What to do with hole where Heater Control was located

[Arl37]

Installed a heater delete on outer firewall in my 69 C10.
I would like to fill the hole where the heater controls were located on the dash but don't want weld a plate over the hole.
Believe there are no aftermarket heater control delete plates and it is almost impossible to find an original part.

Appreciate any thoughts about how to fill up the hole.

[sick472]

I may do a radio delete with a hard wood piece, but I will also be adding wood panels to the doors and glove box, maybe even the gage cluster so it would fit my build.

An alternative solution would be to cut out a steel/aluminum/plastic panel and mount some extra mini gages in it like vaccum, trans temp, outside temp, clock etc. There's got to be a "Radio Delete Gage Panel" that cold be fitted to that heater hole.

If our looking for something on the cheap...a simple rectangular cut out of aluminum (painted or not), sheet metal (painted), or plastic and some buttonhead bolts, nuts and washers and you have filled the hole. All of which could have USB, Radio Aux, or accessory switches added to it.

Just some thoughts that you might be able to spring board off of.

[sick472]

One more idea...make a box that mounts behind the heater hole that tilts downward a bit and serves as a storage shelf for your phone. sunglasses, etc. Kinda like a doorless glove box.

[Arl37]

Thanks for the ideas
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[3757chevy]

Here is a truck with heater delete. It is posted in craigslist finds Today.https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...810751198.html

[special-K]

Yeah, there are heater delete covers, same as radios, but way more rare. I've never seen one for sale on the parts board. Personally, I'd never eliminate the heater because even in the tropics you need a defroster(defogger) for steamed up widows. If I did pull that out I would make a panel. I wonder what a fab shop would charge to roll a bead around the edge.

[ghalperin]

Here’s a better photo of mine.

[chiefcfd]

The Radio delete will cover the opening. You just have to figure out a way to hold it in.

[hayhauler71]

Stock heater control with levers and plastic removed. replaced with a piece of 1/4 Masonite finished and installed in the chrome housing.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by chiefcfd

The Radio delete will cover the opening. You just have to figure out a way to hold it in.

A couple of rare earth magnets will hold it nice and tight.

[3757chevy]

Originally Posted by hayhauler71

Stock heater control with levers and plastic removed. replaced with a piece of 1/4 Masonite finished and installed in the chrome housing.

Cool idea.

[Jake1074]

Anyone have the dimensions of the heater control and opening ?

I’m wondering if a set of gauges would fit without cutting the dash?

[Jake1074]

Originally Posted by Jake1074

Anyone have the dimensions of the heater control and opening ?

I’m wondering if a set of gauges would fit without cutting the dash?

I found a truck to measure and the opening is 2 1/4 x 8”. A 3 gauge set will fit with modifications. The body of the gauges I have require a 2 1/16” hole so there is plenty of room to fabricate a mounting plate. I think it may look good 🤔