Gen IV install on 83 Cherokee

[Laredo Matt]

Mocking up the Gen IV VA unit to figure mounting points. My goal is have a usable glove box and have the evap unit as hidden as possible.

I've seen pictures on this thread of people installing the unit with the dash off. When you re-install the dash, do you have to pull the evaporator first? I installed my plastic mock up Gen IV unit and tried to install the dash with it in place but wasn't able to. I'm doing it alone so that probably didn't help.

Plastic Gen IV mock up in place



The angled rear portion of the dash that comes into the passenger side from the kick panel would catch on the motor. I wasn't able to squeeze it in between the motor and kick panel so had to remove it and reinstall after the dash was mounted.



It's easy to re-install the mock up after the dash is in. The actual unit, with plumbing, would be much more difficult. If there are any tricks to getting the dash around the unit and mounted I would appreciate feedback.

Here is what I believe if going to be final location. Happy with the look.



Here is front view. I have a bit more than 4" clearance between the dash opening and the VA unit. Anyone know how deep the glove box is? I haven't ordered a new one yet.

[SJTD]

You're putting the vents under the dash?

[Laredo Matt]

You're putting the vents under the dash?

No, not exactly.

I plan to have three in the dash vents. Two you can see in the pictures above and one I plan to add left of the cluster in the big empty space that was supposed to be the electronic t-case switch

I also plan to have two vents below, in the sides of the center console, facing toward the foot wells and then two more vents on the back side of the center console facing the passenger seating. (drawing below)

I know that's a lot for the system but most of the time I expect foot well and rear seating ducts to be closed.

[SJTD]

Dats where I put them but gave up on the glove box. Some pics here: http://ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.p ... 564&page=3

Mine's the early dash.

Hate looking back to see how little I've done in six years. Done a lot on the house, though.

[sonoraed]

It is a tight fit probably could have notched the dash bracket a little, don’t use the spacers kit comes with mount the unit tight against the firewall , I always remove the blower motor for the final fit makes it a lot easier to install tubes and hoses, looks like your doing a really quality build!


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[Laredo Matt]

Thanks Ed.

That's a tight fit. Looks like i have at least another 1/4-1/2 right I can go based on your picture Removing the motor should help with installing the dash with the rest of the unit mounted...fingers crossed!

Now I just need to stop looking at other builds. Really liked the duct work on @sjtd's thread. I've got to stop with ideas and finish what the original plan was or I'll never get it done

cheers

[sonoraed]

Thanks Ed.

That's a tight fit. Looks like i have at least another 1/4-1/2 right I can go based on your picture Removing the motor should help with installing the dash with the rest of the unit mounted...fingers crossed!

Now I just need to stop looking at other builds. Really liked the duct work on @sjtd's thread. I've got to stop with ideas and finish what the original plan was or I'll never get it done

cheers

I know what you mean we spent 6 years building my rig and still dealing with small issues.

[Laredo Matt]

I stepped away from AC install to work on getting the transfer case installed, new engine harness measured and ordered, work on finding the right PWM fuel pump to fit BJ's tank etc. ... work in progress.

I've got the evaporator mock installed as far to the right as I think I can which should allow me to keep most if not all of the glove box. With the factory defrost ducts though it won't fit. The factory duct extends too far down toward the floor. It interferes with the top of the evaporator and prevents me from getting it level.



I need something about 4-4 1/2" deep max and factory is 6 3/4" depth.



Does anyone know of a good aftermarket set of compact defrost ducts with air diverters built in that fit the factory dash cut outs without requiring a lot of mods? The universal ducts that came with evaporator kit don't have the air diverters and would need other mods. I have an idea in my head how to chop them up and glue back together but still wouldn't have diverters pointing air toward window and then need to find covers for the opening in the dash. workable but not my first choice .

Driver side I run into similar issues with the new gauge cluster.

I looked on the VA sight and summit and didn't see any obvious candidates.

[Laredo Matt]

Ok, thought about it and decided would be easier to just modify the universal ducts that came with vintage air kit.

Grabbed the drimmel, narrowed and shortened them. Very happy with results. Tight fit to the underside of dash and gained about 5" of room to work with. Should simplify things dramatically when I get ready for final assembly.

Test fit and they're perfect. Some plastic adhesive and rivets to make them air tight and good to go.

[sonoraed]

Matt, it's a thing of beauty! will work perfectly

[Chubbinius]

Wow, those came out fantastic! Are you taking orders for them? I am sure folks would love to grab those and upgrade what they have! Great job!

[Laredo Matt]

Thanks for the comments guys .... finished the vents up yesterday

drilled for rivets




Good scuff and clean for adhesion



Set up and ready to go



Epoxy on, rivets in place



Cured over night and seam sealer to finish

[sonoraed]

Hi Matt, on the in tank fuel pump I like the oem GM pump used on gen III Vortec Chevy Pickups 2000-2005, it has three legs on springs that can be shorten if needed have used on all kinds of vehicles and Walbro offers a pump with a little of volume/pressure.
On the Vintage Air Magnum evap keep in mind the real unit has 4 duct ports of the glove side which may clear the glove box , the mock up unit is not quite the same.
Have fun, Ed

[Laredo Matt]

Thanks Ed. Appreciate the feedback.

I've been working with the mock up so long I kind of took it for granted everything was the same. I just learned last week the actual unit has directional floor facing vents built in on the back. They're so well hidden I had a hard time finding them

Prior to that, was planning to use a y connector to get floor vents down to the sides of the center console because I didn't realize they were there.

Noted on glove box. In the process of adding another dash vent to the left driver side dash. It was a big blank spot I created to mount the electronic t-case shifter but now that I've gone manual it was perfect for a second driver side vent. Will worry about glove box once mounted. I went off your pictures and got it mounted as far right as possible so I guess I'll get what I get.

For in tank pump, I went with a 2015 ZL1 GM pump. Connects direct to ECM with the existing connectors on the harness so get the PWM management I was after and they'll be available for years to come if needed. The legs had to be modified for tank depth of BJs tank but fits like a glove!

Hi Matt, on the in tank fuel pump I like the oem GM pump used on gen III Vortec Chevy Pickups 2000-2005, it has three legs on springs that can be shorten if needed have used on all kinds of vehicles and Walbro offers a pump with a little of volume/pressure.
On the Vintage Air Magnum evap keep in mind the real unit has 4 duct ports of the glove side which may clear the glove box , the mock up unit is not quite the same.
Have fun, Ed

[sonoraed]

Hi Matt, good choice on the pump, on the dash vents mounting them in a place where on a hot day cool air will be blowing on your upper torso works really well since you'll never really cool the whole interior, also thinking the evap is a tight fit and should mounted before dash installed and install heater ac hoses at the same time.

[Laredo Matt]

I will definitely plan to mount the evap with hoses etc. before installing the dash. I don't think I could do it any other way. Perhaps if I had a ton of patience but I don't and trying to do it with dash in would probably result in something bad

I've only got three dash mounted vents, now that I've added a third, so hopefully that will be enough.

My plan is as follows

- Both driver side vents will run off of the driver side louver. I'll use a Y. I know that will reduce output for each but I'll have two ducts. -
- Single passenger vent is mounted on the passenger side of the Factory radio cut out. It will be the only vent running of the passenger side louver.
- The two rear facing vents will run off the center passenger and center driver side louver. Each have their own louver.

I hope that will be sufficient. I figure since I have two vents I'll have more control and adjustability for air so can share a hose. I know it won't cool everything in the entire jeep but hopefully enough that it won't be roasting/freezing and ideally at least comfortable for everyone if not cool.

cheers, matt.

[refinemrh]

Matt, which Vintage Air Condenser did you go with for your installation? I am in the process of ordering my parts. Which controller are you planning to use? Thanks for any information you can give on the parts and installation

[Laredo Matt]

Condenser - I bough the UAC, recommended by @sonoraed. part# CN3731PFC. I know others on the forum have used it as well and been happy.

https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... IV#p213450

Controller - I'm using the Dakota Digital DCC-4000. Specifically designed to work with the VA Gen IV and fits style I'm looking for.

[refinemrh]

Matt,

Thanks for the info. Just ordered one off of ebay. Your build is coming along great.

Thanks for all the inspiration.

Mike