64 Dart A/C
On my '64 Valiant, I used an R134a kit from Southern Rods, intended for early Mustangs. The under-dash unit looks a lot like the period aftermarket Veep II unit that was in the car when I got it, and I think it fits right in with the round gauges, knobs, and radio buttons.
The old ARA Veep II looked something like this (not my photo):
The new one:
Took further integrate the looks, I swapped the engine-turned aluminum face for one I made from model railroad scale clapboard siding panels, painted a satin aluminum to match the dash accents. The black plastic knobs don't match the other knibs, so I've replaced one of them with a spare '64 knob, and am looking for one more knob. Not a factory look to those who know, but not jarring either. It looks like it could have been a dealer-installed unit.
The 225 had a York compressor with a shop-made bracket, and Southern Rods didn't list a Slant Six bracket. I called them to order, and they let me get a Sanden-style compressor to York-style bracket adapter instead of the listed brackets for Fords and such. I got a trinary switch on the drier, and use electric fans. I also opted for the biggest parallel-flow condenser I could fit. I left the stock heater/defrost setup in place, but put a cable-operated valve to reduce in-cabin heat.
So, semi-modern guts and vintage-looking interior looks. It cools, it looks good to my eye, and it doesn't overheat. What else do I need?
On my '64 Valiant, I used an R134a kit from Southern Rods, intended for early Mustangs. The under-dash unit looks a lot like the period aftermarket Veep II unit that was in the car when I got it, and I think it fits right in with the round gauges, knobs, and radio buttons.
The old ARA Veep II looked something like this (not my photo):
The new one:
Took further integrate the looks, I swapped the engine-turned aluminum face for one I made from model railroad scale clapboard siding panels, painted a satin aluminum to match the dash accents. The black plastic knobs don't match the other knibs, so I've replaced one of them with a spare '64 knob, and am looking for one more knob. Not a factory look to those who know, but not jarring either. It looks like it could have been a dealer-installed unit.
The 225 had a York compressor with a shop-made bracket, and Southern Rods didn't list a Slant Six bracket. I called them to order, and they let me get a Sanden-style compressor to York-style bracket adapter instead of the listed brackets for Fords and such. I got a trinary switch on the drier, and use electric fans. I also opted for the biggest parallel-flow condenser I could fit. I left the stock heater/defrost setup in place, but put a cable-operated valve to reduce in-cabin heat.
So, semi-modern guts and vintage-looking interior looks. It cools, it looks good to my eye, and it doesn't overheat. What else do I need?
