Late Model Air Conditioning Swap

[69PaleHorse]

Now that my wiring debacle has come to an end, on to my next 'problem'.

My heater and A/C have not worked since I purchased the car and I think I might like them too, I attempted to remove the heater box - bad idea. Anyone who has tried this on a '69 will know my pain.

So I'm curious if anyone has done a junkyard style swap of a late model whatever to one of our early model steeds? Not talking the Vintage Air thing here.

Any thoughts?

 

[69 302/351c]

I am considering the same type of swap into my 69 351C coupe. It's not too late of a model, but I have a 76 Granada that was converted to 134A 5 years and blows real cold. The radiator and condensor won't fit unless I cut and modify the radiator opening and relocate the battery. Could always go with a new condensor and dryer. The controls for the Granada A/C are vacuum...don't like that. The compressor is big and ugly, along with the compressor mount. It's hugh and made of 1/4 steel plate. I don't see much hope for this swap without ending up buying most everything new anyway. hoses probably the wrong lengths etc.

I am putting Vintage air in my 69/302. it's about 85 percent done but that wasn't fun either. just has to have the hoses made and connect the underdash wiring. Everything had to modified to get to this point; bracket, compressor, pulleys etc. Needed special fittings to connect to the evapoator under the dash since I had to turn them back 180 degrees to get out the firewall.They don't have a SureFit kit for a 69...so I assembled a "Best Fit"

If I to do it again I'd go with one of the under dash units made specifically for a 69 stang.

 

[DarkBuddha]

I can't speak of doing the late model conversion thing, but I did add original a/c to my Mach, but using brand new underhood stuff (condensor, Sanden compressor, hoses, drier, etc.). After buying all the underdash stuff, and the correct lower dash, rebuilding it all, buying all the new components, converting to R134, etc., I'm into it for near $900 and it was a royal pain. With that in mind, I now almost always recommend seriously considering the Classic Auto Air systems instead. You get all new stuff, and it is supposed to fit reasonably well. Seems a fair deal really.

Now, if you can get late model stuff to fit, that may save you some serious cash. But if it becomes a hassle, and you think you might end up buying a bunch of new parts (compressor, mounting bracket, electric fan, condensor, drier, hoses, etc.), then maybe the CAA kit ain't a bad option.

Hope this helps... Good luck!