I just acquired a 67 Vista Cruiser with a 330 engine. Is there an aftermarket a/c system to fit my car? I don't care what brand or if it is an under dash unit? Are there compressor brackets to bolt it to the engine?
Thanks.

 

All 1964-1990 Olds V8s are virtually identical in external dimensions and accessory attach points. The only real difference is the tall deck motors (400, 425, and 455), which can affect brackets that span from the block to the head. In your case, anything that fits an Olds 350 also bolts to an Olds 330. Other than the bore, they are exactly the same motor. Classic Auto Air makes a really nice bracket to mount a Sanden compressor on an Olds motor. Note that it is not shown on their website - you have to call them. I've got one on my Delta 88 and I'm very happy with it.

I'm not sure about the under dash part. Obviously the car uses the same HVAC parts as the 64-67 Chevelles, but if you want to use the stock dash controls you'll need to fabricate to mate to the Olds control head. Of course the dash vents and ducting is unique to the Olds.

 

Thanks I am a dyed in the wool Chevy guy but I have always loved the Vista cruisers. I didn't know the 330s were the same externally as the 350.

 

Joe, I think what he was talking about when he mentioned under dash air is what used to be called hang down air that you could have installed it Sears or Wards back in the day. That is what I have in my 54 with a Sanden compressor using R134. My under dash unit it a Frigiking that I bought on ebay. He should be able to mount his compressor. get a new condenser and replace the expansion valve, make up some hoses, charge the system and be good to go. Nice looking car Toocool.

 

I'm a strong proponent of Vintage Air stuff. I have one of the Generation II Air/Heat/Defrost behind the dash units in my non-Olds. I also just purchased a heat and defrost only unit for my Daily Driver/Beater Wagon project.

Lots of their units are universal and can be made to fit a bunch of different applications.

They also offer Sure-Fit Kits to easily fit most of the more popular makes and models. Based on what Joe says about your car sharing the same platform for the mid 60s Chevelles, this kit could work rather well.

https://www.vintageair.com/surefit/c...4&model=Malibu

Or they also offer a variety of under dash units that look like the older dealer installed units.

 

I'm sure modern units are more efficient, but I get a kick out of reviving old A/C systems.

Some years ago I snatched one of these from a 1968 Jeep Wagoneer at a junkyard and installed it in my '63 Jeep J300 (same dash). I used a sanden compressor, modern condenser and plumbing. I charged it with R152A.




It doesn't cool like a modern unit, but I think it is very cool

And on hot days.... How glorious it is!

I'm in the process of reviving the Confortron in my '66 Toronado. It has been challenging, but I think I'm winning the battle over the beast

 

Is the your Vista Cruiser a factory ac car?

 

No, non a/c.

 

There are some pretty cool (pun intended) reproduction underdash kits out there.

 

I talked with Classic Auto air about a/c for my Vista Cruiser, they have compressor brackets for a 350 engine but I have to source the other brackets to relocate the alternator on my 330. Are these brackets available new? Can I buy 350 brackets and do everything? What all do I need? They recommend the "Custom Colder" unit for my large car but I will have to use universal type controls.
All help is greatly appreciated.

 

So your needing to put the alternator on the drivers side, correct? Both the 330 and 350 had brackets to put the alternator on the drivers side for factory AC cars. The most common would be for the 350 and there's a couple different designs they used. If you post a parts wanted thread I'm sure you'll get a couple members here offering one up.

I've got a couple of the under dash AC setups like redoldsman described, likely late 1960's early 70's vintage. If you wanted to go that route I could take some pictures for you of what I've got. John

 

I would appreciated the pics of what you have.
Do I need to relocate the PS pump also? So all I need are the alt brackets for an a/c car?

 

Keep in mind that the 64-67 cars use the high-mount PS pump with the large round reservoir. The OP needs to use the correct 330 driver side alternator brackets. Using a 350 bracket would mean changing the PS pump and brackets to the low-mount 68-up style in addition to changing the alternator bracket. Don't forget that either way requires the correct length water pump and matching pulleys to avoid belt misalignment.

This is the 1964-67 style.



This is the 68-up style.

 

Ahh... I didn't think about the 330 power steering pump. That mounts right where the 350 brackets would go. You'll need both the AC alternator brackets and the power steering for a 330. I may have a photo of these, I'll look and see if I can come up with it. I still believe posting a parts wanted thread will get you a set, but it will cost a little more as you'll need both brackets. The early 400 and 425 brackets may work too, but I'm not positive of that. John

 

Your right Joe. I had a brain fart and forgot about the 64-67 power steering pump.

 

Thanks Joe, I placed an ad. I borrowed your picture.