Extreme Nubie Question

[kdailey4315]

I don't know what this part is call in the pic below. I just refer to it as a heater box. At least I'm pretty sure it has to do with the heater. I notice a lot of people take them off and weld sheet metal over the hole. What is the benefit of this beside a smooth fire wall? What happens to your heater? Is all that junk relocated somewhere? Sorry for the nubie question but I was just curious.

[lofly'a]

you are correct that is the heater box and contains the heater core, dampers, and the blower. if u take it out u can use an aftermarket unit or go without any which is what u see on some shaved show rides and in climates that u can get away with it. your optios are, if u take it out is.....1. no heat/ac at all. 2. go with an aftermarket ac/heat unit that fits under the dash. 3. an underdash heat only unit.

[kdailey4315]

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It never gets below 40. I can go with out heat/AC. I might shave it. Thanks for the reply.

[Longhorn Man]

you'll have no defrost either. Real important on a driver, kinda semi important on a weekend cruise machine.
I've only been to San-Fran twice, but I needed the defroster both times I was there.
I would say you'd want a defroster. However, like mentioned, you can get an aftermarket one that fits under the dash.

[dan42]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

you'll have no defrost either. Real important on a driver, kinda semi important on a weekend cruise machine.
I've only been to San-Fran twice, but I needed the defroster both times I was there.
I would say you'd want a defroster. However, like mentioned, you can get an aftermarket one that fits under the dash.

X2 - I just finished a year without a heater/defroster and they are a PITA if you drive it at night or in the morning. It's sooo much better with a heater and defroster now.

[spinning wheels]

Originally Posted by kdailey4315

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It never gets below 40. I can go with out heat/AC. I might shave it. Thanks for the reply.

Didn't Mark Twain once state, " The coldest winter I have spent, was a summer day in San Francisco."

Yeah, you'll need a defrost and heater

[Sport/Truck]

It will clean up pretty nice with Gibbs oil if you are concerned about how it looks.
s/t

[El Jay]

Originally Posted by kdailey4315

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It never gets below 40. I can go with out heat/AC. I might shave it. Thanks for the reply.

I'll argue with you on that; not to just cause you grief.

I'm in east CoCoCo, and there are several times a year the I need defrosters/deicers.
I also keep a scraper under the seat, "just in case."

You are now the proud possessor of the "old guy's" .02.

[lclippard]

though not new to fabrications and custom work, i am kinda new to these trucks. i too have seen alot of firewall smoothing, but no one really posts any pics of the heaters/ac units they install under the dash. maybe we can get some pics posted here so us newbies can see what our options are. thanks.