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Clean Up the Firewall and Shed Unwanted Weight on Your 1978-1987 GM G-Body with the UMI 3030 AC and Heater Box Delete Panel
The UMI Performance 3030 is a firewall AC and heater box delete panel for the 1978-1987 GM G-Body platform, covering the Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo, El Camino, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Pontiac Grand Prix. When the factory AC and heater box assembly is removed for race weight reduction, engine bay clearance, or firewall cleanup, the resulting opening in the firewall is large and irregular. The UMI 3030 provides a clean, properly shaped steel panel that fills and closes this opening for a finished appearance, protects against exhaust heat and fire intrusion into the cabin, and provides a clean mounting surface for aftermarket accessories or a fresh undercoat finish. This is a popular item in drag racing and road racing G-Body builds where removing factory HVAC systems is a standard weight reduction measure. Manufactured by UMI Performance in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.
Key Features
- Steel delete panel closes the AC and heater box firewall opening on 1978-1987 GM G-Body after HVAC system removal
- Provides a clean, finished firewall appearance for race builds and engine bay restorations
- Protects against exhaust heat and fire intrusion into the cabin through the firewall opening
- Popular weight reduction support piece for drag race and road race G-Body builds
- Compatible with 1978-1987 Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo, El Camino, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Pontiac Grand Prix
- Manufactured in the USA by UMI Performance in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Vehicle Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1978-1987 | Chevrolet | Malibu |
| 1978-1987 | Chevrolet | Monte Carlo |
| 1978-1987 | Chevrolet | El Camino |
| 1978-1987 | Oldsmobile | Cutlass |
| 1978-1987 | Pontiac | Grand Prix |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 3030 |
| Brand | UMI Performance |
| Material | Steel |
| Application | AC and heater box firewall delete for 1978-1987 GM G-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
| UPC | N/A |
What's Included
- 1x UMI Performance 3030 AC and heater box firewall delete panel
- Hardware for installation
About UMI Performance
UMI Performance is an American manufacturer of suspension, chassis, and body components based in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Known for their G-Body, F-Body, and A-Body performance parts, UMI engineers and produces all components in-house for precise fitment and durability in street, drag race, and road race applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UMI Performance 3030?The UMI 3030 is a steel firewall delete panel for the 1978-1987 GM G-Body. It is designed to close the opening left in the firewall after the factory AC and heater box assembly is removed, providing a clean finished appearance, fire and heat protection, and a solid mounting surface in the engine bay.
Which G-Body vehicles does the 3030 fit?The UMI 3030 fits the 1978-1987 Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo, and El Camino, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Pontiac Grand Prix. These vehicles share the same GM G-Body platform and firewall dimensions for this era.
Do I need to remove the AC and heater box before installing the 3030?Yes. The UMI 3030 is a delete panel designed to fill the opening after the factory AC and heater box assembly is removed from the vehicle. It is not a partial delete or overlay panel. Full HVAC removal is required before the 3030 can be installed.
Is the UMI 3030 beneficial for street-driven G-Body cars or only race cars?The UMI 3030 is most commonly used on dedicated race builds where HVAC removal is part of a weight reduction and engine bay cleanup program. It can also be used on street-driven restorations where the original heater or AC components are damaged or missing and a clean firewall appearance is desired without reinstalling a complete HVAC system. For a street car that needs heat or AC, removing the HVAC box is not recommended.
Does the 3030 require welding to install?Installation method depends on the specific application and builder preference. The 3030 can typically be fastened with provided hardware or rivets for a no-weld installation, or welded in place for a fully finished firewall appearance in show quality or high-end race builds. Confirm with UMI Performance if you have specific installation requirements.
Is the G-Body AC Heater box delete panel Prop 65 compliant?This product may expose you to chemicals including those listed under California Proposition 65. See the Prop 65 warning at the bottom of this listing for full disclosure details.
How much weight does removing the G-Body HVAC system save?The factory G-Body AC and heater box assembly including the blower motor, evaporator, heater core, and associated ducting typically weighs 20 to 30 lbs depending on equipment level. Combined with the associated wiring and underdash components, full HVAC delete on a race G-Body can remove 30 to 40 lbs from the car. The UMI 3030 adds back minimal weight as a simple steel panel.
Where is the UMI 3030 manufactured?The UMI 3030 is manufactured in the USA at UMI Performance's facility in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.
Installation Instructions
- Remove the AC and heater box assembly from the vehicle following the appropriate factory service manual procedure. Drain the heater core and discharge the AC system safely before removal if still charged.
- Remove all associated HVAC brackets, ducting, and wiring harness connectors from the firewall area. Plug or cap any coolant lines and AC lines as applicable.
- Clean the firewall opening edges, removing any remaining foam seal, debris, or rust before fitting the delete panel.
- Test-fit the UMI 3030 delete panel in the firewall opening. Verify the panel fits flush and covers the opening fully.
- Mark and drill any mounting holes if not pre-drilled, following the mounting pattern for the provided hardware or rivets.
- Apply firewall sealant or high-temperature RTV to the panel perimeter before final installation to prevent air, heat, or moisture intrusion.
- Fasten the UMI 3030 in place using the provided hardware or rivets. For a welded installation, tack-weld the panel perimeter and grind smooth before finishing.
- Prime and paint or undercoat the panel to match the firewall finish.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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