Road Runner Nest

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

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

The heater box is different also.

Yes,almost everything was different, fans,shrouds, radiators, windows, sometimes suspensions,even the fire walls had the holes already stamped out before hand.

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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).

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.

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?

Thinking of duracool, perhaps.

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).

So, a vintage air for e body's would work on my car, then?