what is this and what can i do with it?

[bearfootmama]

my husband and i are finally renovating our van! which means demolition and lots of questions. we have this "thing" installed on the center driver's side of our van... it appears to be some component or extension of the ac? i'm not exactly sure. the vents that were attached to it have never worked. we'd like to trash it as it's only taking up space and no longer functional. however, it doesn't seem to be a cut-and-toss kind of job. can anyone point me in the right direction for dealing with this... i don't even know what this is so i am having a hard time searching for solutions. thanks!

she's a 1996 ford e-150, btw.

 

[user 423]

What kind of van and year ya got there? It looks like an add-on rear AC/heater. Pan back so we can better see where it's located. Google what you see on the label...

 

[Weight]

Follow the pipes and report where they connect. it reminds me of an aftermarket air conditioner, seeing a condensate drip tube bent out of the drain hole. Do you still have a compressor on the engine?

 

[Van Man Dave]

Yeah, definitely some kind of HVAC unit. Might be worth investigating how this unit ties in to the original vehicle AC/Heater platform before removing any pressurized lines or similar connections.

If you do get it out, it might have some recycle value!

 

[bearfootmama]

What kind of van and year ya got there?  It looks like an add-on rear AC/heater. Pan back so we can better see where it's located.  Google what you see on the label...

sorry- she's a 1996 ford e-150. i've googled the label and couldn't find anything.

 

[GotSmart]

That is an old RV space heater/cooler.  

Definately a home repurposed item.

It is usefull as a "What is it?"

 

[bearfootmama]

this is where it's located

 

[GotSmart]

Rear AC / heater.  

Look for freon lines.  If the front AC works, get a tech to disconect and cap the lines up front.

 

[user 423]

Many vans have rear AC/heaters installed at the factory. Yours is a conversion that didn't have one so they added this unit.

If it doesn't work and you want to remove it, it's technically illegal to vent the refrigerant to the atmosphere and you'll need to have that done at a shop.

 

[jonsun]

that might be worth keeping given the many threads here wanting an AC solution

 

[highdesertranger]

if the Freon lines are still connected to the front and your front AC still works do not disconnect it. take it to an auto AC shop and they can disconnect it. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

I would certainly try to see if you can cheaply get it working before trashing it.

If it works but you don't want it may be worth selling

 

[jonyjoe303]

I seen those on buses, it's a rear heater. That shutoff valve, will shutoff hot water going into the radiator during the summer, when not needed. The heaters I seen are always on the floor area.  The AC units I seen will be outside or inside top rear.