Sugesstions please. I HAVE to have some sort of AC here in Louisiana.
Which way:

1. Build piece by piece original factory system.
2. "Hang down" underdash kit like Vintage Air
3. Aftermarket behind dash kit.

Thanks for advice
-the REV

 

[quote=BLESSEDBYGOD;69447]Sugesstions please. I HAVE to have some sort of AC here in Louisiana. /quote]

No kidd'in

Just how HOT is it Rev?

Sorry can't help ya with this one. All of mine came with it. Thank goodness.

 

Let's just say it's pretty easy to talk'em out of Hell when you make'em think about everyday there being hotter than Louisiana in August.......

 

Can't help you with the details but let me know what you decide. I'm removing every original Factory 1969 Cutlass A/C Part from my Car tommorow. I have all original parts. I'm going Hot Rod and don't want the A/C in the way.

 

Depends on what you want. The factory system is the most work to install but you know it will fit and function properly and operate with the factory control head. The behind the dash system looks cleanest (you can get heat as well as A/C, so the heater box on the firewall goes away) but requires fabrication to make brackets for the Olds motor and A/C control panel. The under-dash system is by far the easiest to install if the least attractive.

 

Aftermarket as I understand ( no direct knowledge ) needs few modifications structurally. If you go factory, you will need to get the firewall section that supports the airbox, and graft it in. If you are a decent body man and welder, it should not be a huge deal, but won't be peanuts either. depending on how fancy you want to get about it, it could get to be fairly extensive quick though.

 

I like this under dash unit, it's pretty "cool". It looks like it's from back then and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Anything else requires major surgery, it just need a few brackets and a couple of holes. My cars both have factory AC too.

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ac/gm-ac-kits-51.php

 

What about the freon issue? What are we going to have to do to use 134 instead of r22 in our OEM systems? Aftermarket systems are ready to go with the new stuff as I understand

 

The aftermarket setups should be ready for r134 but make sure first.
The factory system can be set up for 134 also while it is being assembled. It will not cost much to do so while it is apart. Mainly, the hoses will need replacing (if 40 years old, should be replaced regardless), condenser and evap flushed, compressor oil flushed & changed, different size charging valves added, and POA / SVT / VIR recalibrated for r134. The latter can be done at classic auto air.
With R12 getting harder to come by, any costly complete conversion should go towads r134, despite myself not being a fan of the newer stuff...

 

Like Rob said any newer system will have to use R134a instead of R12. I converted a 90 Buick Estate Wagon from R12 to R134a. It worked well even though I didn't recalibrate the orifice tube, evaporator, or condensor. It didn't blow quite as cold as it would have with R12, but it was still cold enough to be chilly in the middle of summer.