[DeTomaso] aftermarket heat-A/C unit

[Matt]

There were times in the past when ,even though I live in the NW, it was too hot to drive the Pantera and it sat.
I don't want that anymore and the trips South to the Fun Rally should be much more comfortable in the future after I get this un-fun ,been putting it off work finally done.
Sad to say,I'm adding weight in trade for comfort. Oh well.

1. I'd first like to ask ,has anyone replaced the complete stock heater/A/C unit in the dash with a more modern aftermarket unit that fits our cars?
 
Mine looks as if someone clawed a 1"x2" hole at the bottom, for what reason I have no idea. It could probably be patched but since I plan on installing
all new everything else to get the A/C finally working it should be replaced one way or another. Hopefully not the same old design I'm removing.
Since I yarded out all the other A/C components when I bought the car 10 years ago I have a clean slate to work with.No hoses,no compressor,no nothing.
I don't want any possibility of an old component failing anyway if I'm going to go through all the trouble and expense.
I've never taken off my dash and the heater-A/C system seems like a black art to me but I'm kind of looking forward to seeing whats back there and learning new things about the old girl.
I have zero A/C experience but can follow instructions and take directions well. Me like pictures.

2. I'd like to also know if it would be better to mount the new condensor in the front ,the right wheel well(?) or the back. Any gains to be had? Regrets?

So this is my request from you "cool" heads out there for any advice on a modern, more effecient A/C system.
I really can't imagine there isn't a possible swap out there somewhere,I just haven't found it yet.
Thanks for any help and I'm sure I'll have more pleas in the near future as this project plods along :-)

Matt
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