Converting a Non-AC cab to AC

[CC69Rat]

I bought an AC dash from Randy to convert my 68. What's the easiest way to get the original one out and put in the AC dash? I really dont want to cut around the lower windshield area unless I have to, .. are those just spot welds in that area or would I need a plasma cutter ? I've just never done it.

I have heard people will just cut it on the dashes underneath where the dash pad goes and weld it in there, re-using the old tabs to weld it back in. What would you guys suggest? Thanks.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

.........

I have heard people will just cut it on the dashes underneath where the dash pad goes and weld it in there, re-using the old tabs to weld it back in. What would you guys suggest? Thanks.

Like you said in the second paragraph is what I believe is going to be the best way to go if you really want to replace the dash. I have seen someone try to remove the spot welds and it was a mess. Windshield had to be removed and wound up having to replace it and the rubber (accidently broke it).

Personally, if I install a/c in my non a/c 68 GMC I'm going with the under dash a/c vents rather than cut the dash. Also, I have seen some where guys cut their own openings with supplied instructions by manufacturers of aftermarket a/c units. That would be a better option than cutting out the dash.

[WIDESIDE72]

I would think it would be easier to cut the dash vent openings into the existing dash, unless there is other damage to your dash. Just an FYI, youll need to modify the firewall as well if you are going to install factory ac. Search the forum as i have seen it covered a few times.

[teeitup]

Chad, if you cut your dash under the dash pad and do the same to the Ac dash your getting from me and weld it back in, thats the easiest way, and as Steve said you'll have to get a section of firewall. If you look at my thread on parts board about parting a cab, there is a guy who had me cut the firewall section out for him, thats the piece you'll need

[CC69Rat]

I had just planned on doing a Vintage air under dash kit and use the factory vents. Not going to work ?

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I had just planned on doing a Vintage air under dash kit and use the factory vents. Not going to work ?

That should work. Its what i have planned on my step side. Im just going to cut the dash thats in it now though. You only have to do the firewall surgery if you are going to install factory ac in a non factory ac cab.

[CC69Rat]

Yeah I have a BB in mine and didn't really want to use the factory firewall box anyway .. whew I can handle the dash part I just dont want to get into cutting the firewall and stuff. It's a super clean cab (bare) and I guess I could cut the bottom of the windshield chanel I just thought Id go as far as under the dash pad, weld it in there and grind the welds where they look ok (not worry about ti a whole lot) and let the dash pad take care of the rest.

Thanks for your help fellas. Randy, if you want to cut the dash off leaving the top edge of those tabs under the dash pad that will be cool with me too. It might make it easier and cheaper for you to ship. I wont be using the top section of the dash anyway just leave me enough to get it welded back in under the pad.

If you have shipped it already that's cool too.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Yeah I have a BB in mine and didn't really want to use the factory firewall box anyway .. whew I can handle the dash part I just dont want to get into cutting the firewall and stuff. It's a super clean cab (bare) and I guess I could cut the bottom of the windshield chanel I just thought Id go as far as under the dash pad, weld it in there and grind the welds where they look ok (not worry about ti a whole lot) and let the dash pad take care of the rest.

Thanks for your help fellas. Randy, if you want to cut the dash off leaving the top edge of those tabs under the dash pad that will be cool with me too. It might make it easier and cheaper for you to ship. I wont be using the top section of the dash anyway just leave me enough to get it welded back in under the pad.

If you have shipped it already that's cool too.

It's really not that bad to drill out the spotwelds and change the whole dash. Just use a flat angled drill (smallest dia. you can get away with) at the pinch where the windshield rubber sits. I have done it and it worked great on my 67.
Sounds like you have it figured out already though. I never thought about cutting down that seam where the dashpad mounts.

[jmader]

Not trying to hijack the thread but one other thing I can't seem to find addressed in other threads is what is the best technique to cut the holes out of an existing dash? It looks like a hole saw would do the trick for the outers but the middle one has me a little nervous.

[motorcritter]

I saw on a thread about A/C install, and they used body panel adhesive to install the replacement A/C dash- that had been removed by drilling out the spot welds. Saves a lot of headache for the job, less chance heat damage, access problems, etc.

[screaminchevypickup]

Originally Posted by jmader

Not trying to hijack the thread but one other thing I can't seem to find addressed in other threads is what is the best technique to cut the holes out of an existing dash? It looks like a hole saw would do the trick for the outers but the middle one has me a little nervous.

I always take my template and drill holes in the corners then use a body saw to cut them out.. It's like a jig saw but a air tool for cutting sheet metal..

[olrosa]

What screamingchevy said