Aircon Leak inside Cabin?

[Xplaya]

Took my car into the shop the other day as I have lived without Aircon for couple years now.

After the check, they came back to me saying there are no leaks at all in the engine bay, it must be inside the cabin.

They quoted me a significant number to do this job as they say the dash needs to come out, does the whole dash really need to come out? Or can I just tackle one side etc? And any notes or tips on how to do this before I tackled it myself

I have to install an aftermarket stereo so going to attack that at the same time But being pointed in the right direction would be a plus. I dont really want to touch the odometer / steering wheel area if I dont need to.

 

[mechanic]

Difficulty of dash disassembly to install new radio = 1/10
Difficulty of dash disassembly to install new A/C condenser = 9/10

Very different jobs.
Yes, crash pad needs to be removed to replace A/C condenser.

 

[Xplaya]

Difficulty of dash disassembly to install new radio = 1/10
Difficulty of dash disassembly to install new A/C condenser = 9/10

Very different jobs.
Yes, crash pad needs to be removed to replace A/C condenser.

Damn. This explains the big price .
Im not sure if Evaporator and Condenser are next to the same area but after finding this link.
https://www.facebook.com/DougallsAutoElectrics/posts/1056905554334186
Sh#t no way I will be doing this job

 

[Skylarking]

I believe @Fu Manchu created a how to thread of sorts for just this thing...

Try googling “site:forums.justcommodores.com.au VE airconditioner evaporator Fu Manchu” and you may have better luck finding it than searching using this sites search

 

[Fu Manchu]

I had to use that dudes Facebook images to guide me through doing the whole dash removal as well as random posts on here.

I have not yet made time to write up all my notes and include the photos.

Having done it. It’s a straight forward job. Just takes time. This also led me into make other jobs that required attention which dragged out the project.

Experience says:
Take notes as you go
Take photos.
Get a second hand hvac from the wreckers before you start.
Overhaul that instead so you can swap it straight in on the day. You will save a lot of time and heart ache.
Buy GENUINE Evan and heater core.
Replace both. You don’t want to be doing this again.

I sourced some commercial hvac adhesive seal to get it back together. There is a thread about that.

Check the pedal plate on the firewall for rust while everything is out.

Organise a mobile aircon guy to degas the system.

Clean all the hvac parts. It will be gross. Disinfect them all.

I redid all the ducting seals with better quality seals from Clark rubber.

*Download the flippin factory manual. Impossible without it for a first timer. Do a search. You’ll find it.