1967 CPE adding AC, difficulty level?

[TxFrog1999]

It looks like I've found two good prospects for my first classic, but while both are currently residing in Texas it looks like neither one has AC. This won't work when Summer hits, so I was looking around at prices for a complete AC kit, and Dallas Mustang seems to have one for around $900, but being new to Classics I was curious if:

1 ) Is that a good price for an AC kit
2 ) How hard is something like this to install in a 1967 that came stock without AC?

(BTW I tried searching for this topic but AC is too short and conditioning is too long for the search feature... go figure, so I'm sorry if this gets asked a lot)

 

[mtbdoc]

I'm adding A/C to my '66. After hearing a lot of problems with both the Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air, I was unsure of what to do...until I came across these folks: http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/ford-mustang-65-73.php

I ordered the in-car unit only, as I have A/C parts from the '89 donor car I'm using for engine, driveline, etc. The unit is quite compact, appears well constructed, and looks to be well designed. The underdash vents look a bit cheesy, as do all of the aftermarket kits.

I can't tell you about performance yet; it'll be a couple of months before the car is complete (and it's too cold to see how well it works, anyway!).

 

[STSFCTN67]

Go with the Classic Auto air indash setup. I am using some of their parts to upgrade my original indash setup but these guys have great customer service and from what I have researched on their indash setup, it is a real quality product. Call for a catalog and you will see what I mean.

 

[D.Hearne]

What's wrong with the good old fashioned 2-70 air?

 

[69 302/351c]

Well, I started putting a Vintage Air system in my 69/302 coupe last November and I still have a ton of work left to do. They don't make a sure-fit kit for a 69 so I put together a best-fit accumulation of their parts. Everything I have installed so far has had to be modified. Machined the crank pulley, extended the compressor bracket, trimmed the compressor to clear the Monte Carlo bar, had to go to an electric fan for clearance etc. Since I have so much "stuff" under the hood, remote oil filter, trans filter, trans cooler, wider than stock alumimum radiator and I didn't want to relocate the battery or give up my windshield washer, adding the drier, condensor and routing the lines and all the wiring and relays was a PITA.

Now I'm working inside, redid a non A/C dash to accept the center vent, replacing the passenger side firewall to give me a place to mount my bulkhead fitting and routing ductwork.

The most time consuming project so far was the placement of the controls. My initial plan was to put them in the center bezel where the originals were. Nope, not enough room with the radio so had to go to the glove box. Since I have a Mustang junkyard 2 miles down the road, I got another glove box door and liner. Made a mounting plate to set controls inside, cut an opening in the door and frenched it in so they are accessible with the door closed. Shortened the box to leave me about 1/2 the space left.

I could have gone with an under-dash unit but I wanted it hidden away.

Now I know why my buddy charges $800+ to install aftermarket A/C.

Fortunately, l get to do this during the winter in the warmth of my basement garage at my leisure. Don't think I would attempt it if time was a factor. Spent most of the afternoon today messing with it and will take a day or two off from this project and go back and work on my other coupe.

 

[SuperDave]

A '67 doesn't have provision in the dash for the stock A/C ducting system UNLESS it was originally so equipped.

 

[SuperDave]

 

[67efivert]

superdave sorry to dis agree but ive converted 2 non ac cars with factory ac and all of the ducting fits perfectally no mods required

 

[SuperDave]

superdave sorry to dis agree but ive converted 2 non ac cars with factory ac and all of the ducting fits perfectally no mods required

Yeah, sorry but that's why the my later post shows the head-banging smilie. Sorry, my bad.

BTW, it is important to note that the '65-'66 A/C's were below the dash while '67 and later were in the dash