Ac Or Non Ac - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gillnetter · 11-10-2006, 11:16 PM

Aside from the AC vents in the dash of our '72 blazers, is there any difference on the engine room bulkheads of an AC or non-AC blazer?

bouncytruck · 11-11-2006, 01:20 AM

There are a couple additional holes in the firewall with AC. I think the holes just aren't punched out in the non AC. The Battery tray is different too.

Gillnetter · 11-11-2006, 03:06 AM

I was thinking of installing a non AC dash in my AC tub.Here is a picture of my tub .It is in pretty good shape just needs a little rocker and floorpan repair.

vtblazer · 11-11-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gillnetter

I was thinking of installing a non AC dash in my AC tub.

Why?

Don't like the AC dash? Or is it messed up?

It's a fair amount of work to swap out the dash but your at the perfect place with your tub to do it for sure.

bouncytruck · 11-11-2006, 12:01 PM

If you're not going to use AC, consider turning the side vents into hidden stereo tweeters.

Gillnetter · 11-11-2006, 01:27 PM

The dash is cut up pretty bad around the radio,ashtray and heater controls.Just thought it might be easier to swap dashes.

vtblazer · 11-11-2006, 04:56 PM

Post a pic of the dash, maybe a patch panel would work better for ya.

Changing out the entire dash unit is a P.I.T.A.

kna4977 · 11-11-2006, 07:28 PM

Edited by Moderator

Gillnetter · 11-11-2006, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the offer kna4977. As I don't have any of the AC components I'd rather put an unmolested non AC dash back in it. With the dash pad off I thought I could cut the vented ribs and make a dash swap. All I need is a non AC dash. I would like too find one locally or close by if possible.

**john** · 11-11-2006, 08:31 PM

Not too hard to change.

ClassicJimmy · 11-11-2006, 08:33 PM

Even if you don't want a/c, wouldn't the dash vents be worth it for winter heating? BTW - how much of a pita is it to swap the dash? I have a non-a/c & bought an a/c dash to put in. Probably won't do a/c at first, but I figure it looks & functions better than the non-a/c dash.

kna4977 · 11-11-2006, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gillnetter

Thanks for the offer kna4977. As I don't have any of the AC components I'd rather put an unmolested non AC dash back in it. With the dash pad off I thought I could cut the vented ribs and make a dash swap. All I need is a non AC dash. I would like too find one locally or close by if possible.

No problem. If you change your mind let me know. I have some other A/C components + some non A/C components. Keep me posted on your needs.

kna4977 · 11-11-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicJimmy

Even if you don't want a/c, wouldn't the dash vents be worth it for winter heating? BTW - how much of a pita is it to swap the dash? I have a non-a/c & bought an a/c dash to put in. Probably won't do a/c at first, but I figure it looks & functions better than the non-a/c dash.

It's easy to cut one out, don't know aboutputting one in. The A/C dash IMO definately looks and functions better.

vtblazer · 11-12-2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kna4977

It's easy to cut one out, don't know aboutputting one in.

To clarify for those wanting to run right out and change your dash, it is not that easy to do when removed as a complete unit!

Even when cutting between the holes that are beneath the dash pad. (easy part)
The hard part is removing the spot welds on the outside edges of the dash face welded to the upper pillar.

The flat tabs that are spot welded in FOUR places on each side have to be gotten to without doing damage to your thin dash sheet metal. (the one in the truck your saving)

Okay true, easy to do if you wanna rip it/bend it/wreck it to get it out but it's very tough to get at those tabs the way their located.

If possible a patch would be alot easier, even cutting out the center and replacing that section alone would save time/effort IMO.

vtblazer · 11-12-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kna4977

The A/C dash IMO definately looks and functions better.

If you go that route Gillnetter, you'll also need to have the rest of the A/C 'plumbing' parts, dash control, cables, vacuum pod and accessories to go along with it all.

krue · 11-12-2006, 09:37 PM

Lots of good info here, but the buying and selling (or offering to sell) belongs on the parts board, not here.

ClassicJimmy · 11-13-2006, 12:25 PM

VT, are you saying that getting the dash out clean & reuseable is a pita, or putting one back in? Just checking because that is soon on the list. Thanks!

vtblazer · 11-13-2006, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicJimmy

VT, are you saying that getting the dash out clean & reuseable is a pita, or putting one back in? Just checking because that is soon on the list. Thanks!

Leaving your existing dash intact AND installing the new face are both tough.

There is a flat metal tab spot welded to both the dash face and the inside of the upper door pillar.

In an effort to break loose the spot welds, you'll be tempted to put a small pry bar under the part of the dash that will remain in the truck, in doing so it's almost impossible not to dimple the metal from underneath.

The working space is pretty tight under there, if you go in knowing the possible issue's you should be fine.

ClassicJimmy · 11-14-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

There is a flat metal tab spot welded to both the dash face and the inside of the upper door pillar.

In an effort to break loose the spot welds, you'll be tempted to put a small pry bar under the part of the dash that will remain in the truck, in doing so it's almost impossible not to dimple the metal from underneath.

Any chance for a pic?
BTW - Sorry for highjacking your thread Gillnetter! :hj:

11-10-2006, 11:16 PM	#1
Gillnetter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 286	Ac Or Non Ac Aside from the AC vents in the dash of our '72 blazers, is there any difference on the engine room bulkheads of an AC or non-AC blazer? __________________ 1972 Blazer CST Dark Olive, am/fm, tilt, tow hooks, tach dash 1972 SWB C-10 Highlander Blue/White 1972 Canadian 2wd Jimmy light olive 1970 SWB 4x4 4 speed 307

11-11-2006, 01:20 AM	#2
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Ac Or Non Ac There are a couple additional holes in the firewall with AC. I think the holes just aren't punched out in the non AC. The Battery tray is different too. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

11-11-2006, 03:06 AM	#3
Gillnetter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 286	Re: Ac Or Non Ac I was thinking of installing a non AC dash in my AC tub.Here is a picture of my tub .It is in pretty good shape just needs a little rocker and floorpan repair. Attached Images __________________ 1972 Blazer CST Dark Olive, am/fm, tilt, tow hooks, tach dash 1972 SWB C-10 Highlander Blue/White 1972 Canadian 2wd Jimmy light olive 1970 SWB 4x4 4 speed 307

11-11-2006, 12:01 PM	#5
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Ac Or Non Ac If you're not going to use AC, consider turning the side vents into hidden stereo tweeters. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

11-11-2006, 01:27 PM	#6
Gillnetter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 286	Re: Ac Or Non Ac The dash is cut up pretty bad around the radio,ashtray and heater controls.Just thought it might be easier to swap dashes. __________________ 1972 Blazer CST Dark Olive, am/fm, tilt, tow hooks, tach dash 1972 SWB C-10 Highlander Blue/White 1972 Canadian 2wd Jimmy light olive 1970 SWB 4x4 4 speed 307

11-11-2006, 04:56 PM	#7
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Post a pic of the dash, maybe a patch panel would work better for ya. Changing out the entire dash unit is a P.I.T.A.

11-11-2006, 07:28 PM	#8
kna4977 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Midlothian TX Posts: 306	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Edited by Moderator Last edited by krue; 11-12-2006 at 09:38 PM.

11-11-2006, 08:23 PM	#9
Gillnetter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 286	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Thanks for the offer kna4977. As I don't have any of the AC components I'd rather put an unmolested non AC dash back in it. With the dash pad off I thought I could cut the vented ribs and make a dash swap. All I need is a non AC dash. I would like too find one locally or close by if possible. __________________ 1972 Blazer CST Dark Olive, am/fm, tilt, tow hooks, tach dash 1972 SWB C-10 Highlander Blue/White 1972 Canadian 2wd Jimmy light olive 1970 SWB 4x4 4 speed 307

11-11-2006, 08:31 PM	#10
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Not too hard to change. Attached Images __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

11-11-2006, 08:33 PM	#11
ClassicJimmy FNG to resto/mod world! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 196	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Even if you don't want a/c, wouldn't the dash vents be worth it for winter heating? BTW - how much of a pita is it to swap the dash? I have a non-a/c & bought an a/c dash to put in. Probably won't do a/c at first, but I figure it looks & functions better than the non-a/c dash. __________________ 71 GMC Jimmy - under construction 75 GMC K25 Sierra Grande - under deconstruction 92 Chevy K2500 ECSB - sold 04 Nissan Titan ECSB Off Road - sold & missed 13 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck) - sold 16 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck)

11-12-2006, 09:37 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Ac Or Non Ac Lots of good info here, but the buying and selling (or offering to sell) belongs on the parts board, not here. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-13-2006, 12:25 PM	#17
ClassicJimmy FNG to resto/mod world! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 196	Re: Ac Or Non Ac VT, are you saying that getting the dash out clean & reuseable is a pita, or putting one back in? Just checking because that is soon on the list. Thanks! __________________ 71 GMC Jimmy - under construction 75 GMC K25 Sierra Grande - under deconstruction 92 Chevy K2500 ECSB - sold 04 Nissan Titan ECSB Off Road - sold & missed 13 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck) - sold 16 Ford F-150 Ecoboost (work truck)



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