AC Unit on Firewall

[Ptjsk]

Ok Guys, what are you using to restore the composite box that's mounted on the firewall?

Mine is in great shape, yet it's dull and doesn't look too good.

Thanks in advance,

Pat

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I've never done one but what about trunk paint?
George

[dmjlambert]

If you think yours is OK, you may be surprised if you take it off and look at the inside. It depends on whether you've taken it off and cleaned it up before. I am sending mine to Original Air in Florida for restoration. Forum member F.A.A.benny also restores them. I figure once every fifty years or so, give it a complete re-do.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I plan to ask F.A.A.benny to restore my entire A/C. Not sure on compressor yet, vintage air "OER" seems like a great way to go.

If I remember right, a lot of guys just scuff up the box some then hit it with a clear coat.

[FirstOwner69]

Clean it up and apply some Armor All or Son Of A Gun. Don't apply a large quantity. Let it sit 10 minutes or so and wipe it off. You'll be surprised.

[Ptjsk]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

If you think yours is OK, you may be surprised if you take it off and look at the inside. It depends on whether you've taken it off and cleaned it up before. I am sending mine to Original Air in Florida for restoration. Forum member F.A.A.benny also restores them. I figure once every fifty years or so, give it a complete re-do.

Yes, I've already taken it apart. It's in great condition, just looks tired (weathered), a bit on the outside.

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I plan to ask F.A.A.benny to restore my entire A/C. Not sure on compressor yet, vintage air "OER" seems like a great way to go.

I'm going with the Original Air kit that replaces the compressor, the dryer, and the parallel flow condenser.

If I remember right, a lot of guys just scuff up the box some then hit it with a clear coat.

I was thinking about that (clear coat). I did order up the Original Air kit for those that have factory AC. I'll let you know how it works out.

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Clean it up and apply some Armor All or Son Of A Gun. Don't apply a large quantity. Let it sit 10 minutes or so and wipe it off. You'll be surprised.

thanks, I'll try that first.

Pat

[Grumpy old man]

This heater box is for my green 67 short bed 292 truck , I cleaned this one up a few years ago and it's been stored since then waiting it's turn . it's the original piece out of the truck . I used a purple scotch pad and lacquer thinner to bring it back and remove any staining , Some light sanding it in a few areas and cleaned again with the thinner and pad . Then applied a few light coats of MATTE CLEAR . to bring back that light sheen they had when new , The purple pad works to get into all the corners and it looks great when your done , No need to ever reapply anything to it . I just wiped it off this morning to remove some dust and it looks the same as it did a few years ago .

[Ptjsk]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

This heater box is for my green 67 short bed 292 truck , I cleaned this one up a few years ago and it's been stored since then waiting it's turn . it's the original piece out of the truck . I used a purple scotch pad and lacquer thinner to bring it back and remove any staining , Some light sanding it in a few areas and cleaned again with the thinner and pad . Then applied a few light coats of MATTE CLEAR . to bring back that light sheen they had when new , The purple pad works to get into all the corners and it looks great when your done , No need to ever reapply anything to it . I just wiped it off this morning to remove some dust and it looks the same as it did a few years ago .

That looks great!

Thanks for the response.

Pat

[Grumpy old man]

The trick is using MATTE CLEAR and spending the time to get it as clean as possible , Don't use gloss or semi gloss clear .

[Jason Banks]

I used gloss clear and love the result.

https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Chemical-.../dp/B0043B7UQY

Wish i had a close up picture...

[Ptjsk]

Thanks for all the responses.

This is what mine came out like.

Pat

[Jason Banks]

Looks great. Is that matte clear?

[Harold Holbrook]

That is what I used matte clear and it looks good.