We are installing a VA underdash unit on a '69.
we do not want to use the VA supplied firewall bracket for the hoses because of the location. we want to run the hoses to the far right, so we can hide the hoses under the right fender. I have seen this done many times as a engine compartment view but I have not seen an under the dash view of what is done with hose routing. Thanks for any help and pics.
ChrisP

X2. I am considering this also and don't want to order the wrong set up. Those that have done this got any inside pics. Or what did you use for hoses on the inside.

x3

The only problem that I can see will be the hard lines on the evaporator. They are prebent to come out of the firewall in the holes cut into the supplied block off plate. Those lines are removable so, you would just have to replace them with hard lines of your own making or run flex lines straight from the unit and out through the fan hole and up under the fender. I did my flex lines in Aeroquip stainless steel hose with stainless ends so I was not worried about hiding them.

Here is the one I am doing. I have not done the lines yet. I am going to install the hi/lo pressure switch and heater control valve on the inside of the car to clean up the outside. You will have to buy different angle fittings for the hoses on the firewall.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj16/prostreet69camaro/DSC01270.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj16/prostreet69camaro/DSC01278.jpg

In other words, is it common to run the lines through the old fresh air hole (which will now be used as a speaker hole) ...


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/billybobdupree/camaro/DSCN2672.jpg

...or cut out a section above the speaker hole and run the lines through
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/billybobdupree/camaro/Poster1.jpg

BTW, it should look like this one, except all hoses will run under the fender
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/billybobdupree/camaro/accompressorinstalled4-yearone-.jpg

I think what Jim69SS is describing would be to run flex lines from the evaporator forward through the old fan opening. Then through the fan block off plate that VA sends you. Then you wouldn't need a bulkhead. Would that be correct? I'm just asking. I don't think you have to do anymore cutting.

Thanks for the attempt to help but, I guess I just can't seem to make myself clear:(

I do not need to use the VA block off plate. My firewall is completly smooth, (forgot to mention that), just like the red car in the above picture. that being said, I don't have a problem running soft lines to the firewall where the old blower used to be. That's exactly what I want to do.

My only question was -are you guys running the lines (I'm talking about the ones inside the car)from the evaporator, through the fresh air/speaker hole or are you cutting just above it?
I haven't been around the car in a few days and I'm not sure if those hoses will be seen, or interfere with the kick panel.
I was hoping someone had a interior shot of how they ran the hoses from the evaporator to the firewall.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m99/billybobdupree/7793.jpg

Chris,

Yes I did cut the top out to give the hoses more room. The kick panel should hide most of it. I am going to run all the hoses thru that opening.

I am also going to mount the Heater control valve and the Hi/Lo pressure switch inside also. They make a fitting that screws to the bulkhead ( hi / lo ) and then the line attaches to it. That fitting then has a place to mount the switch. It will be pretty congested but I saw it on a friends car and it is doable.

I dont know if I would mount the dryer buy the bulkhead. If you have to get to it or the fittings you will have to take off the fender. I plan on mounting mine in front of the radiator support. We are using the DSE panel over the radiator support so it will be hidden anyway. Even the small panel they sell on Ebay will cover it. That cover is what I have on my prostreet car.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj16/prostreet69camaro/DSC01290.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj16/prostreet69camaro/DSC01292.jpg

With these changes you folks are doing, does anyone have any spare S-clips for the VA firewall cap and tape that goes on the #10 Suction line? I sure am needing these small s-clips and some line tape. Will pay cash and mailing.
Thanks,
Pop

Won't the flex lines from the evaporator run up through the old fan hole and out under the fender without having to use the bulkhead type fittings? I do not have or was not planning on doing a smoothed firewall. Am I all wet in my thinking? What issues will I have?

Ted,

They make a plate that covers the heater core opening and it has the openings for hoses to go thru with rubber grommets around the hoses then hoses go across the fenderwell. I dont know about a plate over the blower motor. I know it would be hard to get to the fittings if they come thru the blower motor hole.

I would call Vintage Air and see what they offer.

I am just curious how you plan on making this cowl area weatherproof to the inside now? The hoses must be installed from the unit to the bulkhead in the interior.Those hoses must pass from the interior part of the car to the"wet" area of the cowl.I like the idea of moving the hoses under the fender.

I am just curious how you plan on making this cowl area weatherproof to the inside now? The hoses must be installed from the unit to the bulkhead in the interior.Those hoses must pass from the interior part of the car to the"wet" area of the cowl.I like the idea of moving the hoses under the fender.


The panel is located where the old heater core is. Its designed to cover the hole so you dont have to weld on your firewall. I'm pretty sure you could mount their small 4 bulkhead on the plate. If I was going to use a grommet around the hose then I would use Dum Dum to seal it around the hose on the inside and outside. It should not go near the top valance area.