Anyone done a factory install or should I just go with an aftermarket system like Vintage Air?

Which is easiest?

 

I've done neither factory nor aftermarket but aftermarket has to be FAR less difficult. That being said factory is well... factory. I wouldn't consider trying factory without a complete system from a donor car.

 

Yeah the more I thought about it, especially with this car and the many vacuum lines and actuators, it would probably be a nightmare trying to install factory ac in a complete car.

 

I don't know if you'd have much luck finding a complete '62 A/C system and as noted, that's what you'd need, otherwise you'd be all over North America scouring for parts.

I see a call to Vintage Air in your future.

 

Aftermarket AC was common back in that car's day. I think Mark IV was a common one. Factory AC became "standard fare" around 1970 in the northeast.

 

The EASIEST is to install an under-dash aftermarket A/C unit like the Mark IV mentioned above. Vintage Air sells a version of these. The stand-alone A/C installs without touching the OEM heater/defroster system. If you choose an integrated aftermarket system you need to pull the dash to remove the stock heater/defroster, and you need to get an A/C dash for the vents. The under-dash unit won't cool as well as an integrated unit, but it's an order of magnitude easier to install.

 

Yeah I didn't think it through before asking.
I've been looking at the under dash units. Easier the better. It's only for when the wife doesn't want to mess up her hair and it's hot outside.
Otherwise it's the 6 60 unit for me.