I thought I’d help out some future builder by sharing my install of Air conditioning in my 1954 Country Squire. the car is powered by a ‘57 - 292 Yblocka and did not come with a heater from the factory. I need both Heat and AC and especially need windshield defrost. I also prefer to have the HVAC up under the dash instead of a unit hanging below the dash. After lots of research and some posts here on the HAMB I decided to use mostly vintage air parts. I bought a kit online that includes most of the components. I’m using the Vintage Air Super Gen II as it was the largest unit that would definitely fit up under the dash, although I’ll loose most of my glove box. It has 2 defrost ports, 4 dash ports and floor heat
You won't be sorry; Vintage Air offers great products and service. The only thing I will caution you on is the lines and crimp on connectors that come with. If I was to do it again, I would either have a pro come out and make the lines right out of the gate or use the stuff that come with to mockup your lines and then take them to someone and have better lines made, particularly on the high-pressure side. I used the tool that VA rents (no charge once it is returned) and thought I made good crimps, but they leaked when charged. I had a mobile AC guy that was referred to me by a diesel mechanic. He does AC repairs on farm equipment and such and had a well-equipped service truck. He had to remake a couple of lines and said the hoses and crimps supplied were not good enough in his opinion. Again, this is just my experience and opinion. Looking forward to your install.
thanks for the advice. There is an industrial hose shop nearby and I just found out an old buddy from high school works there. My plan was to put the lines together and take them there to be crimped. I’ll mention that the lines and fittings are of u known quality and if he recommends not using them I’ll have him make up whatever lines he recommends.
That is a great idea. Don't be too surprised if he upgrades the hose quality. I liked the VA hoses, smooth, take a nice coat of armor all. My installer s****ped them for some fibrous hose, textured, corded. Not the shiny stuff. But he said it would outlive me. I hope that was a good thing?!
The unit is large but we are talking about heating & cooling a station wagon, and I am well aware that some sacrifices have to be made to mount everything under the dash, the glove compartment takes a hit in size but is big enough for a pair of gloves. HRP
I’m starting to plan out lines, and I’m thinking about using these hard lines to go from then condenser to the dryer which will both be mounted in front of the rad support. has anyone used these? How are they to work with? Do they bend easily? https://vintageair.com/hose-kits-and-fittings/u-bend-em-lines/
I think they are neat and tidy, even seen them polished or plated on low riders and such. I can tell you that I could have never used them in the 40 PU. Maybe if it had a SBC but the damn Hemi made even routing flex lines a nightmare.
I stuck with the tried and trued when I ean the heat & air hoses on our Ranch Wagon, I shy away from hard lines due to how rough our roads are and vibration can cause a crack. HRP
Lots of setbacks so far. I found a deal on an alternator/compressor bracket for a thunderbird. It turns out that bracket will not work on my wagon because I have a car engine and not a thunderbird engine. I didn’t know they were different. I managed to get the proper bracket but the compressor and alternator I have don’t fit lol. What an adventure
Never used them, but designed mobile HVAC systems for a good part of my engineering career. You can use hard lines for sure between any two fixed components where there will be no movement between the two. Only issue is that you will have to be exact with dimensions so beads for o-rings are parallel with mating fittings. Any misalignment and chances you’ll have a leak if you try to “force” lines to fit properly. Best if you have slots to mount the dryer to allow for some play for misalignment. Cleanliness is also super critical. Think operating room clean. Keep all components capped until needed. Even small bits of contamination on o-rings can cause leaks. Do not over tighten o-ring fittings. Suction lines in engine compartment should be insulated for maximum performance. Just a few tips.
The bird set up accommodates the water pump spacer, which is required by the long damper to clear the front crossmember. Someone on here put a VA on his 56, and he found a bracket to mount the compressor low, under the alternator on the p*** side head. I think it was Jimmy six. If you’re better with the search function than me, you might find it. He also has a neat solution for the vents under the dash.
I’ve read Jimmy Six’s post on AC and it was very helpful! I think I’ve read every thread on AC here on the HAMB by now and as always they are extremely informative and helpful.
I need to find this Jimmy Six post as I want to install AC on mine and would prefer the compressor to be mounted under the alternator. Keep the updates coming. It is motivating me to get started with mine.
I am following as I am starting to piece together my AC system for my 57 wagon. Slightly different route than you are taking. As I am using a 58 and later Y block set up and an original under dash unit. My only real question now is R12 or 134? It is a wagon and 12 WILL COOL/FREEZE YOU out of the car. Now about the back seat....... Mike
Here’s Jimmy Six’s post on AC https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1956-air-conditioning.1209217/
I got the new/correct alternator/compressor bracket installed. It’s a nice piece but for the money they charge they could have put some paint on it. We had one warm day and I used that to spray some black paint on it. It’s setup for a GM 1wire alternator so my 3G doesn’t quite fit.
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