AC Grommets on Firewall removal
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,482
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From: Huntsville AL
AC Grommets on Firewall removal
So as I do not have AC, I was toying around with removing the grommets and capping the lines. I am no AC guru, and have not been under the dash yet, but I assume the AC lines are going to be tough to remove. Anyways, on to the question.
My plan is to get some screw in caps to screw on the AC leads that come out from the firewall, then push them back into the cabin area and weld the firewall hole closed. If I ever go AC again I can just drill a hole and push them through. Well, as I was removing the grommet, it began to disintegrate like much of the 27 year old rubber will do. I cleared out most of the firewall side of the grommet, and started on the cabin side (pulling through the firewall). Well as I was pulling it, it seemed to be pulling some insulation or some sort of fabric as well. Are these grommets somehow intertwined or "built in" somehow to the insulation? If I pull some out that would be alright (less of a fire hazard when I will weld it). Just wanted to get some clarification before I get under the dash and start pulling carpet and whatnots.
Pictures for reference:

My plan is to get some screw in caps to screw on the AC leads that come out from the firewall, then push them back into the cabin area and weld the firewall hole closed. If I ever go AC again I can just drill a hole and push them through. Well, as I was removing the grommet, it began to disintegrate like much of the 27 year old rubber will do. I cleared out most of the firewall side of the grommet, and started on the cabin side (pulling through the firewall). Well as I was pulling it, it seemed to be pulling some insulation or some sort of fabric as well. Are these grommets somehow intertwined or "built in" somehow to the insulation? If I pull some out that would be alright (less of a fire hazard when I will weld it). Just wanted to get some clarification before I get under the dash and start pulling carpet and whatnots.
Pictures for reference:

The fabric you are seeing is just the backing for the carpet. I don't know why you want to weld those areas shut as you can probably get some rubber grommets to block off the holes.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 31
From: Huntsville AL
The car will be stripped and tucked, I don't want to see any extra holes in the bay area. No ac holes, bolt holes, Coil holes, etc.
Stu, you can pull the AC evaporator out of the heater box. No biggie. I did that on the SA when I pulled the AC stuff out of it.You will need to pull the right side of the heater box out with the blower fan. Four nuts hold it in from studs under the dash.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 983
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From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
book marked for when I do my my AC removal =)
By the way, is there a market for FB AC parts? Ive considered selling mine when i pull it but i don't know if anyone wants it.
Anywho, can't wait to see your finished bay stu
By the way, is there a market for FB AC parts? Ive considered selling mine when i pull it but i don't know if anyone wants it.
Anywho, can't wait to see your finished bay stu
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,482
Likes: 31
From: Huntsville AL
Should make things easier for you. As for the AC parts, I don't think there really is any unless the buyer lives in TX or something. Never hurts to throw up an ad and get some bites.I can't wait either, it is taking FOREVER. Went out and got a welder, then returned it because the house is not rated for 24amps

Cool beans, I was wondering what that port was for. Thanks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,833
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
+1 for using some rubber plugs. I pulled my whole A/C condenser and box out of the car. I made a fiberglass duct to replace it since I wanted the extra space under there to mount my ECU. You can find some nice OEM quality rubber plugs in any junkyard for a few pennies to stop up the holes. If you ever want to go back to A/C, you just need to pop 'em out.
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