I'm using a Vintage Air heat/air unit that will be mounted behind the dash in the more or less usual spot. Outlaw provides a 3/4" square steel support bar that runs horizontally across just behind the dashboard. It ties together the door posts side-to-side and is also has mounting brackets on each end where the dash attaches. This is also the only steel bracing that is available for the top steering column support.
In fitting up the a/c unit, the bar got in the way, so I cut it out and moved it rearward by an inch, giving enough room for the Vintage Air Unit.
The first pic shows the support bar being relocated prior to welding back in.
Once the bar was repositioned, I installed the a/c unit and fabricated two clips to support the front of the unit, which will be welded to the support bar. The back side of the a/c unit is supported by a vertical bracket that I welded to the previously made firewall framework.
Second pic shows the a/c unit fit into place with the new front brackets.
The third picture shows the rear support for the a/c unit. It also doubles as part of the bracketry for the wiper motor. Above that in the photo is another plywood support that I attached to the body just under the windshield frame area. With the weight of the a/c unit and also the stress of the steering column on it, the 3/4" steel support bar needed to be stiffened up. The picture shows the top mounting point for a brace that will run from the body to the top of the bar. It was epoxied and 'glassed in place.
