So......I want to add A/C....

Technical Question and Answer - On topic to 71-74 Plymouth B-bodies only.

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Beepbeep!
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So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Sun Aug 18, 2013 11:59 am

What do I need to hook up factory A/C? Thanks! I have a compressor, and mounting brackets. What other parts do I need?

Beepbeep!
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Sun Aug 18, 2013 1:06 pm

Thanks for the list! I am going to try the factory approach first, and see how far I can get.

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by 71bird » Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:38 pm

The heater box is different also.
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by 71bird » Sun Aug 18, 2013 7:51 pm

Yes,almost everything was different, fans,shrouds, radiators, windows, sometimes suspensions,even the fire walls had the holes already stamped out before hand.
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Beepbeep!
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:32 pm

71bird wrote:Yes,almost everything was different, fans,shrouds, radiators, windows, sometimes suspensions,even the fire walls had the holes already stamped out before hand.
If my car did not have factory a/c , the firewall is different? Eek! Can it be modded for it?

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by steved » Sun Aug 18, 2013 10:08 pm

My gtx is a factory a/c car. When its back from paint, I can take some pics of the factory locations.

Vintage air makes complete aftermarket systems. Maybe that's an option?

Sjd
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by sdweatherman » Mon Aug 19, 2013 3:08 am

The original A/C setup for these cars are major horsepower suckers. Plus you would have to find a whole new heater-A/C box for under the dash, plus modify the firewall for the extra holes. A major undertaking. I would seriously look into a sleek modern system for your ride. Just my 2c. Scott.
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Beepbeep!
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:23 am

That sounds nice and all, but vintage air does not have an application for our birds.

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by gcoupe72 » Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:51 pm

Ok, I don't know what your goals for the car are.
Back in the day all dealers had "hang on" or "dealer installed" A/C units.
This would allow A/C installations on cars not ordered with, or not available with air, 440 4speeds,all 6Vs, and Hemis.
A friend had a 440-6 Superbird with a dealer-installed unit! He removed it, 'cause his 'bird had an overheating issue.
I've seen many on custom vans and pickups, I think the dealer also saved a few $$$ on the unit, and got to collect for the labor to install.
The ones I've seen all used York style compressors, big and rectangular.
The good news was that many common, parts store components were used, keeping the price down.
So if you want a vintage, or "day two" type look, this is an option for you.
The modern aftermarket stuff I'm sure works better, but doesn't look period under the hood.
There are probably members on this board who would almost give you these parts!
The evaporator hung below the dash, so if you changed your mind, it would be easy to remove later.
Just another option.

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:57 pm

gcoupe72 wrote:Ok, I don't know what your goals for the car are.
Back in the day all dealers had "hang on" or "dealer installed" A/C units.
This would allow A/C installations on cars not ordered with, or not available with air, 440 4speeds,all 6Vs, and Hemis.
A friend had a 440-6 Superbird with a dealer-installed unit! He removed it, 'cause his 'bird had an overheating issue.
I've seen many on custom vans and pickups, I think the dealer also saved a few $$$ on the unit, and got to collect for the labor to install.
The ones I've seen all used York style compressors, big and rectangular.
The good news was that many common, parts store components were used, keeping the price down.
So if you want a vintage, or "day two" type look, this is an option for you.
The modern aftermarket stuff I'm sure works better, but doesn't look period under the hood.
There are probably members on this board who would almost give you these parts!
The evaporator hung below the dash, so if you changed your mind, it would be easy to remove later.
Just another option.
Well, right now, I guess my goals are comfort. I'm adding power steering/ brakes, and looking into the possibility of adding air. It may be too much of a hassle, though. It is not super important to add, but it would be nice. Thanks for the input!

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72RoadRunnerGTX
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by 72RoadRunnerGTX » Tue Aug 20, 2013 1:52 am

beepbeep! wrote:If my car did not have factory a/c , the firewall is different? Eek! Can it be modded for it?
Yes and yes.

Non A/C to factory A/C conversion on a current E-body project(same firewall,A/C box).
Image
Last edited by 72RoadRunnerGTX on Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
Image

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by sdweatherman » Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:04 am

ARTEMIS1759 wrote:On these cars, what about the dash then for the AC vents. I know Chevy (Yes sorry to blaspheme on the forum lol, I know more about GM products then anything) has the holes in the metal part of the dash but have the vent holes filled with cubby holes or covered. WHich then they produced two different dash styles, one for AC and one without.
Yes, there are extra air ducts that go under the dash, along with a different dash insert with vents just above the glove box door. It can be done - but you will be doing a lot of parts chasing. Scott.
1971 GY8 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus
1971 GB7 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus w/factory Sunroof
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by moparite » Tue Aug 20, 2013 7:51 am

A friend had a 440-6 Superbird with a dealer-installed unit!
The factory didn't offer AC in 440-6 cars because the air cleaner would hit the ac compressor. I guess he ran the small single air cleaners???

Another thing to think about is R-12 is super $$$ and hard to find. Where you planning or running 134a?

Beepbeep!
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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:19 am

Thinking of duracool, perhaps.

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Re: So......I want to add A/C....

Post by Beepbeep! » Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:20 am

72RoadRunnerGTX wrote:
beepbeep! wrote:If my car did not have factory a/c , the firewall is different? Eek! Can it be modded for it?
Yes and yes.

Non A/C to factory A/C conversion on a current E-body project(same firewall,A/C box).
Image
So, a vintage air for e body's would work on my car, then?

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