[Jim Sims]

Before I connected the holes to the smuggler's box there was a pattern of four 2-1/2 inch diameter hole saw holes and the two smaller holes which the wires pass through. These holes were made during the original "dealer" installation in 1976. All of this (including the muffin fan) is hidden behind the passenger floor board.

I have roughly $1100 in parts and supplies invested; this amount could be reduced by about $550 if one was willing to make more parts and fittings oneself and if the existing condensers are in good condition. I ordered barrier hose and fittings on-line and made the hoses myself. I purchased a new ATCO bubble crimp tool kit for beadlock A/C fittings on E-bay for $225 (new retail cost ~$500). It was very convenient to run the hose and then put the fittings on in-situ (the ATCO crimp tool permits this). I have approximately 30 hours of my own labor invested but I'm not very efficient (it's a hobby and I take my time and enjoy the experience).

To avoid the hot oil cooler lines I also rerouted the refrigerant hoses to run forward along the driver's side rocker panel and then cross over just behind the steering rack to the passenger side to enter the smuggler's box from the front passenger side wheel well. The hoses are well secured and show less than oil cooler lines; in fact to see them one has to get way back or peer under the car.

Cheers, Jim