non ac dash to ac - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jpkerley · 07-18-2006, 10:19 AM

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 *****.

Putter · 07-18-2006, 10:22 AM

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.

glock35ipsc · 07-18-2006, 10:53 AM

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

you can have it done in minutes. If you want to be extra careful, cut a touch small and file to fit.

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......

72freak · 07-18-2006, 11:05 AM

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!!!!!!!!.

**john** · 07-18-2006, 01:12 PM

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.

glock35ipsc · 07-18-2006, 01:29 PM

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.

thejoker · 07-18-2006, 01:38 PM

Putter?
Hey! That looks like my cab!

JKR

*FormerMember* · 07-19-2006, 10:53 AM

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.

**John Fabris** · 07-19-2006, 11:47 AM

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.

kna4977 · 08-10-2006, 11:37 PM

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.

Flat 67 · 08-11-2006, 12:15 AM

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

project1971 · 10-22-2006, 09:17 PM

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

CG · 10-22-2006, 09:46 PM

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.

Aarons72s · 10-23-2006, 06:39 AM

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

kna4977 · 10-23-2006, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project1971

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

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.

07-18-2006, 10:19 AM	#1
jpkerley Active Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: TENNESSEE Posts: 119	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 *****.

07-18-2006, 10:22 AM	#2
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	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. Attached Images __________________ *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.

07-18-2006, 10:53 AM	#3
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	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 you can have it done in minutes. If you want to be extra careful, cut a touch small and file to fit. 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...... __________________ *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

07-18-2006, 11:05 AM	#4
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	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!!!!!!!!.

07-18-2006, 01:12 PM	#5
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	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. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

07-18-2006, 01:29 PM	#6
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	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. __________________ *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

07-18-2006, 01:38 PM	#7
thejoker Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Gulfport Mississippi Posts: 364	Re: non ac dash to ac Putter? Hey! That looks like my cab! JKR __________________ **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

07-19-2006, 10:53 AM	#8
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	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.

07-19-2006, 11:47 AM	#9
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	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. __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB Last edited by John Fabris; 07-19-2006 at 11:48 AM.

08-10-2006, 11:37 PM	#10
kna4977 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Midlothian TX Posts: 306	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.

08-11-2006, 12:15 AM	#11
Flat 67 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fresno,California Posts: 224	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 Attached Images

10-22-2006, 09:17 PM	#12
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	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 __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)

10-22-2006, 09:46 PM	#13
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,845	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.

10-23-2006, 06:39 AM	#14
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	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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