Any reason to keep the stock AC/heat parts in the interior

[fesser]

First, I apologize if this has been covered before. I am pretty sure it has, but when I search, I never find exactly what I am looking for.

Second, I have read many posts on the differences between Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air Systems, so I am not trying to restart one of those threads.

So, I am working on a 68 Coronet, original AC car. The engine won't be the original (400 vs the 440 it came with) and all of the under hood AC parts were removed by the prior owner.
I have all of the interior parts from a 68 AC equipped Coronet (and probably duplicates of most of those parts), but pretty much nothing that was on the engine side of the firewall.
I have been thinking that the decision I have to make is related to just which company to go with to replace the entire system, but now I am wondering if there is any advantage to keeping the stock under dash parts and just sourcing more modern parts for everything forward of the firewall. It looks like an extremely complicated thing, but maybe it is better is some ways?

This is what is sitting in the parts car. I also have what came out of my car, with a lot less rat and mouse crap, and another unit I bought for no good reason, so I feel like I should have at least enough to make one good stock unit. But, should I bother?

 

[lemondana]

I'd keep the factory AC and do the upgrade under the hood. If you can get thru rebuilding all of the factory stuff-lot of stuff there!

 

[pnora]

You should consider what its going to take to rebuild all the inside items. Parts are scarce and expensive. Myself I would do the complete kit inside and out. Both companies are good. I used the Classic and am happy with it.

 

[LowBikeMike]

I would keep interior setup and go modern underwood. If you have multiple boxes you should be good for parts. Have heater core rebuilt, buy a new evap.

 

[dspur]

Keep those parts even if you replace them and don’t need them. It took me forever to locate some of these as I am restoring my 69 Super Bee to factory original. Might be junk to you but gold to someone else doing a factory original restoration.
As an example, that large flexible duct is not reproduced by anyone, most of the other stuff isn’t either. Mine was in terrible shape and it took me forever to find one usable.

 

[dspur]

First, I apologize if this has been covered before. I am pretty sure it has, but when I search, I never find exactly what I am looking for.

Second, I have read many posts on the differences between Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air Systems, so I am not trying to restart one of those threads.

So, I am working on a 68 Coronet, original AC car. The engine won't be the original (400 vs the 440 it came with) and all of the under hood AC parts were removed by the prior owner.
I have all of the interior parts from a 68 AC equipped Coronet (and probably duplicates of most of those parts), but pretty much nothing that was on the engine side of the firewall.
I have been thinking that the decision I have to make is related to just which company to go with to replace the entire system, but now I am wondering if there is any advantage to keeping the stock under dash parts and just sourcing more modern parts for everything forward of the firewall. It looks like an extremely complicated thing, but maybe it is better is some ways?

View attachment 1783227

This is what is sitting in the parts car. I also have what came out of my car, with a lot less rat and mouse crap, and another unit I bought for no good reason, so I feel like I should have at least enough to make one good stock unit. But, should I bother?

Also, check the condition of those wiper pivots. Mine were frozen. They are not reproduced but you can find good info here on adding grease fittings etc. You can buy new washers etc for those wiper arms from Detroit Muscle. They have all of the gaskets and seals for all of that stuff, including the heat/ac box etc.

 

[fesser]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. I think I will start by laying out and inspecting what I have with the mindset that I will use it. At least then, even if I don’t use it, I will know what I have and what I need. Doesn’t cost me anything to clean it up and inspect it.

 

[LowBikeMike]

Take a lot of pictures when taking the linkage apart especially of the small springs and their locations. Don't trash the blower resistors, they are hard to find also.