AC donor car 72 cougar...

Stang_1973

Founding Member
Jul 13, 2001
565
9
38
San Antonio, Tx.
Well i was talking to this guy who has access to a 72 cougar parts car that has complete ac setup. would the setup fit in my '73 stang? My car originally came with ac but was taken out before i got the car. I have the dash control still in the car but that prett much it...

it sure gets hot down here in TX during the summer and ac would be so nice to have.
 
Unless you are going for an authentic restoration, it may not be worth messing with. If the stock system uses that York compressor, and I think it does, it will be amazing if it is functional. Even rebuilt units, we have gone through three replacement units on two different cars- that's three each. Maybe we just got the bad batch.
If everything is in good shape, condensor not clogged, etc, then you will need R-12 to get good cooling, which is expensive, and if you put R134 in it, which way less expensive, the efficiency will be average. I would bet, by the time you are done, you will have at least half what a CLassic Auto Air replacement system would cost you, and they blow ice cold air.
THe least it will cost you is the R134 to charge it, assuming the compressor doesen't leak, the condensor is not clogged, the evaporater and expansion valve are in good shape.
Not trying to sound like a killjoy, just make sure you know what you are geting into with an original eq A/C system. And before you are a bunch of money into it.
It would be good to know if the parts car system is still holds a charge. If it does, than you have a pretty good chance of getting it to work fairly inexpensively.
 
I agree with Barnstang's assessment. I'm in a similar situation, as some prior owner had removed all the engine compartment AC components from my 73. I have plenty of used OEM AC components, but let's face it, they're over 36 years old. When you add it all up, it's just not worth the effort or cost of restoring and installing an outdated system.
 
thanks guys. Yea after thinking about it I dont think ill be going that route. Especially since this is not a resto car by any means. its a car thats been in the family since 84 and has gone through hell and back.

Im gonna look around locally and hopeflly get the ac in before summer starts.