Classic Auto Air Install Experience
Great write-up by OP - Map63Vette - Thanks for posting. I've read a number of articles and posts about the "Big 3" aftermarket kits all saying the same thing a lot of money for a kit that does NOT fit without some major modifications - engine compressor brackets don't fit or pulleys don't line up - ie: remove / cut glove box - cut new holes in firewall - blocking off passenger side fresh air vent -etc. etc.
I've installed AC i a couple of my A bodies over the years starting with a Sears under dash unit in my new 1973 Dart Sport 340 back in the day. With every one I had to do some type of "bench" engineering to make everything work. I'm just finishing up adding AC to my 1969 Dart GTS. I decided to go in a different direction because spending $2K plus for a complete system that still needs a lot of work to fit / work is not for me. I've decided to use a kit from the outfit below at less than 1/2 the cost. I'm able to fit everything under the dash. I made a modified factory heater control panel with an aftermarket radio face-plate. I'm using a B body fresh air vent for the passenger side. I'm keeping all the original parts so if I ever want to go back to original I can. I have not had to make any new cuts in the firewall or dash to make this work. I'll post more details and photos as I finish up. I also decided to go with the electric AC compressor option to avoid all the "fun" in engine bay with brackets and pulleys. I had upgraded my alternator to a new 150 amp MoPar unit for my after market sound system. You will need to if you want to run the electric AC compressor - they can draw a lot of current that a stock 40 amp alternator won't handle. The car was restored so all the engine and dash wiring is new. I'm keeping everything in the factory wire harnesses original just adding a few extra wires, fuses and relays again with minimal changes under hood. I purchased the below kit that has both AC and a heater core - but I'm not using heat as I live in Florida. If you need to run heater hoses you may have to drill holes in the firewall to fit them through. FWIW.
https://eccautoshop.com/products/ne...ator-compressor-404-heat-cool-rl-elec-harness
Great write-up by OP - Map63Vette - Thanks for posting. I've read a number of articles and posts about the "Big 3" aftermarket kits all saying the same thing a lot of money for a kit that does NOT fit without some major modifications - engine compressor brackets don't fit or pulleys don't line up - ie: remove / cut glove box - cut new holes in firewall - blocking off passenger side fresh air vent -etc. etc.
I've installed AC i a couple of my A bodies over the years starting with a Sears under dash unit in my new 1973 Dart Sport 340 back in the day. With every one I had to do some type of "bench" engineering to make everything work. I'm just finishing up adding AC to my 1969 Dart GTS. I decided to go in a different direction because spending $2K plus for a complete system that still needs a lot of work to fit / work is not for me. I've decided to use a kit from the outfit below at less than 1/2 the cost. I'm able to fit everything under the dash. I made a modified factory heater control panel with an aftermarket radio face-plate. I'm using a B body fresh air vent for the passenger side. I'm keeping all the original parts so if I ever want to go back to original I can. I have not had to make any new cuts in the firewall or dash to make this work. I'll post more details and photos as I finish up. I also decided to go with the electric AC compressor option to avoid all the "fun" in engine bay with brackets and pulleys. I had upgraded my alternator to a new 150 amp MoPar unit for my after market sound system. You will need to if you want to run the electric AC compressor - they can draw a lot of current that a stock 40 amp alternator won't handle. The car was restored so all the engine and dash wiring is new. I'm keeping everything in the factory wire harnesses original just adding a few extra wires, fuses and relays again with minimal changes under hood. I purchased the below kit that has both AC and a heater core - but I'm not using heat as I live in Florida. If you need to run heater hoses you may have to drill holes in the firewall to fit them through. FWIW.
https://eccautoshop.com/products/ne...ator-compressor-404-heat-cool-rl-elec-harness