It doesn’t have AC at the moment, but it has all the hook ups for AC. The one without AC looked nothing like the original, but the one with AC looks the same as the original.
Why grind on the box? The factory didn't do that? WTF? That kind of stuff is what wrecks cars. Fix it right. Go get the correct Hester core and it will fit.
Just because the dude at the parts store says it's the right one doesn't mean a thing.
Out the grinder down, get the correct part, do it right.
