Mike- that was the problem. The o-ring adaptor had come off inside the firewall tube. I soaked it for a couple of days and got it out. It is soldered back where it belongs now. I am going Friday to check out a couple of old heater boxes a friend has, hopefully one has the rod and (maybe) an ac evaporator. The tray on mine has a religious issue. (It is holy). I still need the heater control valve that goes to the firewall but I saw some of those on the bay. Thanks for the help and the follow up- I'll have some pics of it on here when I get a little farther along.