HVAC Access

[pspeaks]

I noticed a lot of you with Vintage Air GenII Mini units under the dash have access panels on the firewall behind the carburetor.  Is this a good idea or a necessity?  


Paul

[74ls1tr6]

Hi Paul,

We all need to do it because it is the easiest way to get it in there. Going from the other side would involve a lot more cutting to install. I still need to take off the blower motor to make the unit smaller to stuff in the access hole. Once it is in there re-screw the blower motor back on. Still need to hog some of the metal off behind the passenger hood hinge for the blower motor to fit.

[pspeaks]

Thanks Calvin, I was trying to get an idea of size based on pictures, you wouldn't know off-hand the height and length of the opening would you?


Paul

[74ls1tr6]

16 1/4" wide X 7 1/2" high.

Photo of the area behind the hood hinge that needed to be modified some for blower clearance


Photo of the open hole in the engine compartment. Its almost already outlined some where you make your cut by the seams in the metal. This hole here is 16 1/8" x 7 1/2".


A small modification on the inside corner for more clearance + on the shelf made flat. The deflector above needed to be cut off some below the vent hole on top.

[rficalora]

Paul, look at my project page or HIWD article to see what's involved in mounting from inside the car...  Way easier to go thru the firewall.

[pspeaks]

Calvin, Rob, Thanks for the info and pictures, I think I have an idea what to do now.  As my motor is installed and taking up a lot of room, I'm going to get it on the road for a while first.  I have bought aluminum heads and a cam and when I tear the motor down to do that upgrade it'll be much easier to cut the access hole in the firewall.  This being Texas, that's probably not the best of all worlds but an easier way to go.


Paul