Factory A/C dash louvers
 

I am building a 1965 1/2 ton short bed that was not factory air originally. I am installing a Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum. I own a factory center-of-dash louver set and I want to install it in my truck dash where my ashtray currently exists, to give the truck a "factory air" look. I will have to do some cutting to install. I'm looking for info on the dimension and position of the hole to be cut. There are some compound angles on the part so it is not easy to lay it against the dash and mark a hole cut. Anyone have this info? Or, if you have a truck with factory air, would it be too much trouble to remove the louver set and measure a cut dimension and give me a position location between the radio hole and top of dash? (e.g. evenly spaced between the two, or bottom of cut should be 1/4" above radio hole, etc...). Almost two years into this projects which has an LS3/4l80E drive-train. A complete frame-off restoration with powder coated frame and suspension and a lot of other neat things that are slowly eating up the remainder of my life and money. I have included a photo of the louver set. Thanks, JimZ.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

If someone doesn't beat me to it, I will get you some dimensions tomorrow off of my '66 C30.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Damn, I need one of those!! Is anyone making re-pops?

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

OK, I've got a pic of the hole in the dash of my '66 C30. I made up a drawing of it as well, but I'm not having any luck getting into a format that I can post. I printed it out, but the scanner here isn't cooperating, so I'll have to wait till tonight when I get home to scan it and post the drawing.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Great! Thanks for taking the picture, I forgot to ask you to do that. So far, you're the only response, so thanks for the help. Hope it wasn't too much trouble. Look forward to getting the rest from you. JimZ.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

OK, Here is the drawing I made. Hopefullw with the pic and the drawing you will be able to get a proper size hole cut out.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Not to my knowledge........

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

too bad - I've been looking for 'em too, no can find. Maybe at carlisle truck show in September... Maybe!

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

What a great help you've been. Such detail and clarity. Couldn't ask for more. Where have I been? Should have joined this forum months ago. Thanks Captainfab, outstanding work.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

No problem......that's one thing that's great about this forum, guys willing to help each other.

When you get a chance how about posting some pics of your truck? We all like pics ;)

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Okay. Created paper template based on your drawings and measurements, centered and leveled it on dash with magnets, marked the edges, drilled pilot holes and cut with Skill saw 14t blade. Came out nice and clean, only had to file to soften the edges. Perfect fit! Thanks again.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

That looks great!

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

I am doing the same thing. Thanks for the information Captainfab! That's exactly what I needed as well. Your awesome! FYI, I have found some sources for rechroming the plastic balls (vacuum metalizing). It ranges from $10 a ball to $50 a ball, depending on who you go with. I also have one lower corner broken off of the vent housing. I ordered some Plastex to fix it and/or make a new tab for it. Has anyone used this stuff before? It looks pretty good and sounds like it works based upon the photos on their website and the conversation I had with them.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Who are your sources on re-chroming the vent balls? I haven't been able to find anyone yet. Thanks.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Hey JimZ,

Welcome to the board. I am in the process of installing a GenIV Magnum in my 65. I found it pretty tight to mount the evaporator. If you have any pictures of yours how about post them up. Would love to see your LS3 as well. I just finished up my LS2.

TR

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Try this link for some photos of the evaporator install. Have never tried to insert a link, so not sure this is going to work.
I talked to a local Vintage Air distributor who convinced me to go with the Magnum, even though fitment would create some problems with the glove-box and might be too much box for some people. I live in a "dry heat" environment in central California, so effective cooling and conditioning was the priority.

http://picasaweb.google.com/JZulim/G...eat=directlink

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Jim,

I live in a wet heat environment in SC so cooling is a priority as well. My wife won't ride in my truck unless I get air.

I used a three point mount also but I came forward and up higher, wiped out more golve box space but I wanted to bring my bulkhead fittings thru the original heater hole in the firewall. Thanks for the pics. It is always helpful to see how someone else is tackling the same problem.

We have a member "coolair" that works for VintageAir and he recommended the GenIV Magnum to me as well.

TR

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

I have the big evap in my truck from Vintage air, I will try and get some pics tonight of it mounted.There is plenty of room for it in there but you do lose the glove box.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Here are a couple of pics, hard to get good ones as truck is shoved upto the side of the garage.
http://s967.photobucket.com/albums/a...b/DSC02887.jpg
http://s967.photobucket.com/albums/a...b/DSC02889.jpg

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

I haven't sent the vent balls to them yet, so I can't attest to results, but the company is www.chrometechusa.com. He charges $25 for each vent ball and states that it is the same process as original. He also does the stripping before chroming. One company I spoke to charges an additional $35 each vent for stripping. I spoke with 4 companies and I felt the best about this one. One guy was only $10 each, but I did not like his attitude at all and he works on an exchange system and acted like I was idiot.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Thanks for the info. I just visited their website. Doesn't look like there are a lot of choices out there.

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Here are some photos of the engine install on my LS3. http://picasaweb.google.com/JZulim/L...eat=directlink

Re: Factory A/C dash louvers
 

Your chasis is looking sweet, Jim. I am hopeful to be to this point some day.