spot welded to both the dash face and the inside of the upper door pillar.

In an effort to break loose the spot welds, you'll be tempted to put a small pry bar under the part of the dash that will remain in the truck, in doing so it's almost impossible not to dimple the metal from underneath.

The working space is pretty tight under there, if you go in knowing the possible issue's you should be fine.

Re: Ac Or Non Ac
 

Any chance for a pic?
BTW - Sorry for highjacking your thread Gillnetter! :hj: