How to fix this hole? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

corn · 12-11-2006, 07:02 PM

I could have swore that I posted this yesterday but its not here anywhere.

Someone at some time punched a nice hole in my AC box. Can I unbolt the broken half & just replace it or should I make an aluminum plate or something to cover it? I think something bolted to it that is actually functional would be the best but I cant think of anything to put there. Any ideas?

centsless · 12-11-2006, 07:17 PM

Anything flat ( steel, tin, plastic) will work. You could also lay some fiberglass mat over it. It is where the vacuum reservoir bolts to the case. You can also unbolt that half of the case and replace it.

*Billla* · 12-11-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by centsless

You could also lay some fiberglass mat over it. It is where the vacuum reservoir bolts to the case.

I'd glass it

cdowns · 12-11-2006, 08:54 PM

i'd do a glass patch also// i believe there was a round vaccume resoiver ball that mounted there to maintain enough vaccume to run the ac/heat controls

Andy4639 · 12-11-2006, 08:55 PM

If you look in the left coner of the picture you can see the vacuum canister on the side of the box.

corn · 12-11-2006, 09:51 PM

If I remove the bolts from that side I can just pop it off? Sounds easy...

roj2323 · 12-11-2006, 10:56 PM

this might be a good oppertunity to dress up the AC box with a plate of stainless or aluminum. make it look as good at that BBC you have.

just a thought.
ondrew

corn · 12-11-2006, 11:07 PM

I think an aluminum plate would be cool if I had a remote HEI coil on it or something like that. The plate would be a lot easier in the long run. Heck, if I know. I do know Im sick of looking at that hole thats for sure...

Americanrider · 12-12-2006, 02:12 PM

Pic of a 67 AC unit, hope it helps.

sneakysnake · 12-12-2006, 04:51 PM

Vac canister was there.You could plate it or if you glass it over(borrowed pic)

shifty · 12-12-2006, 05:05 PM

Black Duct tape. Sorry, but, not a show truck, and that's what duct tape is made for!

*wolfthing2000* · 12-12-2006, 05:26 PM

It distracts from your engine............................So throw it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just kiddin.

corn · 12-12-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty

Black Duct tape. Sorry, but, not a show truck, and that's what duct tape is made for!

Sorry, but it doesnt have to be a show truck to still want it to look nice. Clean, straight drivers get my attention way more than any show truck ever will...

shifty · 12-13-2006, 01:56 AM

I've seen duct tape jobs look clean as hell. And, that's what it's for! (ducts)

What do you think will look better? A blob of fiberglass on the side, or a nice, straight-lined duct tape job across the side? You could even do the whole box.

I know what I would pick

ridge runner · 12-13-2006, 11:25 AM

Rip the A/C junk out and roll the windows down.

*wolfthing2000* · 12-13-2006, 12:55 PM

What he said!!!

centsless · 12-13-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cornfed63

If I remove the bolts from that side I can just pop it off? Sounds easy...

Yes. If you unbolt that half of the case, it can be removed. It will have some sealer holding it on also, but most of the time it is so dry, the case will just come right off.

Jim_PA · 12-13-2006, 01:36 PM

Duct tape will look like sh*t within a year or so. I would either replace that half, or take it off, put a plate over the inside, and glass over the outside to make it look half decent.

shifty · 12-13-2006, 02:27 PM

Cut it out to a circle, get some 12ga steel that is .5" larger around the sides, Cut the steel into a square, pre-drill it, silicone around the circle and pre-drilled holes, then rivet the plate in and spraypaint it or put an inoccuous looking sticker on the panel so it looks stock.

el curioso · 12-13-2006, 02:37 PM

go under cover with the sticker.

*Shane* · 12-13-2006, 02:48 PM

Take the box loose ... split it ... add your fiberglass matte on the BACK side ... let cure ... add just a smidge of bondo to the front to fill ... sand smooth ... reassemble halves ... spray entire box in semi-gloss black.

Good as new.

skchevota · 12-13-2006, 03:01 PM

good reason to buy an MSD box and cover that hole!

lofly'a · 12-13-2006, 04:31 PM

i'd go with the previous answer of glass if you want the hole to disappear. take that half off, duct tape the outside, and lay a layer of fiberglass on the inside. let it set up a couple hours, then take the tape off the outside and put a layer of glass on the outside. sand, and paint with a semi-gloss black and no one will ever know it was busted. the easy route is to take a patch of metal and paint it black and glue or epoxy it on. don't use duct tape unless you like replacing it every few months or so (engine heat), and your condenser will suck in dirt every time the tape falls off and gum it up in no time.

70clone · 12-14-2006, 01:13 AM

clear duct tape , youll never know its there lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

longhorn72 · 12-14-2006, 03:36 AM

Like somone earlyer mentioned you can put aplate on the inside and fill glass the outside. If you glass the plate onto the inside you wont have to drill unsitely holes for mounting screws. You can also add color to the glass ressin to darken it up to match as close as possible anyway. And yes you can pull just the one half but you might ruin the gasket on the back if your not careful as they like to stick. Good luck

12-11-2006, 07:02 PM	#1
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	How to fix this hole? I could have swore that I posted this yesterday but its not here anywhere. Someone at some time punched a nice hole in my AC box. Can I unbolt the broken half & just replace it or should I make an aluminum plate or something to cover it? I think something bolted to it that is actually functional would be the best but I cant think of anything to put there. Any ideas? Last edited by corn; 10-04-2007 at 06:36 PM.

12-11-2006, 07:17 PM	#2
centsless sufficiently talented fool Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Forest Hill, MD Posts: 2,231	Re: How to fix this hole? Anything flat ( steel, tin, plastic) will work. You could also lay some fiberglass mat over it. It is where the vacuum reservoir bolts to the case. You can also unbolt that half of the case and replace it. __________________ "it's impossible to be surrounded by idiots when you are part of the circle" 2003 Suburban 2002 Pontiac Montana 1981 Corvette 1966 Impala Convertible Click here to support the board

12-11-2006, 08:54 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How to fix this hole? i'd do a glass patch also// i believe there was a round vaccume resoiver ball that mounted there to maintain enough vaccume to run the ac/heat controls __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-11-2006, 08:55 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: How to fix this hole? If you look in the left coner of the picture you can see the vacuum canister on the side of the box. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-11-2006, 09:51 PM	#6
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: How to fix this hole? If I remove the bolts from that side I can just pop it off? Sounds easy...

12-11-2006, 10:56 PM	#7
roj2323 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Somewhere Posts: 985	Re: How to fix this hole? this might be a good oppertunity to dress up the AC box with a plate of stainless or aluminum. make it look as good at that BBC you have. just a thought. ondrew

12-11-2006, 11:07 PM	#8
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: How to fix this hole? I think an aluminum plate would be cool if I had a remote HEI coil on it or something like that. The plate would be a lot easier in the long run. Heck, if I know. I do know Im sick of looking at that hole thats for sure...

12-12-2006, 02:12 PM	#9
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: How to fix this hole? Pic of a 67 AC unit, hope it helps. Attached Images

12-12-2006, 04:51 PM	#10
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: How to fix this hole? Vac canister was there.You could plate it or if you glass it over(borrowed pic) Attached Images

12-12-2006, 05:05 PM	#11
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How to fix this hole? Black Duct tape. Sorry, but, not a show truck, and that's what duct tape is made for! __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

12-12-2006, 05:26 PM	#12
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Re: How to fix this hole? It distracts from your engine............................So throw it away!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just kiddin.

12-13-2006, 01:56 AM	#14
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How to fix this hole? I've seen duct tape jobs look clean as hell. And, that's what it's for! (ducts) What do you think will look better? A blob of fiberglass on the side, or a nice, straight-lined duct tape job across the side? You could even do the whole box. I know what I would pick __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

12-13-2006, 11:25 AM	#15
ridge runner Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 4	Re: How to fix this hole? Rip the A/C junk out and roll the windows down.

12-13-2006, 12:55 PM	#16
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Re: How to fix this hole? What he said!!!

12-13-2006, 01:36 PM	#18
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: How to fix this hole? Duct tape will look like sh*t within a year or so. I would either replace that half, or take it off, put a plate over the inside, and glass over the outside to make it look half decent.



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12-13-2006, 02:27 PM	#19
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How to fix this hole? Cut it out to a circle, get some 12ga steel that is .5" larger around the sides, Cut the steel into a square, pre-drill it, silicone around the circle and pre-drilled holes, then rivet the plate in and spraypaint it or put an inoccuous looking sticker on the panel so it looks stock. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

12-13-2006, 02:37 PM	#20
el curioso Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: El paso, Tx. Posts: 428	Re: How to fix this hole? go under cover with the sticker. __________________ 1969 Chevy C-10 350/700r4

12-13-2006, 02:48 PM	#21
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: How to fix this hole? Take the box loose ... split it ... add your fiberglass matte on the BACK side ... let cure ... add just a smidge of bondo to the front to fill ... sand smooth ... reassemble halves ... spray entire box in semi-gloss black. Good as new.

12-13-2006, 03:01 PM	#22
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: How to fix this hole? good reason to buy an MSD box and cover that hole!

12-13-2006, 04:31 PM	#23
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	Re: How to fix this hole? i'd go with the previous answer of glass if you want the hole to disappear. take that half off, duct tape the outside, and lay a layer of fiberglass on the inside. let it set up a couple hours, then take the tape off the outside and put a layer of glass on the outside. sand, and paint with a semi-gloss black and no one will ever know it was busted. the easy route is to take a patch of metal and paint it black and glue or epoxy it on. don't use duct tape unless you like replacing it every few months or so (engine heat), and your condenser will suck in dirt every time the tape falls off and gum it up in no time. __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

12-14-2006, 01:13 AM	#24
70clone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: JACKSONVILLE FL Posts: 200	Re: How to fix this hole? clear duct tape , youll never know its there lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12-14-2006, 03:36 AM	#25
longhorn72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: My buisness Posts: 9	Re: How to fix this hole? Like somone earlyer mentioned you can put aplate on the inside and fill glass the outside. If you glass the plate onto the inside you wont have to drill unsitely holes for mounting screws. You can also add color to the glass ressin to darken it up to match as close as possible anyway. And yes you can pull just the one half but you might ruin the gasket on the back if your not careful as they like to stick. Good luck

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