What A/C are you guys running, in 56 Mercurys or even 55-56 ford? I imagine the Ford is close enough.
Vintage Air in my 56 Ranch Wagon. When I got mine they didn't have a specific kit for 56 Fords but they had all the pieces you just have to make your own hoses, no premade hoses. They have a kit to replace the cables on original heater control with electric switches for the Fords, not sure about Mercurys. I got mine at a large swap meet from Affordable Street Rods. Vintage Air also had a booth there but didn't sell to public. They helped me piece it together and suggested Affordable Street Rods. Both were very helpful in answering my questions and getting me set up and I'm happy with what I have. I researched Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air and I think either would be good. If you have any large shows/swap meets coming up in your area they both travel and setup booths if you want to see and talk to someone in person. If you look up their websites they list the shows they will be at.
Vintage Air for the compressor/alternator mount. Old Air Products under the dash because the VA unit I wanted would not allow removal of the radio. Interior vents by both companies and I made the vents/electronic controller mounting panel.
I don’t know about a wagon with seats and folks riding but a friend has a 56 Courier that will cool everything on medium fan using an Old Air Products Hurricane. Granted it doesn’t have side windows that add extra heat to a car but it was because of him I used the OAP.
Nobody has ridden back there yet but I do have vents coming out the rear of the center console between the front bucket seats.
That is definitely what to do if you added bucket seat and center console. With 4 ducts on most aftermarket AC behind the dash evaporator there is no reason not to feed a vent to the rear seat area even when no one is back there. I helps cool the entire seating area better. 3 ducts are enough for the front seating..
I have not had any back seat riders so I do not know I know on low fan an medium temp it will almost run you out of the front seat it gets so cold
I have the Gen IV in mine as well. Works great, especially the heater. I will say their instructions are written for someone who is totally familiar with A/C installs. I had more difficulty figuring out their wiring than I did my 4.6 with 90 something wires! I'd be curious what others thought of the install instructions. I don't want to be unfair to Vintage Air.
Even thou I paid to have the electronic controlled Old Air Products Hurricane installed I’ve had it out and disconnected and it seemed pretty easy. All the plugs were slightly different and couldn’t be mixed up. The wires are all too long and needed a tyrap or two but I’m guessing that’s common. VA has a great reputation and you would think after all this time fool proof.
Rich, I had no problems with instruction for the Gen IV I put in my 55 Sunliner. But I am not as technically advanced as you. The instructions my be for dummies.
Vintage Air in my 56 but I would prefer what @jimmy six did. I have a working Town and Country radio I have had since 1966 that my best friend totally redid and I can't use it.
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