Retro Fit Factory A/C into Original non-A/C 1968 Barracuda Convertible
I am researching engines again while the body and paint work move along. Anyone have input and experience of what I'll need to source/do to accommodate a factory A/C set-up from a Slant 6 with A/C for my car orignal car that did not have A/C?
I did it once on an A-body, with a same-year/same-motor parts car providing every single needed part, and (sometimes I'm a little slow to learn) I did it again on a Dodge pickup, that time with the factory's own kit for installing dаmn-near-original A/C in a truck not built with it—so there again, all needed parts right there in the box.
In both cases, it was a
much bigger, more difficult, more expensive job than it seemed like it would be, and the results were underwhelming. Even though I had all the parts ready to go. Even though I had hyper-detailed knowledge of just about every aspect of all the parts and systems in question, and did everything as rightly as could be.
Twice was enough to finally get the lesson through my greasy skull; I do not recommend trying to retrofit factory A/C.
If you go ahead with an A/C install of any kind, be advised making an effective job of it means more than taking parts out a box or off a car and bolting them in/on. See
here and
here (the successful job I describe there was the install of a '64
aftermarket under-dash aircon in my '62 Lancer).
Your car and your choice, of course, but I mean…it's a convertible, eh!
