This thread got me to wondering... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4267612#post4267612 I know all the folks out in California, where hot rodding was "born", live in constant 70 degree weather and have no need for A/C. But down here it is hot as Hell. Historically, A/C is the first thing to go on a hot rod, but how often was it retained, or even added? I'm sure more than one Southerner got sick of sweating and wanted to make riding in a "hot" rod more enjoyable.
I know all the folks out in California, where hot rodding was "born", live in constant 70 degree weather and have no need for A/C. 102 here in SoCal today
It was between 99 and a 106 today in Southern California....I just bought AC for my 51 two weeks ago....I dont care if its traditional or not I like to be comfortable.
They are calling for 113 here in Phoenix on Friday,it has been a brutal July and August constant heat advisories lately,so look what's going in my '54 Ford project! Next summer I cruise in comfort! $50 craigslist special! this is a 65-66 Mustang unit.
It was over 100 here today. Even on the 110 degree days, I still drive my '57. Cause..well..I'd be walking without it! Haha. Not having a A/C is okay, it's the heat that comes up from the engine and into the car that kills me. lol.
Will the compressor and other pieces that came with that type hang on work with 134a? Kits were sold by everyone from Ford to JC Penny years ago, and I occasionally run across them today. This thread made me wonder if they can still be used. Also, are the blend referigerents on the market any good? I have an O/T 70s car that still has an operating Freon 12 system and local ac shops will no longer work on it and will not convert it. Is the blend referigerent an alternative?
In Arizona they call it a dry heat aka feels like you are in a giant pizza oven. Next, down South in Brownsville, Texas HOT HUMID 24/7 aka feels like you are in a steam room....yes there is a difference.
So, getting back to the original question, I wouldn't mind seeing some A/C cars from way back as well.
Very few Australian cars came with factory 'air' until the late 70's. My English Triumph (1978) didn't have it either, so I bought an old aftermarket underdash unit off Ebay and installed air in my car. The aircon bloke used the original underdash fans and coils, (after giving them a good clean out of 30+ years of crud) and everything else was brand new. Compressor, hoses, all the bits and pieces were the latest technology, only the bit you could see inside the car was 'traditional' if you want to call it that. OK, just found some pics... In the underhood pic, you can just see the compressor under the battery, and the filter thingy just behind the strut tower. The engine had a double pulley on it already, so I didn't have to swap. The only problem with this setup is the fan blows straight into the p***enger's kneecaps, and believe you me, this system was ****** cold! The only other issue was the early fans draw a lot of power, and would flatten the battery if run on high for a long time. Cheers, Glen.
There is no problem doing this at all,I put and old R12 underdash unit and compressor etc. in a '65 Chev pickup used the Autozone 134a conversion kit,no problem.You will have to have the old system evacuated before changing the fittings and charging up with 134a.For information on a Ford underdash unit and accessories,45 pages and lots of pictures in the catalog contact:Cl***ic Auto Air (813) 254-7419 on a side note I bought the 134a at Wal-Mart and they have a regular 134a and a newer synthetic formula which I tried $2 more a can put cooling is improved a fair amount.I don't understand why the locals won't do the conversion,they will get the more expensive R12 when they do the evac and changing the fittings is a 20 minute or less job,maybe some goofy regulation from the "green" wackos.
110 in saugus today with about 30% humidity the heat and low humidity really help with spraying this new water base **** we have now
92 in San Jose today. I'll be in Rocklin tomorrow and it's been hovering around 100. I'd like to put A/C in the Tbird....however the $1300 is a little out of my range right now
the g***er (street freak) is stayin in the shop because its coolin down to about 103 today,trad or not it will have A/C next year...........
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