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#1 |
Active Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TENNESSEE
Posts: 119
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non ac dash to ac
what is the easiest way to accomplish this. Weld in an ac dash or cut the holes yourself. Seems like I read getting the holes right is a *****.
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#2 |
More Cowbell....
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Puckett, MS
Posts: 3,569
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Weld in a replacment. Or at least that is my opinion. I cut mine along the slots under the dash pad and unbolted the ends. Then welded the new one in there. Looked fine even before the new pad went on.
The way I see it, if you try cutting the holes, and then screw it up, you will have to weld in a replacement anyway, so why not do that just the get-go.
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There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank ) bucket Last edited by Putter; 07-18-2006 at 10:34 AM. |
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#3 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Cutting the holes are simple. I made templates from an A/C cab and traced them onto my dash. I have a ton of template stock laying around. As long as you have a pattern to trace out onto your dash, and don't cut while drunk
![]() I ended up going with aftermarket side vents though after I munched a finger in my Dad's truck rolling the window down. Yeah, I know, don't ask......
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Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE |
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#4 |
Rottenwood Garage Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Posts: 4,321
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Re: non ac dash to ac
either way is easy!!!!!!!!!! If you have a torn down project truck with the interior gutted......replace the dash. If you have driver that you dont plan on stripping.....cut the holes AND KEEP DRIVING!!!!!!!!.
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#5 |
member #16
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Yuba City Ca.
Posts: 3,618
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Re: non ac dash to ac
I cut all three holes in one hour. I used a die grinder w/cutoff wheel, dremel tool, hole saw and rotary file in the die grinder.
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john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors ![]() http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/ |
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#6 |
Next project: 1970 K10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524
Posts: 6,685
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Re: non ac dash to ac
If you don't have one yet, watch Harbor Freight sales fliers for when their air body saws go on sale for $20! You will get your $20 worth out of that thing in about one hour! That's what I used for mine, they are excellent tools for cutting small holes in sheetmetal.
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Bob 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 next project!! 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Gulfport Mississippi
Posts: 364
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Putter?
Hey! That looks like my cab! JKR ![]()
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****Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight....I ask that of all my prey**** 68' C10 Short Step (rebuilding as we speak) 72' Custom Camper (wrecked, parting out) 79' C10 Fleet (rough, parting out) 97' C1500 Short Step Custom (DD) 97' Kawaski VN800a Customized 99' Z71 Silverado 04' Suzuki Volusia |
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#8 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: non ac dash to ac
I have an AC dash front you can have with that chassis. You would have to cut yours like Putter did. it's what I planned on doing.
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#9 |
TOTY 2006
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Magalia CA USA
Posts: 2,270
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Having done both replacing full dash, and cutting holes, my opinion is CUT THE HOLES!!! Way easier and a lot less time....
Also, dont forget that the firewall is also different for the heater/AC. Last edited by John Fabris; 07-19-2006 at 11:48 AM. |
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#10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Midlothian TX
Posts: 315
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Are there any special techniques that I should be aware of in cutting the side holes. It has been recommended to me to use a 3 & 1/2 inch hole saw, but I worry about drilling into where it angles into the inst. clstr or glovebox. What is the best way to do this, or is there nothing to worry about, just point and drill? Not drunk of course.
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#11 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Fresno,California
Posts: 224
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Here is a pic (not mine) of an aftermarket A/C vent if you decide to cut your own holes. Something a little different ..........Flat 67
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 605
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Re: non ac dash to ac
does some one have a print out of the holes that need to be cut out of the dash? I just got everything out of a cab at a swap meet for $25. I was hoping someone had a print out. Thanks
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2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver) |
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#13 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,874
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Re: non ac dash to ac
I thought I had read on here somewhere to cut along those slotted holes that are hidden under the pad and then unbolt it below. Do the same with your air dash and put it in place of the non air. Tack weld along the slotted areas and put the bolts back in. When the pad is put back on no one is the wiser.
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 10,670
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Re: non ac dash to ac
I cut the holes out in my orange and white. made templates off of an extra a/c dash I have in storage. I took plain old printer paper, taped it on the a/c dash, traced out the holes, cut them out, taped them to my dash, used a permanent marker to mark the holes. Then I used a plain old die grinder with a cutoff wheel, The best cheap ones are the ones that Lowes sells, to cut it out. I worked slowly to keep heat build up at a minuim. Slowly nibbleing away and finished up with a plain old file. Besure to have the vents for the dash to make sure not to cut the holes to large. I thought about the whole saw and if you have one use it but I couldnt see spending the money on the saw for 2 holes.
Aaron |
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#15 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Midlothian TX
Posts: 315
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Re: non ac dash to ac
Quote:
John with the picture of the silver Chevrolet HHR a few posts up hooked me up with templates that are just like the factory holes. |
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