Generic rec/dryers can be found around $20. Accumulator systems typically employ orifice tubes which are a little less expensive than TXVs (a couple bucks vs. $10-$15 or more) Rec/dryers mount next to the condenser, accumulators next to the evaporator, if that makes a difference in your plans. If you're handy with fabbing stuff there's plenty of ideas in the junkyard with all the small cars these days.

 

That's exactly the way they came in the box...polished soft aluminum.

 

If any lines ice up there's something wrong with the system.

 

I'm going with a kit from restomod air. Vapir II Custom Air Conditioning System - Restomod Air. They offer more of a universal kit with several ways to attach. I can't vouch for the product though, have no experience at this point. The company seems to offer very good customer service. I called them (1.866.784.4278) they answered all my question well and they mailed me a high quality glossy product brochure for free.

They offer some nice stuff. They are located in Texas.

 

I looked for this photo last night when I posted about my firewall mounts and couldn't find it...well it popped up this morning while looking for another photo. Here is the V/A underdash unit installed in my 56. I use the firewall block to hang the rear of the unit but for the front mounting I fabricated a plate that is much more substantial and it hides the A/C unit from view.

 

thanks Charlie... that's a good pic and shows me a lot... doesn't seem as it takes up a lot of under dash room either. I remember an old underdash add on unit in a '72 ford I had... it took up from the right edge to almost under the steering column... old York compressor but you could hang meat in the cab. Looking at some units it seems like they stick into the engine room using the old fan hole.... glad this one doesn't... my firewall it too pretty for that.

I like your front bracket. I plan on using a dash extension and some type console so I can incorporate something like yours... but it will have to mount above the dash edge... up in that little C-channel.

 

This is a bit of a trick...the reason that this unit may appear smaller is because I disconnected the blower assy from the unit and mounted it over at the cowl side vent. I was not happy with having a system that only used circulatory air...I wanted the option of bringing in fresh air as well. Here in SoCal the weather is fairly mild all year round but even when it is hot during the day the temps drop at night. I wanted the option of pulling in cool fresh air and running through the same vents in the truck without having the A/C on.

 

How are you ducting the blower to the A/C unit Charlie?

 

The duct between the blower and the A/C unit is fairly straight forward, it's just a rectangular tube. Where the hard part lies is the duct between the blower and the cowl side vent. That duct has to cover the open inlet of the blower housing and it must incorporate a "door", what modern cars call a "mix door", that selects the fresh air and/or the recirc air. I have made a couple of fiberglass housings that seem to work but I am not satisfied with them just yet. A buddy has access to a 3D printer...that might just do the trick.

 

You'll have to post some pics when you get it done..

 

Like that idea Charlie.... our cool spring nights last about 2.5 hrs around here... then after the sun goes down it chills down to around 85 with 90% humidity... envy your nice evenings. I covered my fresh air vent and the cowl vent... don't need them with a/c

most summer days the car does good to cool down at all ... I had to install a 36" ceiling exhaust fan in the garage to vent from two cars parked in the summer...Poor John... doesn't get to enjoy the broil of southern summers, probably wears a sweater tied around his neck in August...

john

 

It actually gets very warm up here during the summer John but if there was a way for me to bottle the cold we have here now I could make a fortune from you southerners ...lol

 

and the good news is.....

made a road trip today to the Indian reservation... and won enough money to pay for the air conditioner unit (I think) will be on the phone with Vintage tomorrow to try and hash out the details with a guru...

terrible weather and a very harrowing drive home.... but the payday was awesome

john

 

Nice that you won and didn't loose all that you worked so hard for John...