Cowl sealed off......

He's in Washington isnt he ? It gets a bit cold there too and that cold air on your twigs and berries is, well cold. :D
That it would be.......

If your going to put the heater box back in, it will be fine. If not your defrosters wont work any way, I would leave the block off covers on.
My Road Runner had no box and no blockoff either. I used the vent window, turned back all the way to sort of defrost my windshield, it Phoenix doesnt get very cold usually, it didnt work too well. Had to use a towel to clear glass while driving. Spring was great though!
Car will not be driven in the winter. I am thinking that if the lack of a defroster/heater becomes much of an issue I am thinking I could mount one of these if need be. A friend had one in his Jeep and said it worked well......