strokerpost
Member
I'm sure its done, but how big a deal is it? I have a 66 Fury III that didn't have A/C, is there a "kit" out there somewhere to do this? Thanks guys.
How big a deal to put aftermarket A/C system in a car that had no A/C?
- Thread starter strokerpost
- Start date
thrashingcows
Senior Member
Are you looking for a complete A/C and Heater assembly, or would you be happy enough with leaving your existing heater box alone, and running a small universal under dash mounted A/C unit.
These are on E-bay, and other sites...
Just do a search on E-bay for "underdash A/C" or "under dash A/C" to see many other configurations.
This is the cheapest, and easiest way to add A/C to your vehicle.
These are on E-bay, and other sites...
Just do a search on E-bay for "underdash A/C" or "under dash A/C" to see many other configurations.
This is the cheapest, and easiest way to add A/C to your vehicle.
strokerpost
Member
Are you looking for a complete A/C and Heater assembly, or would you be happy enough with leaving your existing heater box alone, and running a small universal under dash mounted A/C unit.
These are on E-bay, and other sites...
Just do a search on E-bay for "underdash A/C" or "under dash A/C" to see many other configurations.
This is the cheapest, and easiest way to add A/C to your vehicle.
I'd like info on both ways actually. Cheap isn't ALWAYS the best way, but whatever is the best way will prolly get the nod. Thanks.
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
If it were me, I would search for a 65-67 Fury A/C car with one foot in the grave.
That way you have the heater box, controls, duct work and vents designed for your car.
That way you have the heater box, controls, duct work and vents designed for your car.
That's the way I would go too. Find a donor car.
strokerpost
Member
That's prolly how I'll do it, but on this car I don't want to use the factory A/C pump, something more current and efficient as this one will likely get driven more than the 300. Thanks guys.
thrashingcows
Senior Member
Again this might be a tough call, and costly too. The new A/C cores for the heater/AC box is big money....more then that complete aftermarket underdash unit. Guess it depends on what you want...look wise that is. The modern under dash units are also made, and designed, to work with the new 134a refrigerant.
Also think too that you will more then likely have to fill holes, and drill new holes in your firewall with a factory A/C set-up. Will need dash controls and vacuum switches. Wiring too.
My opinion is if you are not concerned about a bone stock appearance, then go with the under dash mounted unit. Otherwise go with a stock OEM set-up.
Also think too that you will more then likely have to fill holes, and drill new holes in your firewall with a factory A/C set-up. Will need dash controls and vacuum switches. Wiring too.
My opinion is if you are not concerned about a bone stock appearance, then go with the under dash mounted unit. Otherwise go with a stock OEM set-up.
strokerpost
Member
I'm starting to favor the under dash unit more and more! Lol. Thanks.
thrashingcows
Senior Member
I retrofitted the engine side of my wagon with all new stuff. Sanden compressor, new 134A cross flow condenser, and all new lines and fittings. Got most of it from Bouchillion performance. Found my Sanden Compressor on E-bay...New for $75! My wagon was a factory A/C car though...so all the underdash stuff was left alone.
I installed aftermarket AC in my 70 300 w/440. After a lot of adapting (I think the kits are made for B bodies) the install is not too satisfactory. They did change over my non-AC controls to work, that part looks stock. The AC cars have the 26" radiator with a passenger side upper hose outlet. The non-Ac cars apparently have the 22" rad with driver side hose outlet. The compressor in this case mounts on the driver side and interferes with the hose. I had to lower the compressor as far as possible and the belt now has minimum engagement and squeals. I am hunting for a way to convert the 22" radiator to a passenger side hose outlet so the compressor can be raised up to a normal height and get about 6" of belt engagement.
thrashingcows
Senior Member
What kind of A/C compressor are you running? And what system did you go with? Pictures would help.
68Bigred
Active Member
I know old thread but I would like the result of it. My car doesnt have ac from the factory. As mentioned above from one of the resident experts (who is wrong) using a donor car isnt that easy. The firewall is completely different. Notice the blower motor coms thru the firewall on an ac car. The metal is also shapped different.
There are alot of kits out there but I wanted to know what functioned the best. They all look so cheap. I would like a full under dash unit. I bought the factory air vents for my car (vents under the radio) and the buttons and want to find a unit I can make at least in the interior look stock. I have center console with the original vaccum guage. I dont want to loose that guage to center a ac system. Under the engine I could care less as I'm already running march serptine pullys.
Any suggestion and pics of aftermarket installs?
There are alot of kits out there but I wanted to know what functioned the best. They all look so cheap. I would like a full under dash unit. I bought the factory air vents for my car (vents under the radio) and the buttons and want to find a unit I can make at least in the interior look stock. I have center console with the original vaccum guage. I dont want to loose that guage to center a ac system. Under the engine I could care less as I'm already running march serptine pullys.
Any suggestion and pics of aftermarket installs?
BJS racing
Well-Known Member
I happen to have an entire factory system for a 65 383 Fury that I am taking out of my car. If you would be interested let me know. I am putting in a Vintage Air system in my car so I will not be using any of it. I will make you a KILLER deal on it if you would like. I have the compressor and everything. Let me know so I can go pull the lines out before they go to the trash. I just put them out last night when cleaning the garage.
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
I truly feel the best way is get an old correct heater box and all the controls. Put a new heater core and evaporator. And you are 100% OK under the dash. What you then do under the hood is endless.
Personally here's my route.
Stock heater box, clean it up
New heater core and evaporator
New heater control switch assy.
With the old heater box, grab the heater valve, A/C hoses, and engine brackets.
New drier
New expansion valve.
Have the heater valve and the A/C hoses rebuilt.
Use one those new parallel flow condensers with a pusher fan.
Trash the RV2 compressor and use a new Sanden compressor.
I bet you get 34 degrees.
But you already know how I like to do things. LOL!!!
Personally here's my route.
Stock heater box, clean it up
New heater core and evaporator
New heater control switch assy.
With the old heater box, grab the heater valve, A/C hoses, and engine brackets.
New drier
New expansion valve.
Have the heater valve and the A/C hoses rebuilt.
Use one those new parallel flow condensers with a pusher fan.
Trash the RV2 compressor and use a new Sanden compressor.
I bet you get 34 degrees.
But you already know how I like to do things. LOL!!!
68Bigred
Active Member
Commando1 yes your opinions appreciated however the firewall is completely different. See here is mine. No place for the blower motor to stick thru and not about to cut a hole in my firewall that big. Also the metal is shapped different. The true way to use factory box in a non ac car would be very labor intensive. Not about to pull my engine and cut out and weld an entire firewall in when my car looks this good. I know you are a purest. Dont let the msd and march performance serptine kit keep you up at night lol!
ps the wire that looks like crap in front of my radiator is just my temp harness running my new headlights...
ps the wire that looks like crap in front of my radiator is just my temp harness running my new headlights...
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
Hmmm, I was thinking Sawzall but after seeing how nice your engine compartment is , I see your point.
I have a friend who put an entire HVAC VintageAir system in his Dodge and he is extremely disappointed in both the A/C and heater output in his huge C-body cabin.
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I have a friend who put an entire HVAC VintageAir system in his Dodge and he is extremely disappointed in both the A/C and heater output in his huge C-body cabin.
Posted via Topify on Android
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68Bigred
Active Member
I've herd they are not great but something has to be better then nothing. Also since it is a convertible will be even worse. I did think ahead and I am running a ac radiator water housing.
and thank you for the complement..I noticed that
and thank you for the complement..I noticed that
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
commando1
Old Man with a Hat
I've put a ton of money into my A/C systems to get the max out of them using the RV2 compressor.
In 95 degree July FL bright mid-day heat, one is "FAIR" and one is "is it working?".
So I wish I had gone Sanden.
In 95 degree July FL bright mid-day heat, one is "FAIR" and one is "is it working?".
So I wish I had gone Sanden.
I've had good luck with the RV2 compressor in my NYB. After a system rebuild I have 38 degrees at the center vent with R134A. I'm still having a problem with air flow volume and still have to take a look at blockage or blend doors. The car will cool down but it takes a while with the lack of air flow.
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