punch holes in dash for A/C? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mvpco · 07-26-2005, 01:21 AM

HI All!

Any Ideas on cutting, punching the 2 round,oval holes and rectangle hole in the dash when adding/installing the A/C vents?

thought I would ask before I tackle it.

The Air is working good, now just need to finish the vents. This is the factory setup I took off a 72 with A/C and adding it to a 72 without a/c.

I made the templates from an orig. dash, I marked them on my dash, now just need to cut, punch them out.

Jeff Smith
Pensacola, FL

**john** · 07-26-2005, 01:45 PM

I used a die grinder with a cutoff wheel and dremel tool to cut the center vent and then a hole saw and a rotary file in die grinder for side vents. Took about 20 min. per hole. Tape around the holes with masking tape to keep from chipping paint. Also there isnt too much leeway on the side vents for width. Check often when close to size. John

71RestoRod · 07-26-2005, 10:45 PM

If you have the templates to work from than that's half the battle. I basically eyeballed it... taped it, penciled the outline and used a body saw to cut them out. It easily turned the curve for the outside vent holes. The side holes appear to be oval, but they're actually a circle if you look at them straight on. I drilled four holes to radius the corners of the center vent and then a few more to get the body saw started. Used a die grinder and hand file to finish them up. John is right... tape it up to avoid chipping, test fit often and remember you can always make them bigger if you have to.

68C15 · 07-27-2005, 08:23 AM

what they said except when done send me the templates

724wdcopper · 07-27-2005, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

what they said except when done send me the templates

seriously, if you could make those available to others, that would be so killer! i'd like a set, too. any access to a photo copier? i'd give you money for a stamp!

Blue85 · 07-27-2005, 11:58 AM

mvpco, Did you use a factory A/C Box? If you did, how did you make the firewal work, in respect to the different hole sizes and locations?

cwilkie · 07-27-2005, 12:00 PM

That would be great if you had some templates to distribute. I need to get the A/C holes cut before it goes to paint. Just to make sure "ever stuff" works.

Chance

72GMC51 · 07-27-2005, 12:10 PM

I have the templates from old air products will post when I get home from work.
JC

cwilkie · 07-27-2005, 12:13 PM

Great!! When they are posted are they going to be to correct size? Thanks!!!!

Chance

panhandler62 · 07-27-2005, 12:36 PM

I recently saw a number of ac dashes for sale (cheap) on the parts board. That miight be a way to go also.

55454 · 07-27-2005, 03:44 PM

The easiest way without cutting up another dash for templates which I have done, cargo light also ( STP has the templates they go back and fourth between us) is take masking tape go over the hole on an a/c dash cut the middle out and put it on the other dash and mark it. Someone, someone knows has to have an a/c dash. If not pm me and I will cut a pattern and sent it on saran wrap. Postage due of course.

Tommy

sleepyboy · 07-27-2005, 04:48 PM

I used a hole saw, cut one size smaller than actual hole needed, then dremeled it to size. Tape is a must, along with checking often..

cwilkie · 07-27-2005, 05:01 PM

What is a whole saw? Is it that cylinder which was around the perimeter of the cylinder?

Chance

72GMC51 · 07-27-2005, 06:24 PM

I emailed them to another member and he said they worked great, if you would like I can do the same for you or will snail mail them to you if you want.
that goes for anyone that wants them.
Thanks
JC

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwilkie

Great!! When they are posted are they going to be to correct size? Thanks!!!!

Chance

tom1000 · 07-27-2005, 06:33 PM

That's what I did. I used a rotary file for my cordless drill.
Work slowly so you don't cut too much. The holes don't have to be perfect just enough to insert the AC grilles.

**Hart_Rod** · 07-28-2005, 12:20 AM

Hey Jeff,

Where do you hang out? I'm up in Pace, got a 69 Suburban I "playing" with.

Rob

farside847 · 07-28-2005, 10:53 AM

That looks like a nice spot to hide some speakers actually, Hmmmmmmm.

86swb · 07-28-2005, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72GMC51

I emailed them to another member and he said they worked great, if you would like I can do the same for you or will snail mail them to you if you want.
that goes for anyone that wants them.
Thanks
JC

I plan on putting air in my '70 and would like a set. I sent you a pm with address. Thanks

RED71CHEVY · 07-28-2005, 09:04 PM

i am putting a "vintage air" in mimy 71 c-10, i bought the factory style ac side vents from them , but all they sent me for a cut out pattern is for their small ac vents

.......... so i would really be happy for a set of your patterns for the factory style side vent cut outs!!!!

you can email them to me at: tlewis37@sc.rr.com

thanks in advance.

/<eystroke · 07-29-2005, 11:52 AM

Here is my copy of the ac vent templates.

2low72 · 07-29-2005, 01:34 PM

Quote:

That looks like a nice spot to hide some speakers actually, Hmmmmmmm.

Yep!!

mvpco · 07-29-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rob

Hey Jeff,

Where do you hang out? I'm up in Pace, got a 69 Suburban I "playing" with.

Rob

Great!
I am off Olive Road, between 9th Ave and davis Hwy.
3519 Gatewood Drive
Pensacola, FL 32514

475-5030
324-1713 Cell

if you want to look it up on Yahoo Maps or Map quest.

I have some extra stuff (power steering pumps, radio etc) if you need

Do you have A/C in yours?? I would like to look at it!!!!!1

Jeff

mvpco · 07-29-2005, 09:36 PM

HI All!

Ok.... I tried to hook up the damn duct/hose to the side vents and just about /8 to 1/4 to small (I odered a set off Ebay some time ago).

Question: is there a special type duck for the left and right side vents on the dash? and who has them and phone number and part number please.

They set I bought are just like the defrost hose but alittle bigger.
I tried locally but only sizes are 2 1/2 and 3 inch, I measured miy vent where it hooks up and it is 2 3/4 inch doh!!!!

Jeff Smith
Pensacola, FL

sleepyboy · 07-29-2005, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwilkie

What is a whole saw? Is it that cylinder which was around the perimeter of the cylinder?

Chance

A hole saw has a drill bit in the center with a metal cylinder that surrounds it. The drill bit keeps your center bore. It is used for a variety of applications, like sawing holes for locks in wooden doors, etc. Home depot/Lowes, around $25. I don't exactly remember, bot you need 2 1/8 or 2 1/4??

mvpco · 07-30-2005, 09:08 PM

HI All!

I ordered a complete duct hose A/C & defroster set and all fits fine except for the 2 that go to the 2 side A/C vents. Just to damn small(hose/duct) I measure about 2 3/4 inches and the duct that comes with the kit is just over 2 1/2 inches. any ideas on this or where to get the correct hoses/ducts for the A/C vents?

Jeff Smith
Pensacola, FL
850-475-5030

07-26-2005, 01:21 AM	#1
mvpco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 400	punch holes in dash for A/C? HI All! Any Ideas on cutting, punching the 2 round,oval holes and rectangle hole in the dash when adding/installing the A/C vents? thought I would ask before I tackle it. The Air is working good, now just need to finish the vents. This is the factory setup I took off a 72 with A/C and adding it to a 72 without a/c. I made the templates from an orig. dash, I marked them on my dash, now just need to cut, punch them out. Jeff Smith Pensacola, FL

07-26-2005, 01:45 PM	#2
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	I used a die grinder with a cutoff wheel and dremel tool to cut the center vent and then a hole saw and a rotary file in die grinder for side vents. Took about 20 min. per hole. Tape around the holes with masking tape to keep from chipping paint. Also there isnt too much leeway on the side vents for width. Check often when close to size. John Attached Images __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

07-26-2005, 10:45 PM	#3
71RestoRod Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 494	If you have the templates to work from than that's half the battle. I basically eyeballed it... taped it, penciled the outline and used a body saw to cut them out. It easily turned the curve for the outside vent holes. The side holes appear to be oval, but they're actually a circle if you look at them straight on. I drilled four holes to radius the corners of the center vent and then a few more to get the body saw started. Used a die grinder and hand file to finish them up. John is right... tape it up to avoid chipping, test fit often and remember you can always make them bigger if you have to. Attached Images __________________ 71 Blazer / GMPP ZZ383 / MPFI / 700R4 / 4-Wheel Disk / Ground-up frame off almost completed resto-mod

07-27-2005, 08:23 AM	#4
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	what they said except when done send me the templates __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

07-27-2005, 11:58 AM	#6
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	mvpco, Did you use a factory A/C Box? If you did, how did you make the firewal work, in respect to the different hole sizes and locations? __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

07-27-2005, 12:00 PM	#7
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	templates That would be great if you had some templates to distribute. I need to get the A/C holes cut before it goes to paint. Just to make sure "ever stuff" works. Chance __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

07-27-2005, 12:10 PM	#8
72GMC51 72GMC51 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 233	template a/c vent I have the templates from old air products will post when I get home from work. JC __________________ 72 GMC 2wd 1/2 long 350 700r4 A/C PS PB 4:10. Are they ever really finished

07-27-2005, 12:13 PM	#9
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	Templates Great!! When they are posted are they going to be to correct size? Thanks!!!! Chance __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

07-27-2005, 12:36 PM	#10
panhandler62 Java Mechanic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Martinsburg, WV Posts: 6,764	I recently saw a number of ac dashes for sale (cheap) on the parts board. That miight be a way to go also. __________________ Keith 11 Lincoln MKT -- Momma's wagon 13 G37xS -- middle age crazy car 68 C20 Fleetside -- RIP Decorating the whole town up at a cost of $27 ....

07-27-2005, 03:44 PM	#11
55454 55454 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lafayette La. Posts: 340	The easiest way without cutting up another dash for templates which I have done, cargo light also ( STP has the templates they go back and fourth between us) is take masking tape go over the hole on an a/c dash cut the middle out and put it on the other dash and mark it. Someone, someone knows has to have an a/c dash. If not pm me and I will cut a pattern and sent it on saran wrap. Postage due of course. Tommy

07-27-2005, 04:48 PM	#12
sleepyboy '69 Step Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Marion, Texas Posts: 722	I used a hole saw, cut one size smaller than actual hole needed, then dremeled it to size. Tape is a must, along with checking often..

07-27-2005, 05:01 PM	#13
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	hole saw?? What is a whole saw? Is it that cylinder which was around the perimeter of the cylinder? Chance __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

07-27-2005, 06:33 PM	#15
tom1000 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5	cut and file That's what I did. I used a rotary file for my cordless drill. Work slowly so you don't cut too much. The holes don't have to be perfect just enough to insert the AC grilles.

07-28-2005, 12:20 AM	#16
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,846	Hey Jeff, Where do you hang out? I'm up in Pace, got a 69 Suburban I "playing" with. Rob __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

07-28-2005, 10:53 AM	#17
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	That looks like a nice spot to hide some speakers actually, Hmmmmmmm. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree



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07-28-2005, 09:04 PM	#19
RED71CHEVY Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: LEXINGTON,SC,USA Posts: 208	i am putting a "vintage air" in mimy 71 c-10, i bought the factory style ac side vents from them , but all they sent me for a cut out pattern is for their small ac vents .......... so i would really be happy for a set of your patterns for the factory style side vent cut outs!!!! you can email them to me at: tlewis37@sc.rr.com thanks in advance. __________________ TIM '71 CUSTOM C-10 torch red ,350 roller GM crate,3.73 GEARS, REAR 4"DROP SPRING, FRONT 2.5" DROP SPINDLE-1.5"lower spring, FRONT=17x8(4.5bs) W/265-60-17, BACK=17x9.5 (5bs)W/285-60-17, Vintage Air Sure Fit AC------NEVER ENDING PROJECT!!

07-29-2005, 11:52 AM	#20
/<eystroke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Texas Posts: 265	Here is my copy of the ac vent templates. Attached Images __________________ '69 C/10 Short Wide 350/400/AC/Tilt/Tach

07-29-2005, 09:36 PM	#23
mvpco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 400	Duct Hose for left and right vents A/C HI All! Ok.... I tried to hook up the damn duct/hose to the side vents and just about /8 to 1/4 to small (I odered a set off Ebay some time ago). Question: is there a special type duck for the left and right side vents on the dash? and who has them and phone number and part number please. They set I bought are just like the defrost hose but alittle bigger. I tried locally but only sizes are 2 1/2 and 3 inch, I measured miy vent where it hooks up and it is 2 3/4 inch doh!!!! Jeff Smith Pensacola, FL

07-30-2005, 09:08 PM	#25
mvpco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 400	duct hose to a/c vents? HI All! I ordered a complete duct hose A/C & defroster set and all fits fine except for the 2 that go to the 2 side A/C vents. Just to damn small(hose/duct) I measure about 2 3/4 inches and the duct that comes with the kit is just over 2 1/2 inches. any ideas on this or where to get the correct hoses/ducts for the A/C vents? Jeff Smith Pensacola, FL 850-475-5030

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