Adding A/C

Steve Wike · July 16th, 2009, 09:09 PM

Well...This might be a dumb question, but can you add A/C to a '70 Cutlass that didn't come with it to begin with....and, how "difficult" will it be (cost and labor)wise to do it? Curious...

2blu442 · July 16th, 2009, 11:11 PM

Hi Steve
Yes you can, but it's not easy. Everything is a bolt on with the exception of the hole in the firewall. The AC setup has a larger opening. I know a couple people on this site have looked into aftermarket to avoid cutting the firewall, which may require pulling the engine for access. Try the search option to find other threads discussing this swap. John

442scotty · July 17th, 2009, 04:55 AM

I have one 65 442 with factory AC and I added factory AC to another 65 Cutlass...Basically if you want to add a factory setup the easiest way is to buy a donor car. It will save a lot of running around for parts believe me. You can use the donor firewall as a template.

Olds64 · July 17th, 2009, 11:19 AM

I have given this some thought. I figured that an AC system from a mid 80s full sized Buick, Olds, or Pontiac with a 307 would easily fit on any earlier Olds motor. The brackets should be the same, shouldn't they? Once you get the compressor mounted to the engine all you have to do is mount the condensor in front of the radiator and run the high and low pressure hoses. The hardest part would be setting up an air plenum with an evaporator.

Of course, you could always purchase an aftermarket system.

July 16th, 2009, 09:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Steve Wike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 16	Adding A/C Well...This might be a dumb question, but can you add A/C to a '70 Cutlass that didn't come with it to begin with....and, how "difficult" will it be (cost and labor)wise to do it? Curious...

July 16th, 2009, 11:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
2blu442 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 2,256	Hi Steve Yes you can, but it's not easy. Everything is a bolt on with the exception of the hole in the firewall. The AC setup has a larger opening. I know a couple people on this site have looked into aftermarket to avoid cutting the firewall, which may require pulling the engine for access. Try the search option to find other threads discussing this swap. John __________________ 1964 Cutlass Factory 4spd 1965 442 4spd 1967 442 Auto 1967 Cutlass Convertible 1967 Cutlass four door daily driver 1968 442 Auto 1969 442 W30 Auto 1970 442 4spd 1971 Cutlass Flat Top Wagon 1973 Che*vy 3/4 Ton 454/TH400 Tow Vehicle Only the tow vehicle is finished!

July 17th, 2009, 11:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	I have given this some thought. I figured that an AC system from a mid 80s full sized Buick, Olds, or Pontiac with a 307 would easily fit on any earlier Olds motor. The brackets should be the same, shouldn't they? Once you get the compressor mounted to the engine all you have to do is mount the condensor in front of the radiator and run the high and low pressure hoses. The hardest part would be setting up an air plenum with an evaporator. Of course, you could always purchase an aftermarket system. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

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July 17th, 2009, 04:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
442scotty Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 228	I have one 65 442 with factory AC and I added factory AC to another 65 Cutlass...Basically if you want to add a factory setup the easiest way is to buy a donor car. It will save a lot of running around for parts believe me. You can use the donor firewall as a template.