[55blacktie]

You can eliminate the vacuum-controlled heater valve and replace it with a mechanical valve. The conversion kit costs less than $100 and is offered by most T-bird parts vendors. I've seen both plastic and metal mechanical control valves, but can't say which is better. You can probably find something similar at your local auto parts store, and it will be cheaper. Unless I'm missing something, dmsfrr's 90-degree elbows will eliminate your heater and defroster, unless he, too, converted to the mechanical valve, which would be located closer to the firewall, not on the engine.