Getting AC in a non-AC car?
#1
Getting AC in a non-AC car?
Hey, seeing as I don't own an Olds (yet) this is purely hypothetical, but is it possible to get air conditioning in a car which is didn't have it from factory, and in that case what kind of cost/labor are we talking about? Too much to even bother?
#3
Take a look at Vintage Air and Old Air Products. They both make AC units that fit under the dash and look almost factory. I believe they are combination AC and heat. I think the units are probably over $1,000 and there is installation. They are pretty state of the art. They also make under dash units that used to be referred to as hank down units that are just AC.
#6
Also be aware that the aftermarket A/C vendors sell under-dash A/C-only units (like the old Mark IV from the 1960s) which are much easier to install if you don't mind that huge box under the dash.
#7
Thanks for all the replies. Would be looking for an in-dash unit. I'm sure installation costs are quite a bit, but $1000-1300 plus that doesn't sound too bad. Even worth considering to replace the old AC in an AC car for a daily driver, then.
#8
If you are swapping from a parts car with A/C to a non-A/C car, it's a few days of work and some minor firewall fabrication.
The aftermarket options are available, but they look... aftermarket.
- Eric
The aftermarket options are available, but they look... aftermarket.
- Eric
#9
Z - You say you are not an owner yet, so what cars are on your shopping list? Olds was a premium GM brand, so by the mid-sixties a fairly high percentage of the cars were optioned with AC. Repairing or retro-fitting a car that came with AC will be easier for sure, plus may already have other needed items like a bigger radiator and alternator.
#10
Z - You say you are not an owner yet, so what cars are on your shopping list? Olds was a premium GM brand, so by the mid-sixties a fairly high percentage of the cars were optioned with AC. Repairing or retro-fitting a car that came with AC will be easier for sure, plus may already have other needed items like a bigger radiator and alternator.
#11
You'll probably be well ahead of the game to start with an A/C car. There are a lot of them out there, especially in the South/Southwest. Why add $2K to your budget, when it won't cost you that much to just start off with what you actually want?
#13
Alright, so I have seen a few cars that say they are A/C from the factory but the components are no longer there. I was told that you can get components now that are better than what they were back then, but being overseas old US cars remain fairly exotic, and therefore general knowledge around them is just as scarce. Would it be difficult for a DYI newbie to get such a car to blow cold air fairly easily?
I assume vintage air would be the way to go for the actual parts, but I can't really rely on making any repairs or modifications to a car in the states when my car is in Europe.
Also, thanks a bunch for all the replies, guys.
I assume vintage air would be the way to go for the actual parts, but I can't really rely on making any repairs or modifications to a car in the states when my car is in Europe.
Also, thanks a bunch for all the replies, guys.
Last edited by Zrzoun; July 12th, 2015 at 06:41 AM.
#14
I put a complete system in from Old Air Products in my 64 F-85 Pro-Touring build. I wore a guy named Clint out there with the phone calls and e-mail. They were great with helping me. They also will modify your stock heat, temp and defrost cables and blower switch to work with the modern system. It was a challenge, never installed one, but I also never built a complete "nut and bolt" Pro-Touring car either.
#18
I think all the aftermarket units will perform similarly. If you want a stock system, starting with an A/C car is the best bet as others have stated. If you want aftermarket, I would visit some of the vendor sites and try to see what install you can tackle on your own. I'm going to be doing a Vintage Air install on my car this summer. I know you can find their instructions online.
#19
I have the Old Air System
Just installed a month ago in my 66 442. It was more than I could handle
alone so I got some help. They were extremely helpful and the system works great. Its a hot one today here in NJ and we were cool as cucumbers inside![Smile](https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
ps... I called all the manufacturers and Old Air by far was the most helpful
alone so I got some help. They were extremely helpful and the system works great. Its a hot one today here in NJ and we were cool as cucumbers inside
![Smile](https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
ps... I called all the manufacturers and Old Air by far was the most helpful
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