convert 123 auto hvac to manual?
 

so i think i saw someone say that one could convert from auto to manual simply by changing the front part of the hvac unit. could you elaborate on that please?

thinking of doing my 82 300cd. i have the unit from the euro 300d i parted out.

any info would be greatly appreciated.

tom w

You will need to get rid of the vacuum pods that open/close the damper doors and install the cable operated ones from the manual system.

could you
 

give an estimate of the time it would take? please?

tom w

t walgamuth
I have kicked the notion around about the swap you are proposing and I imagine you are looking at at least 10-12 hours IF you have the car with the manual system sitting next to the car you are making the conversion on. I helped a fella board member pull a dash from a W115 one time and I came away with the impression that dealing with all the cable connectors was alot more trouble than dealing with the vacuum lines - especially when putting one back together.

I have a manual HVAC system in my 230CE and I love it! I don't need to turn the A/C on to keep the windshield fog free. The manual system is great. I would recommend doing the swap for the simplicity and more ventilation settings that are possible with the manual system.

converting the system
 

I converted an automatic to manual system on a 116 (1980 300SD). Not according to the manual, but it sure works. When I want heat or A/C I can get either.

I think I posted how I did it earlier. Just do a search to find it. BTW, I use the existing vacuum system for the vents since there are manual open/close ones on the 116 in the dash.

Rev. Dr. G.

thanks for the answers guys
 

engatwork, i have the manual system already out of the car. are you sure it will work?

tom w

I don't see why not then.