I took the cowl off my 68 to get a better look at the VIN stamping and there was what looks like a HVAC part under where the cowl was on the passenger side. According to my PHS window sticker this car came with factory air but that was all taken out before I got the car. I took a couple of pictures hoping someone would know what this part does or if it is still needed now that the air is gone. I can’t see any wiring going to it. Any suggestions?

That is part of the A/C system. You wont need it now.

Actuator for the fresh air door?

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know.

Got's one on mine too, and if you know what to look for, you can see that my car origionally had an ac firewall.

Although it isn't used, you need to keep it in place. If you remove it, you'll see the typical pos GM assembly, in which they rough-cut out a hunk of metal underneath. And yes, it will show up looking like look like some chopped up pos to anyone who peeks inside the grates on the cowl.

Mine, a 9, is built much better than yours becasuse it has a halfassed blast of black chassis paint, pretending as if someone gave a chit when they built the car.

Unfortunately GM's quality went downhill fast starting in 65.