AC UNIT UNDER DASH

Watch for a response from Larry Finch.

Been there, done that! I have the Vapir II but the Cyclone would be easier to install. I’m not sure about the Cyclone Reverse though. Also, this installation is a bit easier if you have a late dash. Just ask Larry! The most difficult part of the installation is connecting the ducting on the unit to the factory vents. @igpanteras on Instagram is going through this installation now. He has a 3D printer and is making plastic adapters for the OEM vents. The Pantera in question has a late dash but he has an early dash Pantera in the works.

I have a 74 I like that  dash assteticly compared  to the 2 pod

Thanks  for the help  and advice  looking  forward  to Larry's

The first step would be to remove your dash and console, clean up the wiring, then order a mockup unit, to help decide which one will work best for you. I imagine the Cyclone and Cyclone Reverse use the same mockup unit. The Cyclone Reverse would not have the fan unit intruding into the passenger footwell but the heater and A/C connections may be more difficult. On a late dash, the defrost vents are pretty easy to connect but the "face" vents require a creative solution.

I've attached a few photos, below. Keep in mind, the Cyclone is a couple of inches shorter than the unit I used and it may have a smaller fan housing, so you'd see less of the fan unit. I hung the unit from the stock mounts, with an adapter bracket.

I managed to modify and install a Bantam 2, three zone unit in 2511. on this unit the dash and defrost vents all exit on the top side, which was fairly easy to modify for the defrost zone but the dash zone was more difficult. Not easy.

I am quite sure I had the dashboard removed and replaced well over 100 times checking space available and what approach would work best.

I fabricated my own brackets to mount the unit to the chassis.

here are just a few photographs.

Here is a link to a photo album with more photographs. This is not a project for the timid. Some of the photos have captions, swipe up on the photo if they do not initially display.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0kJtdOXmGme5AJ

as for the Bluetooth controls I decided that was definitely not the way to go. There was not an option to allow dual control, dash control and Bluetooth. Bluetooth controls certainly sounded new and flashy but I didn’t think I wanted to have to always open a smart phone app to change fan speed or temperature  YMMV

I modified my entire center console, relocating switches and providing space for the three potentiometers needed to control fan, zones and temperature  

Larry

That's amazing vision and execution Larry. Nice work!

Here are some photos of Kelly Coffield's late dash  installation. He made plenums to connect the stock ducts, using the "lost foam" method. Here are some photos of the fabrication process for his defrost side mold and the finished fiberglass plenum.