Underdash A/C unit

[flyboy2610]

Keith, about the foam in this photo:
http://www.fordification.com/images/acteardown11.jpg

I wonder if some craft foam would would? The kind you buy at craft or hobby stores.
Or maybe an HVAC contractor would know of a source for the foam?

[Heavenlyfire]

I was just wondering about that myself. Mine is shot too.

[Jake11]

My My. Now aren't those fun to play with?

[fordman]

i was thinking of using that replaceable a/c filter for window air conditioners. but its kind of thin. maybe some kind of thin rubber

[Heavenlyfire]

Is there any reason why I couldn't tack on a thin piece of sheet metal? Something light weight. Does the air need to be able to go through it?

[fordman]

oh i was thinking of something else. maybe that foam for the a/c's filter would be a direct replacment.

[Jake11]

Seriously, You could use any kind of foam padding. I used to use the stuff you can get at the
hardware store. It has a peel off on it with sticky
stuff under it. All the foam does is seal it to keep
the air from going around instead of through.
Since you got it out, don't forget the drain.

[Heavenlyfire]

I believe that that piece is just an air deflector. That is what changes it from floor to defrost. I don't see why something solid wouldn't work.

[FORDification]

I'm thinking like flyboy, in that I could get the thin foam at almost any hobby store. You can see in this picture that the flapper door is actually drilled full of holes by the factory and then covered with that thin open-cell foam. I'm wondering if there has to be a little bit of air circulation through that foam for a reason....I mean, why else would Ford 'Swiss-cheese' the door like that?

It would probably work just fine either way, but considering that the same-style foam would probably only run a few bucks, I think when I go to rebuild mine I'll go that route.

[Heavenlyfire]

Well I got the price on the heater core and it will have to wait for pay day . I figured it would be a small price for a small core but not really. They are $50 now. Oh well, it gives me time to get it all cleaned up and restored. Those vent louvers really cleaned up nice. Beautiful chrome under all the dirt.

[Heavenlyfire]

I was just thinking about the foam issue. Are you guys talking about that craft foam that comes in 8 X 10 sheets? I got a bunch of that hanging around here ( wifes craft projects ), I guess I would just need a real good adhesive that would hold up to the heat and cold.

[FORDification]

Yeah, that's kinda what I'm thinking. I haven't checked on availability yet. How thick is foam you have? Does it appear to be about the same as what you'd need?

[Heavenlyfire]

The stuff we have is anywhere from about 1/16th inch to 3/8 inch. Not sure what thickness it should be but judging by what little is left on the old one, 1/8th inch might just do the trick.

[FORDification]

Yeah, I would think so too. Cool! I would also think that regular 3M Upholstery/Trim adhesive would work just fine for this. The temperature extremes it would see inside the A/C unit is nothing compared to the normal ranges occuring inside a vehicle in the summer sun with the windows up, or in the middle of winter....and that 3M stuff handles those just fine.

[fordman]

i was wondering could you use your old heater core is it the same? i've never seen one without air.