I always assumed that this was a dealer-installed A/C set up. Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

 

now that there is a real piece of history! That's the A/C unit used in the 64.5/65 mustangs (Not sure if they were used later but probably into 66 at least)

I believe if it were dealer-installed it would be a fridgette. at least that's what mine is, but don't quote me on that.

 

[QUOTE=coop923;8216221]I always assumed that this was a dealer-installed A/C set up. Can anyone shed any light on this for me? QUOTE]

No ACs installed in slicks from factory, so it is aftermarket, and may be Ford dealer installed or AC dealer install, who knows 40 years later?



John

 

Ford Dealer installed Deluxe "hang on" A/C it is: C4TZ-19700-A .. A/C Kit / Fits: 1963/64 F100/250.

Notice the emblem on the bezel. It's the Ford coat of arms: COAF19A551B .. Medallion, A/C Register.

This style of emblem, refered to as the Ford Shield or Coat of Arms was first used on the hoods of 1950 Ford passenger cars (OA-16607).

There were three types of dealer installed A/C for these trucks.

One was the economy Polar-Aire, an el cheapo unit that used a white molded plastic bezel with four 5" round registers.

Then there was Rotunda A/C, which looks similar to this bezel, except the registers are a slightly different shape and style. The two switches were mounted vertically in the center between the registers.

The bezel pictured above (the face is chrome and argent) was used on 1963/65 F100/250's, 1963/65 Falcon's & Fairlanes, 1965 Mustang's, so all the parts are the same.

1966 F100/250 & Mustang: The bezel is chrome and dark charcoal, everything else is the same.

This truck also has the deluxe fresh air heater. The dead give-away this is dealer installed A/C is the placement of the Deluxe heaters two cables in the dashboard.

Without the hang on A/C, these two cables (fresh air and temperature control, opens/closes the heater water valve), would be mounted to a bracket that bolts to the bottom of the dash, to the right of the steering column. But...since the A/C takes up this space, the cables were installed in the dash.

Notice that the 4 speed shift lever has been bent to fit around the A/C unit, another dead give-away this A/C unit was dealer installed.

If the unit is a Frigid-King, Mark IV, Climactic-Air or any other name...it is NOT genuine Ford. Sears, Western Auto, Air Cold Sales and etc offered A/C for these trucks (and cars).

Dealers usually did not install gypo (aftermarket) A/C units, because if a part failed, there was no way to warranty it.

The dealer would have to buy the part from the manufacturer, and then eat the labor costs. This was also the case with other gypo things like radios, outside mirrors, spotlights, and etc.

 

either way, It is a neat part and a one of a kind install. I would keep it in there.You just dont see that much. Pretty cool in my book.Yea I am a dork.

 

I've had the truck for over 15 years and always planned on making it work again. Having all the A/C stuff intact is just one more reason to rebuild the 292 instead of re-powering.

Thanks Number Dummy! Great information. Now I'll have to dig for some information on the Deluxe Fresh Air Heater.

 

Yikes! Imagine a dealer doing that nowadays.

 

I just sold a Rotunda air conditioner I pulled out of a 1966 because it wouldn't clear my 4 speed shifter. It was a very clean installation. It appears to be bigger than this one and hung lower. The bracket to the dash was bigger also making it hang lower. I don't think it could have cleared a 4 speed sifter with any amount of bending.