If you remember, we closed the last issue by running all new wires throughout our project ’65 C10. The pre-engineered kit from Painless Performance wiring makes the job manageable for most and as simple as they can design it. Also the addition of FiTech’s EFI carburetor conversion will give this cool classic the reliability we are looking for in this soon-to-be weekend cruiser.

Complete confidence with every crank is what you’re buying, and the embarrassment of a dead engine is something you no longer fear. The cost of the parts is appreciated with every drive. Although, if your wife is sweating in the passenger seat on a hot summer day, it doesn’t really matter how good the engine runs does it? And that’s where we find ourselves with Project Raven.

Summer is coming fast and we want to hit as many local shows as possible, so now is the time to install a Vintage Air A/C system before the temps start rising. We are also going to add a new Dakota Digital gauge cluster, which will take the guesswork out of fuel levels and engine temps. Both of these systems are specifically engineered for this year’s truck and designed to fit and feel like it came from the factory. Finally we will replace the ’90s style steering wheel that someone bolted on before we picked it up last year. A new wheel from Eddie Motorsports will look amazing. Let’s go!

Sources

Vintage Air
www.vintageair.com
800-862-6658

Dakota Digital
www.dakotadigital.com
800-852-3228

Eddie Motorsports
www.eddiemotorsports.com
888-813-1293

Overpower Customs
www.overpowercustoms.com
561-844-3777

If you remember, our ’65 Chevy C10 currently has a very worn out interior. The factory gauges are all damaged and the steering wheel is not original for this truck. It’s time for a change. First we focus on the essentials like A/C and digital gauges, and then we will replace the seats with a new set from TMI Interiors.

You can see how much room is behind the factory gauge cluster. It’s the perfect spot for the Dakota Digital box and FiTech brain.

Before the new gauge panel can go in, Jason from Overpower Customs in Lake Park, Florida, unboxes the Vintage Air system and organizes all the parts. SureFit kits are designed to place in the evaporator case and air duct hoses behind the dash for a factory-clean look.

Remove passenger side fresh-air door and install a passenger side fresh-air cover using the provided screws.

Trey aligned the provided template with the OEM holes on the engine side of the firewall and drilled 9/32-inch holes.

On a workbench, install the evaporator rear bracket using hex bolts. Next, install hardlines with properly lubricated O-rings and wrap the fitting connections with press tape.

The completed unit can now be set inside the dash behind the glovebox.

Locate the evaporator drain at the bottom of the evaporator case. In line with the drain, lightly make a mark on the firewall. Measure 1 inch down from that mark and drill a 5/8-inch hole. Next, we can install a drain hose and attach to the bottom of the evaporator unit.


Moving to the other side, we can now apply a 1/4-inch bead of silicone on the back of the heater cover. Then we installed the cover using the five provided screws. Trey also installed grommets in the firewall panel.


The Dakota Digital box and the FiTech brain are mounted behind the gauge panel and wired up following the instructions. This is something you can do—we promise!

While he’s managing wires, Trey went ahead and wired up the Vintage Air pieces and engine sensors at the same time.


The A/C control unit has three knobs that handle the temperature, fan speed and air direction.

The A/C housing is installed by drilling some pilot holes and twisting in a few screws.

The driver side vent housing is installed next. These pieces are designed to perfectly fit the dash panels in this ’65 Chevy C10.

The A/C ducts can now be run through the cab to each vent, being careful not to poke a hole or crimp a corner.

With the glovebox liner reinstalled, you would never know an aftermarket A/C system has been installed. Such a clean and simple design.

With the interior section of the A/C complete, we can add our new gauges and steering wheel. We will work on mounting the A/C compressor in the next issue.

We still need to hook up our fuel level leads, but we had to see what the new Dakota Digital gauges look like. So modern and clean!

Finally a new Eddie Motorsports steering wheel is the icing on the cake. We have a lot more plans for the interior, but you have to wait for the next issue. See you then!

 

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