A/C parts for 65 GS

[BPDRacing]

Looking for all the under hood A/C parts for my car.  It did not have A/C from the factory but since I live is south Texas it is kind of a requirement.

Thanks,
Josh

[nut465gs]

Josh, welcome to our little clubhouse. I have given this much thought myself, adding factory AC to my non AC convertible. If you find a parts car to strip, besides to obvious,  don't forget the following: you will need to cut a large opening in the firewall for the evaporator assembly, engine wire harness, under dash wire harness, crankshaft pulley, dash master switch assembly including all vaccum lines, compresser brackets, fan shroud and clutch fan and spacer. It will be quite an undertaking for sure. Have you considered an aftermarket AC conversion? It might be less of a challenge and you will get a modern cooling system. Has anyone else done this before? Either factory stock or aftermarket?

Best of luck to you,
John Egel

[kcombs]

Hi Josh,

You are really taking on a big job if you change to factory air, unless your car is one of the rare A/C delete equipped models. The mods you are going to have to make include cutting holes in the middle of the firewall, removing part of the sheet metal under the heater blower motor (requires removing front fender), cutting a large piece of metal out of the kick panel on the passenger side and of course new controls to go with your new A/C system. BTW, the A/C delete cars have a small panel that covers a hole in the firewall. It is probably six or seven inches long and located slightly off center towards the passenger side. The cars with the A/C delete have all the correct holes, but they have been covered to go with the non A/C heater. These cars do not have holes in the dash for the cold air outlets. Again, they are rare, but worth looking at your firewall to see if your is one of the few. BTW, the delete plates are easy to sell.

[BPDRacing]

I realize it is a huge undertaking but I am not that worried about doing it 100% original.  One more thing to add to the mix is the A/C specific radiator.  What I was actually thinking about doing is blending a mixture of original parts under the hood and an all in one under dash unit like vintage air.  I would like to get a hold of the correct alternator/AC bracket, pullies and radiator.  Then get an under dash unit that has heat and A/C so I can clean up the firewall a bit(would give me the access I need for good cowl induction air intake).

I have found a couple 64-64 A/C cars but non of them have a Nailhead so the only thing useable would be the compressor....but who want's a 45 year old compressor with unknown history.

Thanks
Josh

[wheelz]

Josh... quite a few years ago, I found a listing (Ebay) for a 65 Lark 4 door factory a/c..in Southern texas.. go figure.  Anyway, I watched as the days went by with no bids. Minutes before the auction ended, I bid $200.  I won the auction. Had the car shipped here. It was a pretty much rustfree car...a few exceptions, nevertheless, it had all the original, factory A/C components AND, the a/c system still had a charge! I parted the car , kept all the good stuff. I have hundreds of reference pictures of the a/c system I can share with you would like to see what you will need for that "factory appearance"...  
Send me your email addy and list of pix you wish to see.  

Wheelz, Tampa Bay