AC

iTrader: (3)

Wasn't there a vendor who was selling 82-92 AC / heater box delete filler panels? I plan on taking off my heater box and putting it away. I'd rather not fab one up but if I have to I will I guess.

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

havent seen anybody recently offer one.

they are simple to make, just trace the heater box you have onto a piece of aluminum, cut and drill holes.

AC

iTrader: (3)

86TA, yep, I think its that simple too. I just thought I remembered seeing something that wasn't that bad priced. But, looks like I'll get a hefty guage aluminum, metal blade for the ol' jig saw and drill some holes. LOL, maybe I should start selling them.

89IrocZRagtop

I have one for sale for $50 plus shipping a little rusty but could be sanded and painted. came out of a 86 Camaro Call 239-303-9943 tmruff@yahoo.com
Click on link for picts
http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/pts/1361674419.html

EvilCartman

iTrader: (1)

He doesn't need a heater box, he needs a block-off plate.

customblackbird

iTrader: (15)

some one sells them but i cant seem to find it.

BMR makes one for the 4th gen
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/misc/FP003.jpg

AC

iTrader: (3)

I saw that BMR piece and am 99.9999% sure it won't work. The last .00001% woudl come from trying it, LOL. I'm just going to make one. I have wire EDM machines at my disposal or if I'm feeling nutty can just get one waterjet cut for the profile and then machine in the mount holes. I was just trying to save me from DIY, BUT hey, if they turn out good I should sell em' for $50 bux.

customblackbird

iTrader: (15)

depending how it turns out. id buy one

toxik IROC

iTrader: (12)

keepin my tired mouth shut.

Jay

iTrader: (2)

That's a non AC heater box, which isn't what he was asking about.

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

yeah, read the post next time please

toxik IROC

iTrader: (12)

fine my bad 8 )

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

its ok, we're all allowed brain farts now and then

ssean92

iTrader: (10)

I would be very interested

gregsz-28

iTrader: (1)

IIRC there is a flange anound one of the large holes on the firewall that would keep a block-off plate from sitting flat against the firewall. It would need to be flattened out or cut off.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Or you use RTV to seal around the plate and that will help fill in that raised edge. Same way the delete boxes or the stock boxes were installed.

gregsz-28

iTrader: (1)

The stock heater box sits flat against the firewall even without the seal, because the heater box is raised up about 4" where this flange is.
This hole looks like it is about 4.5" in diameter with a 1/4" flange.

customblackbird

iTrader: (15)

http://acdelete.com/pages/82-92_F-body.
this link doesnt even work lol

i would jus flatten that lip off or grind it off. and throw a aluminum plate over it. wat would be nice is someone to make one for our cars and maybe have a laser etch on it, with the camaro symbol or the firebird symbol on it

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Some one on here must have access to a CNC Machine. Trace the stock box, trace where the holes are and scan it into the computer put a nice slab in there and start making these.

gregsz-28

iTrader: (1)

I would assume that anyone that removes the A/C/ heater box will also remove the heater core, so I think it should be made to cover those holes too.

AC

iTrader: (3)

My plan is 1/4" stock (not sure what guage that is), machine out the pocket needed to clear the flange. I'm not a big fan of modifying something that is "permanent". I have access to a CNC but it's not really needed. I may do a CNC wire EDM to cut the profile but the holes and flange pocket I'll just do on a bridgeport.

iroc a 86 berli

i just made a cardboard template, traced it on to 16ga sheet metal, i havent had the heater box for years, and i deystroyed it while removing it, i got a little mad.

as for the lip for the blower, i just beat it flush with a small hammer.

i used a plasma cutter for this one, but i made one for my old camaro using 20ga tin and tin snips.

i tacked it into place with a mig, sheet metal screws work just as good, but are difficult to install at the bottom of the plate, cause the wheel well.

dvmeter

iTrader: (4)

so did you end up making a design thats for sale to others? i'm interested.

AC

iTrader: (3)

I did. I just finished milling one up at work and have yet to mount it. Its aluminum 3/16 plate and I wanted to get it powdercoated and not painted so I'm waiting until I get it done to take pics and post finished pieces up for sale. FWIW, I had a circle or "pad" milled out to cover the area of the flange that's sticking out on the firewall. SO, it should mount flush but I'd recommend putting a 1/4" bead of slicone around the parameter of this plate to keep the dirt,water,air out.

dvmeter

iTrader: (4)

Great! I cant wait to see pics of final product. I particularly like that it accomodates the raised flange on the firewall. Is it designed to use the factory holes that previously held on the box? looking forward to being one of the first buyers.

1BADRZ28

iTrader: (2)

Here's what I did. I know it's a little more extreme. But, I just got tired of how terrible the cowl and firewall look on these cars.

89_RS

That is alot more work than its worth. Unless you have access to the really expensive self loading, self changing CNC mills, its pointless to do it on a CNC. Also, the sheet is too thin. The mill would punch through the sheet instead of drilling it.

Its a hell of alot cheaper and easier to go to ACE, buy some sheet, and make it yourself.

AC

iTrader: (3)

Mines, DIY and looks fine. I did everything via a saber saw, bench drill press. The only thing I had to use a Bridgeport on was the milled pocket to cover the 4" hole in the firewall.

EvilCartman

iTrader: (1)

You can do sheet metal stuff on a CNC mill just fine. Better bet would be either a cnc plasma or laser cutting table.

89_RS

Sure, you CAN do it on a CNC. But why? Your feed and plunge rates would be so slow that they would negate any gain from using the CNC in time. Plus, do you really want to take all the time of setting up the program, tool changer, stock feeder, and everything else to make a plate that you could DIY in an hour with $10 of tools? No. Sure a plasma or laser table is great, but that would only be of benefit if there was a mad demand for these things.

And yes, I do know what I'm talking about. I work in a machine shop and see too many people come in and want something done on a CNC that can be done much faster with just hand tools.

bygblok

iTrader: (3)

I just made a template from poster board paper and took it to my sheetmetal guys on base. Covers everything up just fine and I painted it to match the color of the car. Sure makes it easy to work on back there!!

EvilCartman

iTrader: (1)

I work in one too and have seen the same thing. Spend all day setting something up for 10 minutes of actual cutting time to make a part.

AC

iTrader: (3)

FWIW, I work in a tool & die shop and could have used the CNC wire machines, the Agie+Charmille HSM centers BUT, DIY in my garage with a 15dollar B&D saber saw, my drill press and a bridgeport from work was easier and more rewarding.

RED_DRAGON_85

i dont know... i think it'd be fun to do it on a CNC (i have access to one)
then again, im in a class where im learning the programming and stuff to this is all still very novel...
its not like ive done it a thousand times before. you know.

heavy_chevy29

1BADRZ28 how did you get all that seam sealer out of the corners

dvmeter

iTrader: (4)

Hey, just checking the status of your custom ac/heater box delete panel. Are you still gonna make others for sale. Because I'd really like to see pics and get one really soon if you are. I'm just looking for a timeframe if you are gonna make others, bc if its gonna be a while then I'm gonna have to go another route. I already pulled my ac/heater box and need to get it covered now. I've been banking on you making some, but if thats changed please let me know. thanks.

AC

iTrader: (3)

Sorry to not have replied recently. I've been busy between personal and professional lives. I don't plan on making any more at this point and in fact, I've actually decided to sell my car after 9 years. Its in the for sale section for those seriously interested.

dvmeter

iTrader: (4)

I'm sorry to hear that. both for you not making any extra panels, and for your troubles and selling your car. well goodluck with the sale anyways.

AC

iTrader: (3)

I have the template so I'll get to sending it to you in a DXF or something so you can mfg it yourself.

dvmeter

iTrader: (4)

well i'd love to see it, but i dont know what a dxf is, nor do i have access to all the tools you had when making yours. I wouldnt be able to mill out the circle for the blower wheel flange/lip.