[alfa] Re: A/C interference with heater fan access?

[tiefenback@xxxxxxxxxxx]

> In a message dated 11/21/2004, Russ suggested:
>
> Michael
>
>     You might be able to unclip the heater in the center with it still in
> the car.  But there is no way to clip it back together.  There just is not
> enough room between the heater and the firewall to replace the clips.
>  The fit between the transmission tunnel and the heater is so tight you
> may not be able to get the bottom half out, even if you do get in
> unclipped. I have removed the heater in a non air conditioned 82 spider.
> It will come out to the passenger side with the dash and center console
> in place.  I removed just the sides of the console.  It was tight.
> I have no idea if it will come out that side with the air conditioner in
> there or not.
>     Are you sure you need an air conditioner?  <grin>
>     Sorry I could not help more.  I remember it was quite a chore to
> remove the air conditioning from my 84 spider.  I did not intend
> to replace it, so cannot tell you any short cut.

Many thanks for the commiseration, at least.  I don't know how many
Spiders have A/C still operative, but even in our mild summers here, it
was nice to be able to turn it on and imagine cool air on my face.  I
didn't actually run it much (it does work well), but as I expect to sell
the car someday, I wanted to keep everything functional.  This is also
where the fan comes in.

I popped one clip off and immediately determined that was a non-starter
for the reasons you mention above.  I decided the fan itself would impede
removal trying to take it out with the lower housing only.  It would have
been nice for Alfa to split the lower housing with a vertical seam to
expose the fan.  There are enough seams in the heater box, it couldn't
have been any worse that way.  Then all access would have been easier.
I'll give detailed instructions in a writeup if I get the box out with the
A/C intact.  It still _looks_ workable.  I should get my daughter's
digital camera to take some photos.  I pulled the glove box out (six
screws) to be able to see better behind the A/C box.  It's hard to see the
heater tube fitting that needs to be loosed, and the glove box is a
low-effort visibility improvement.  I'd R&R a glove box and brake pedal
box (that last may not be necessary, but I'll see how much clearance
exists) any day in place of venting and refilling the A/C and buying a new
dryer and who knows what else.

Michael
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