Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Kateaux · 01-20-2008, 04:56 AM

Has anyone installed A/C in conjunction with a Direct Sheetmetal 4" recessed firewall? I am planning on using a Vintage Air but not sure how big I can go with the evaporator. ie: compact, mini??? Sure would like to see some pics!

Kateaux

Daniel U · 01-20-2008, 06:14 AM

What size motor do you plan on running and where are you thinking of mounting the A/C? I have a '54

with a 350 and I'm running A/C. Here's a pic of it in mock up:

Kateaux · 01-20-2008, 09:15 AM

I plan to run a SBC motor but I am not concerned about that side of the firewall. The 4" recess takes away from the space where the evaporator resides. I want to run as big a unit as will fit.

Kateaux

Bob@ProAuto · 01-20-2008, 10:22 PM

Just for your info, I don't know what truck you have so I'm shooting somewhat blind. I've got a 56 with the Direct Sheetmetal 4" firewall.

I'm a firm believer in using the biggest A/C unit that you can stuff in. If you get cold, you can turn it down, but unlike in the movie "SpinalTap", there is no 11 so you can't turn it up higher.

Most of the Vintage Air units are similar in depth and height on the universals, the big difference is width. On my 56', if I need to move the radio to get the biggest unit possible in, I'm going to do it.

I would call Dave at Direct Sheetmetal and ask what the recessed width and the Firewall width. Most has an angle to them ( \_____/ , upside is engine compartment). With some cardboard/masonite, you should be able to mock it up in you cab.

If you call Vintage Air, they have a bare housing that you can rent or borrow to check the fitments. At least, they tried to get their dealers to buy them to loan out to people.

If you have a 56, let me know and I'll get dimensions for you.

Kateaux · 01-20-2008, 11:00 PM

Bob,
Mine is a '58 so it should be the same as yours. In most of the space I have full width but where the firewall "kicks" in might interfere. I have done some measuring but I didn't want to "re-invent the wheel", so to speak. I am an experienced car builder but not much experience mounting evaporators. I just thought someone else on the site may have already conquered this battle. Thanks for your input.

Kateaux

Bob@ProAuto · 01-20-2008, 11:05 PM

No problem. I haven't gotten to the A/C yet to tell you which one will work. If you're running a SBC, why the 4"? I doing a BBC.

Kateaux · 01-21-2008, 12:08 AM

Not sure what engine yet. Wanted to be ready for anything. My other rod is a BBC and I have some spare accessories. But, also considering LS2 power.

Kateaux

Bob@ProAuto · 01-21-2008, 12:46 AM

I understand.

01-20-2008, 04:56 AM	#1
Kateaux Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dacula Georgia Posts: 57	Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC Has anyone installed A/C in conjunction with a Direct Sheetmetal 4" recessed firewall? I am planning on using a Vintage Air but not sure how big I can go with the evaporator. ie: compact, mini??? Sure would like to see some pics! Kateaux

01-20-2008, 06:14 AM	#2
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC What size motor do you plan on running and where are you thinking of mounting the A/C? I have a '54 with a 350 and I'm running A/C. Here's a pic of it in mock up: __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe

01-20-2008, 09:15 AM	#3
Kateaux Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dacula Georgia Posts: 57	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC I plan to run a SBC motor but I am not concerned about that side of the firewall. The 4" recess takes away from the space where the evaporator resides. I want to run as big a unit as will fit. Kateaux

01-20-2008, 10:22 PM	#4
Bob@ProAuto Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Baltimore, Ohio Posts: 65	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC Just for your info, I don't know what truck you have so I'm shooting somewhat blind. I've got a 56 with the Direct Sheetmetal 4" firewall. I'm a firm believer in using the biggest A/C unit that you can stuff in. If you get cold, you can turn it down, but unlike in the movie "SpinalTap", there is no 11 so you can't turn it up higher. Most of the Vintage Air units are similar in depth and height on the universals, the big difference is width. On my 56', if I need to move the radio to get the biggest unit possible in, I'm going to do it. I would call Dave at Direct Sheetmetal and ask what the recessed width and the Firewall width. Most has an angle to them ( \_____/ , upside is engine compartment). With some cardboard/masonite, you should be able to mock it up in you cab. If you call Vintage Air, they have a bare housing that you can rent or borrow to check the fitments. At least, they tried to get their dealers to buy them to loan out to people. If you have a 56, let me know and I'll get dimensions for you.

01-20-2008, 11:00 PM	#5
Kateaux Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dacula Georgia Posts: 57	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC Bob, Mine is a '58 so it should be the same as yours. In most of the space I have full width but where the firewall "kicks" in might interfere. I have done some measuring but I didn't want to "re-invent the wheel", so to speak. I am an experienced car builder but not much experience mounting evaporators. I just thought someone else on the site may have already conquered this battle. Thanks for your input. Kateaux

01-20-2008, 11:05 PM	#6
Bob@ProAuto Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Baltimore, Ohio Posts: 65	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC No problem. I haven't gotten to the A/C yet to tell you which one will work. If you're running a SBC, why the 4"? I doing a BBC.

01-21-2008, 12:08 AM	#7
Kateaux Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dacula Georgia Posts: 57	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC Not sure what engine yet. Wanted to be ready for anything. My other rod is a BBC and I have some spare accessories. But, also considering LS2 power. Kateaux

01-21-2008, 12:46 AM	#8
Bob@ProAuto Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Baltimore, Ohio Posts: 65	Re: Photo Request: Direct Sheetmetal BB firewall w/AC I understand.



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