Aftermarket A/C

JoseyWales said
I am running a 318 in the 65 dart. The wife says for her to ride with me in the summer its going to need a/c. I am basically after a unit that is complete and easy to install. I have a 66 parts car that is factory a/c, I had thought about a swap but that sure seems like alot of work.

Since I had a complete factory air setup from a 66 Dart that I parted out, I decided to add "factory air" to my 65 GT. I cut the firewall out of the 66 to use in the 65. After really comparing the AC and non-AC firewalls, the real major difference was the size of the blower motor opening since AC cars use a bigger blower motor. Lesser issues were the openings for the AC lines and mounting holes for the housings. Decided the best way to mount everything was to install the underdash units first before tackling the blower area. I made a template for all the holes, double checked everything several times and drilled the firewall for the mounting holes and used the appropriate size hole saws for the AC lines (2 different size holes). Then I cut enough of the firewall so the AC blower would fit thru the firewall. Bolt the units in place then carefully fit a large enough section of the blower AC firewall to my non-AC firewall. Once I was satisfied everything fit properly, the transplanted section of firewall for the blower was welded in place. Both underdash units mount and fit like they were born with AC. The only other issue I've found is the junction block area for the wiring. Non-AC cars were mounted vertically - factory AC cars were horizontal. I've fit my wiring harness but it's a real tight fit, so am going to change the opening to horizontal. Yes it all can be a little work, but it will all look factory and all factory parts will fit as advertised. Would I do it again - I'm a glutton for punishment - starting to do the same thing on a 65 Dart wagon (wife said she has to have air in the summer - late model cars/vans have sure spoiler her lol)

The hardest thing to find was the 65 dash bezel for factory air - the 66 is totally different, making the 65 a one year only deal.