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The Kit Cars Forum > Kitcar Discussion Forums > Technical Discussion & Question (Moderators: AdminAri, FunnyWheels) > AC Controls
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Author Topic: AC Controls  (Read 27686 times)
Fast Eddie
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« Reply #30 on: November 09, 2004, 07:12:35 PM »
I like the idea I am just worried about the dimestions as what you have photoshoped I do not think is the right dimensions of the actual dodge control or s10. I am just wondering how long is it going to take to set up the actual wiring and is there not a more square AC controls on the market because I have been looking and have not found all that much. Someone that knows the wiring aspect point us in the direction that you need to make this as easy as possible and maybe with a little custom fab work great looking addition to Robs Console.
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dj_golden
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« Reply #31 on: November 09, 2004, 07:35:17 PM »
Pete, I'm in do you want to make more? Thanks!
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« Reply #31 on: November 09, 2004, 07:35:17 PM »
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Modena
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« Reply #32 on: November 09, 2004, 07:40:37 PM »
we got a problem, the S-10 controls are almost 3" in depth.  Robs kit can only accomodate an inch and a half of depth to accomodate the area below the console.  I'm looking into either taking out the potentiometers and making a new bezel to fit Robs kit.  I'll let you guys know.
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Fast Eddie
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« Reply #33 on: November 09, 2004, 07:46:20 PM »
Just let us know and whatever we decide to do lets try to keep this as resonable as possible because I would like for it to be available to everyone's price range. Modena PM me if you need any help in this one. Everyone feel free to add your ideas and your 2 cents.
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Modena
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« Reply #34 on: November 09, 2004, 09:28:38 PM »
looks like we have two options, either take apart a control unit from another car and re-bezel it to fit Robs kit or modify an OEM one.

The biggest issue i find is the depth.  The finished unit cant be more than 1.5" deep unless you own a drop floor Fiero.  And the plug needs to come out the side at 1.5", not out the bottom.  When I say 1.5" I mean 1.5" total.
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Fast Eddie
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« Reply #35 on: November 10, 2004, 07:41:12 AM »
Let's just see what is going to be the most economical because i do not think that we want to have those fireo stock controls hidden somewhere. Have you been able to find any gm controls that are less then 1 1/2 inch thick because I have not. This is what I am not sure if we will be able to find and that maybe a mod for the stock  ferrari controls might be best unless we get some custom face plates and butcher a GM control to fit. Which I am afraid is going to lend itself to getting very pricy and complicated as if we can mod the stock ferrari controls then it is done and everyone can do it though it sets alot of people out due to the price. I will admit I just do not know if all the hard work will pay off in the end of custom making the controls and if in the end of the day would it be significantly cheaper. Pete feel free to correct me where I am wrong on this just I do not know which route is the way to go.  Huh
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dj_golden
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« Reply #36 on: November 10, 2004, 11:26:17 AM »


how about this?
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Modena
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« Reply #37 on: November 10, 2004, 11:37:56 AM »
Sorry, Golden, for me the OEM dated looking controls are not an option.  Not even hidden away..... Sad
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Fast Eddie
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« Reply #38 on: November 10, 2004, 11:40:36 AM »
'Ya i am trying to get rid of the whole fiero look altogeather. Everything I do dosn't have to look exactly like the real thing but I want it to at least look like it could have arrived from italy that way. But keep the ideas comming for the people that have been around the block once or twice through in your own ideas.
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Modena
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« Reply #39 on: November 10, 2004, 12:59:18 PM »
OK this is what ive come up with...

I have asked Rob to move his ashtray/power mirror panel toward the back of the car like oem and mail me the filler panel needed to fill the gap between it and the shifter panel.

I will then use this filler panel to create a bezel for the HVAC control unit.

This is what I need to know for EEExotic.

If we were to look for a three dial HVAC system (like OEM)

#1    can we take apart a system (like S-10)  from another car and mount it on our bezel?

#2    Considering we only have 1.5" to work with, can we find a mechanical (Fiero) type control system that could work given space limitations or are we limited to electronic withy conversion?

#3    what other cars or era of cars out there also use the same control type as Fiero?  Can you fab something If I gave you the specs?  Craft it from potentiometrs and dials etc?

Anyone have any thoughts?
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Fast Eddie
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« Reply #40 on: November 10, 2004, 04:15:05 PM »
Alright I have talked to one of my car guys and they said to look at the 94-04 Ac controls from mustang. I was able to find pictures of 93 year controls which look good but I still have not been able to see the 94 model controls. If someone could get a picture of the controls and the dimensions then we might have just found us something due to the fact that they are already horozential and look nice. No need to reface them unless u want them to be exact along ferrari lines. Callin everyones help on this one. Superstang what u think?
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superstang460
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« Reply #41 on: November 10, 2004, 05:09:46 PM »
My car is put away in storage right now, but I can tell you there are three knobs. They are all in  a row side by side. They are in the face of the dash above the radio and are about the same size as the stock radio. I do now they are deep in the dash too, not exactly a low profile setup, but the knobs themselves look very similar to the ferrari. I would think it would be even harder to use a mustang setup since they are in the wrong formation and they are also electronic rather than mechanical. Then you have to worry about Ford to GM schematics. It might be more trouble than good.
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EEExotic
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« Reply #42 on: November 10, 2004, 08:21:59 PM »
Yeah I knew this was going to be a pain. Sad I'm almost thinking we should use some type of marine universle dial knob something that is very low pro. If no one has found anything I'll go to a marine house and or a wrecking yard. We can use a universale switch or knob and use a bezel from something else. I would say we could have vinyl cut and in lay the graphics but screen printing would be and look better. As far as building a harness I would love to just build one type and enough of them to make it worth it for everyone. So its def got to look right. Keep the idea's flowin'

David
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Modena
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« Reply #43 on: November 11, 2004, 08:01:01 AM »
Dave, Rob is sending me out the panel as we speak.  I'll measure it for you so you know what youre dealing with in terms of Robs kit.

Please, Please disect that Fiero control so you can figure out the potentiometers we need to use.  Yes... lo-pro is the key! 1.5" total depth!

The other option, again, is to find a three rotary version of a mechanical controller.  I don't know where to start to find one but Dave, perhaps that can be your assignment becasue I dont think any of us know the difference or know what to look/ask for.  I dont even think people who sell them know/care if there mechanical/electronic.  They only know/care what they fit, has been my experience.

If you do make a harness, I will do my part for you to push this mod for you.  You may not get rich off it but you'd crack a code of kitcar legend that has remained a secret since the Bradley.   Grin

I would think that anyone with a custom Fiero or any Fiero other than competing originals would be interested in this mod because what it effectively does is open up a few din spaces in the radio area for DVD, EQ TV screens, etc for fancy stereos that need more room.

The guys at Pennocks, and other Fiero clubs/sites would probably be super interested as well is the point.

Um, Songman, what do you think, this is more youre area of expertise......

You think this mod could be popular across the board and have interest with people other than Rob/SI people?  Can it crossover to Fiero folks?

Anyone?
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EEExotic
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« Reply #44 on: November 11, 2004, 10:26:37 PM »
Hey Guys.. I've been doing some research and experiments trying to get this figured out. Pete: you said Robs kit only has
1.5" Of clearence for anything behind the bezel. I've got the heater control taken care of. now i need to know how big can the bezel be? If we use 3 knobs total. Like the OEM setup, it will be the same 2 on top and the one below in the center. What are the dim of the bezel. Either way we are going to have to use translucent white vinyl and have the graphics screen printed over the white in black. Which is no big deal, So when you turn the dash lights on it will light also. The temp select is still giving me fits because its a ridig cable of the Fiero and we don't have very much room to make it work. But I've got an idea that I try out in the next day or two. I'm thinking it'll work, and as far as the air direction selector  " A/C, Defrost, Head, feet ect I'm going to retrofit a 2 pole 4 junction switch that will use another Fiero knob. this way both top knobs will match. Anyone know what other models GM used this knob on?? and the bottom center knob will use something that is going to be readly available. So if anyone has any questions shoot them over.

David
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