Pinto Car Club of America

What do I need to do to swap out the AC stuff for a standard heater box? The AC core is broke and the fan squeals like crazy. Since the AC isn't hooked up anyway and I have a spare heater box from a 78 so I'd rather just throw it in instead. Is it at all possible to take it out without removing the dash? I know I can put the standard box in without doing it but the AC unit looks massive.

Also I'd like to keep the option of blowing warm air through the front vents, is it possible to keep the upper ducts and just change the box or will I have to get creative here?

It would take some creativity to keep the dash vents blowing air from the blower. I removed the entire box from my 73 wagon which has A/C. It doesn't come out easily, but what box does? I removed EVERYTHING from the dash (radio, glove box, all ducting, speedometer, ash tray, etc.) to make it somewhat easier. The boxes are brittle, be careful while removing it!

I am not sure if a later model non A/C box would swap in or not, but i don't see any reason why not. You just wouldn't be able to use your dash vents. This is the only reason I am leaving my A/C box in.



original fan squealed badly to, eventually the front bearing on the motor went out and the cage started wobbling around, and shortly after it died completely.

I replaced the blower motor with one from a Maverick with A/C that I found at the junk yard (it was only $35.00), and it worked great for about two weeks, but has started squealing and the cage is now wobbling as well.

I plan to replace the motor with a NEW unit under a warranty before winter starts up again.


What I have found that kills the A/C blower motor is water. My station wagon's original windshield leaked due to gaps in the gasket and dripped all over the blower motor. The donor Maverick I pulled the motor from had sat outside in the yard for around 10 years (so the yard keeper said), and was very rusty due to condensation. I'm sure water was the culprit in it's demise as well.

Wayne Bullmen no talk long time that will go in place just fine. All firewall openings are the same. As far as cut out for blower. Only lower ducting changes from year to year. But then again no big deal. And you can change to get what you want.  Fred   :)