So I just bought a '62 T-Bird without A/C, and down here in Texas during the summers we need it. Vintage Air is pretty much outta the question due to price. Has anyone ever swapped in the A/C system out of another car? how hard is it? The main parts are the compressor, condensor and evaporator right? So could I goto a junkyard and pull out the whole A/C kit and kabooble out of a late model and shoehorn it into the Bird? Thanks guys.
If a 62 is anything like a 64, put in an underdash unit. The 64's have a myriad of vacuum hoses, the evaporator box is different, the dash is different, wiring, etc... A real nightmare to go with a stock swap. But its not impossible, and has been done before. Good luck!!!
If swapping parts from a like year and model, it's usually not THAT big of a job. A buddy of mine years ago robbed all the AC parts off of a junkyard Maverick and installed them into his Maverick, which wasn't originally equipped with AC. By the time he was done, it looked factory original and worked great...cost him under fifty bucks, too! You will probably have to drill and cut a few holes of various shapes and sizes to accomodate your new lines, vents, controls and such, but it ain't rocket science. Another option might be to locate a more "universal" under-dash AC unit, such as was a popular dealer installed item on many cars throughout the 60s and use that. You will need an AC compressor and the brackets, pulleys and belts needed to mount it to your engine, and a condensor to mount in front of tha radiator. You will also need an accumulator and dryer, and the various lines and hoses with appropriate schrader valves for charging. You can scrounge some of these parts and even a line or two from local junkyards...and custom AC hoses and lines can be made by various automotive suppliers...we have a local auto parts store here that does custom AC and power steering lines. The under-dash add-on is a little simpler as far as mods inside the car, as they are generally self-contained units hung from the dash with the lines plumbed through the firewall. To install factory looking AC, you will have to do far more disassembly, and possibly even dash removal to do it correctly, but the results will be well worth the effort...giving you a clean and sanitary look! Either way will cool you off...just depends on how much work you're willing to do to get there!
Thanks guys, good info. I was thinking about swapping in the system out of a newer car though, I though parts from a suburban would be cool, with the seperate front and rear evaporator? is that what its called? I'm sure that would put out alot of air too.
All automotive AC systems operate on the same basic principles...swapping in newer OEM stuff from another vehicle is not out of the question. You still need a compressor mounted securely to engine, and the appropriate other parts...but system design and layout is up to you to some degree. I'd also recommend that you set up your system to use R-134 insted of the old R-12, as R-12 is VERY costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase! Older systems can use R-134, and since you're starting from scratch building a system for your car, it's a no-brainer to set it up for the newer refigerant and oil charge.
[ QUOTE ] I'd also recommend that you set up your system to use R-134 insted of the old R-12, as R-12 is VERY costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase! Older systems can use R-134, and since you're starting from scratch building a system for your car, it's a no-brainer to set it up for the newer refigerant and oil charge. [/ QUOTE ] I'll second that!
Not to curb your desire to put AC in your car, but I just wanted to let you know that you had better be prepared. I have added AC in-dash units and it was the hardest thing of all do to for me. No room, countless hours of planning and standing on your head, issues of coolant leaks in areas that you can't access. A real PIA. Be sure to install new O rings and seals if you decide to use a used system and oil the rings and seals or they will dry out very quickly and leak. Good Luck, You'll need it.
Hack said most of it, but here is my $.02 worth: Look at Jeeps for a nice easy underdash type set-up that was factory. Keep your stock heater and defrost in place. Scrounge junkyard for the brackets and compressor. Get a new parallel flow condenser, you need as big as you can fit, the parallel flow is more efficient to help with R-134a which needs bigger condenser capacity. Add an electric pusher fan in front of the condenser. Make custom lines as needed. Get a new receiver/dryer. Flush the old parts out to remove any old oil. Pull a good vacuum before charging about 1 hour and then let sit for about 2 hours under vacuum, making sure it does not have a leak. Charge by pressure using gages on both high and low sides. Sit back and enjoy the cold air.
I have power air in my 40 GMC. I adapted a FOrd power window motor to the crank out windshield mechanism so I just hit a switch in the glovebox...Power air!
Thanks for the help guys, especially you DrJ, that was enlightening My first idea was actually to use a jeep unit, since I have a jeep and it does look pretty compact, but in my jeep the volume of air it blows is pretty pitiful so I kinda ruled that out (of course my jeep is a POS, so that may be why) Rest****ured if this ever happens and if it works there will be a tech post for it! Anyone else have good info?
"Factory Air" 1961-63 T-Bird: System: $1,195.00 Part # (134a) 20-279 (R-12)_20-276 Evaporator kit: $575.00 Part # 1-1075 Uses original heater control panel.
[ QUOTE ] Thanks guys, good info. I was thinking about swapping in the system out of a newer car though, I though parts from a suburban would be cool, with the seperate front and rear evaporator? is that what its called? I'm sure that would put out alot of air too. [/ QUOTE ] The suburban rears have a bad tendency to leak.
You can get a basic one complete from Southern AIR- www.southernrodsandparts.com? it is a hang on with compressor hose and unit dryer etc...700 dollars or there abouts. worth it Id recommend that over a scrounged setup-Ive done both and for ease of install and peaceOmind of having clear cut instructions, Id say that the new is definitely the way to go.
About Southern Air: I have heard more than one person say that their systems rarely last more than one season before going belly-up. And this is from people that were all buddy-buddy with the dudes at Southern Rods & Parts! I know of at least 3 systems that got replaced with Vintage Air or Air-Tique within a year of the original installation. Buyer beware, I suppose. I have heard good things about Vintage, Air-Tique, and Hot Rod Air, tho. I have a Vintage Air system in my car (had to to get the wife to ride w/ me!), and it's OK.
Cool guys, thanks for all the help, I'll have to wait awhile to see how the money situation goes, I'd like a bolt in kit (not very trad ) but I may not have the $$$$$. [ QUOTE ] Not to change the subject, but I'm suprised you didn't get the Buick down the street. What happened [/ QUOTE ] Went over to the guys house to do a more thorough inspection, he yanked the whole front crossmember outta the '76 olds or whatever the engine was from and arc welded it in there, however the crossmember was a little too short for the framerails so he had to bridge the gap with what looked like hunks of scrap. very shotty. I didn't want to have to fix someone elses bad work to feel safe driving it I still love that bodystyle though!
Flexi, I think you should keep an eye on Ebay and what not and find a factory unit if at all possible. If not enderdash units work great my Gramps has them in all his cars.
take it from somebody that owned one, DON'T*****ING BUY ONE!!!!!!!! I wouldn't put one in if they gave me the unit AND $700 again. the owner has the WORSE customer service attitude i have EVER had the misfortune of dealing with,absolutely no*****ing help whatsoever. if yer gonna spend the bucks, spend it on something worth the trouble of putting in(air-tique would be my 1st choice followed by V.A.)
I don't know what brand they are, but I've been seeing complete under dash setups with everything for $400 at the swap meets around here. Don't know if ythey are any good but the price sure caught my eye and they are R 134. I'm gonna check next time to see what brand they are.
The 65-66 Mustangs had a nice looking under dash unit from the factory. I don't know what they cost, but they're not that hard to find.
[ QUOTE ] The 65-66 Mustangs had a nice looking under dash unit from the factory. I don't know what they cost, but they're not that hard to find. [/ QUOTE ] I saw a couple of the on tha bay, but looked kinda small to cool off the big bird, I'm looking for MASSIVE AIRFLOW!!! haha, thanks for all the help guys, I'll post if I get anything worked out.
I run a 63 Ford underdash unit in my 46 Ford coupe, Sanden compressor,134,aftermarket brackets. It blows super cold ,but the fan is a 3 speed if it was a 5 speed it would be perfect. I haven't had a single problem with it in 5 years. I have under $500 in mine. 250 - compressor and bracket 100 - hose kit - borrowed crimping tools 75 - odds and ends including valve 20 A/C unit at swap meet Evaporator was ordered extra on Walker radiator - 580 Classic Auto Air's catalog was a big help.
Air Conditioning??? Damn... I have 5 cars now and only one has that. You have the jeep right? You don't need a/c in the old one.
<font color="red">I could use some air-conditioning..it is hot as HELL in my house. R E D M E A T </font>
Flexi, There's a retro-fit A/C company in Ft.Worth. I can't remember the name but it is something like cool-air or something. Also if you decide to piece one together visit McCain's A/C at LBJ and 75 behind TI. They won't install it, but they have every single fitting you could possibly need. They also build hoses cheap. Ask for Mark. He'll help you figure out a way to get it to work and work well. Tell him george sent ya. Here's the number 972-669-0669
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