Lets talk Air Conditioning

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Jan 21, 2001 | 07:02 PM

66ranger

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Lets talk Air Conditioning

On my 66, I want to use the original type under dash evaporator for apperance reasons. But I want to run a newer compressor, dryer, and condensor setup to use the new HFC-134A refridgerant. I have a 300 6 and am wondering if any late model parts might make this an easy swap. My truck has PS, so both pulley grooves are being used. Compressor bracket, pulley, etc??? Anyone out there tried this type of thing??

Jan 21, 2001 | 10:12 PM

66merc

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Lets talk Air Conditioning

I scrounged all the necessary parts from a '68, including the ugliest evaporator that hangs under the dash in the passenger footwell and discharges through vents under the radio. The only illustration of an alternative I could find shows a compact Mustang style unit that unfortunately won't work with the 4-speed. The pulleys, idler, etc are not the same as those on a '66 TBird I had recently, so it cannot be said that any FE setup will work. I mocked up the parts I have and saw that the alternator is relocated downward to make room for the idler/adjuster, and spacers, or a ps pump bracket, goes behind the cast iron compressor bracket which mounts on the left cyl head. The dipstick mount will be an issue. The crank pulley has three grooves, the outermost being of slightly larger diameter. It seems that the pulley I have will not fit the balancer on a 352, but will fit the 390's.
Eric

Jan 21, 2001 | 10:14 PM

66merc

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Lets talk Air Conditioning

Whoops. All that and I hadn't noticed that you clearly said "300". Sorry
Eric

Jan 22, 2001 | 11:42 AM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Lets talk Air Conditioning

I think a unit made for your application from one of the better aftermarket companies would be the most cost effective alternative. Have you checked Vintage air. I have one of the aftermarket units in my truck and it works really well. This is a R134 system with a small Sanden compressor. I will change to an under dash unit later because the unit I have now interferes with leg room. I have seen a Vintage Air unit installed in pick up's at the local custom shop. This unit fits up under the dash and has both heat and air. It replaces all the original 66 heating system.
William in Atlanta

Jan 23, 2001 | 05:13 PM

jrs effie

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From: Middle Tennessee

Lets talk Air Conditioning

I used a complete set-up from a company called Rainbo Air, although I cant put my finger on the phone no. right now I think I have it at home. I got a polished compressor and dryer with the unit, and it is heat, air, and defrost for around the 6-700 dollar range. It is actually a street rod unit but it is what he reccomended for my 65 and it works great. The evaporator is completely hidden under the dash, but I took out the glove box to tuck it under there, I have room to put about a 4 inch deep box back in there ( whenever I get around to it ) He is at the Super Nationals every year, but I will look for his number tonight. I have also had dealings with a company called Old Air but that was a direct fit unit for a 55, but boy it would blow the hat off your head, im not sure if they have a unit for the 61-66 or not. good luck
Tommy

Jan 23, 2001 | 09:53 PM

hpguy

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Lets talk Air Conditioning

Any of the older systems can be updated to the newer refrigerant for about $20 plus the cost of recharging with the new refrigerant!

-Andrew
f250_64(No Email Addresses In Posts!), same for yahoo messenger

Nothing, and I mean nothing, stirs the soul, saying I'm a bad **** like lettin'em rip with a window shaking, fuel gulpin, carbon monoxide belchin, attention gettin, V-oh my LORD!-8!

Jan 24, 2001 | 07:49 AM

jrs effie

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From: Middle Tennessee

Lets talk Air Conditioning

OK guys, I found it--RAINBOW PRODUCTS- Mt. Ulla, N.C.-704-278-0054-- and the fax# is 704-278-1010, My complete unit was 750.00 that included shipping, all brackets for mounting the compressor,dryer,evaporator, and everything, it came with my choice of vents, I mean the whole shebang, now I did buy it at the Super-Nats in 99, so that may have been why the shipping was included, im not sure, but the mans name is MIKE BROWN, he is the owner, and like i said mine works great.OOPS I have a business card also, it says the city is Mt.Vila N.C. oh well the # is right.
Keepin it cool
Tommy