I think that I faintly remember somebody stating that the firewalls are vastly different on factory A/C vs non-A/C cars and that things aren't as simple as bolting on A/C parts from a donor car.

In spite of my handle/user name, my searching has not yielded the info. Anybody been there - done this install?

Thanks!

 

More searching...and patience...revealed an aftermarket option:
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/add...erior-upgrades

 

There is not one bit of difference in the car's firewalls , the only difference is in the bolt on parts

(For instance the fan housing and fan itself is different between A/C equipped and non A/C cars to accommodate for the evaporator)

When you think about it , could you imagine the manufacturing headaches having two completely different firewalls (body shells really) , one for A/C and one for just heat ?

 

That's the way cars used to be. Firewalls were completely different, but the rest of the shell was the same.

3rd gens I don't know about. Never seen one without A/C

 

Same hole in the firewall, not like the older cars where there is a different hole for the AC cars. Just buy the parts and bolt it all on

 

Before buying any of the parts, make sure that the AC lines are available for your model. They do not make the lines for my 92 RS anymore. Mine has the AC compressor on the driver's side. I have been able to buy OE replacements for all the other parts except the lines. 92 may have been a rather unique year in that regard as I have a similar problem with the power steering lines, they don't make those either. and both seem to be only on some 92's.

 

92 is one year only, because the condenser is unique. 88-91 are available. Get into 82-87 and it's hit and miss.

It's possible but one of those jobs that really requires a donor car to do the job right. Probably not worth the trouble in most cases. Someone would probably gladly trade you an A/C car for one without.