Which A/C would you put in a Stallion??

Give me your opinions on air conditioning systems.

My mostly original Stallion is still up in the air after a long clutch job, floor hump hack job fix, pwr strng rebuild, trans seal, speedo gear, header gaskets, seat upholstery fix, carpet install, etc. etc. (you all know how it goes). And I want to remove the lower dash and steering column to rebuild the sloppy pedal box all while the seats are out. So why not replace my bad heater core and maybe the A/C??????

The heater core had leaked a few yrs ago so I bypassed it. And now I need to figure out what to do about the heater and the dealer installed air conditioning. The dash has the typical dealer hack job A/C install. Former owners had removed the hoses and duct work but I still have the two oversize holes and a drain hole through my firewall. I think the rest of the dealer AC box is still in there.

The way I remember factory air conditioning in most 70's fords is that it is adequate at best even when in top shape. So I’m not sure whether to waste time going the factory air route, even though I have a factory air car to rob all parts from. I also have a dealer air parts car. And after servicing the dealer air in my son's 74 mav, I feel like it was an improvement over the factory air systems that I remember. I know it isn't the perfect system either, maybe its rotary Sanden compressor is the reason it seemed better. So I’m leaning towards a newer style compressor, as opposed to “them ole Yorks.” I love the factory fresh air vents on a non-air maverick, but would be willing to lose those for a great system. I would love to be able to find a nice compact system from a salvage that I could retrofit into it. But I have no idea if such a thing exists.

Thanks,
Steve G.

 

I don't think there is any reason, you couldn't get the factory system to work well. I would replace the power robbing, boat anchor York compressor, with a SD series Sanden, and a larger condenser/drier, with a electric fan, all new hoses.
Someday I will get around to doing mine, but since I work on A/C for a living, it's the kind of thing I don't feel like doing in my spare time.
The aftermarket systems are nice, I've set up a few at our local Mustang shop, but for the amount of work, and expense..I think I could get the stock stuff working, just as well.

 

You can go with an aftermarket system.

If you have all the factory parts already, that might be the way to go.

I have factory AC on all of my cars. I only have it working on my 1976 4-door. I have spent lots of money to get it working again. I swapped to a Sanden compressor. It works extemely well in my opinion.

 

AC Unit

Hello Steve:
Read your post about the AC . I can recommend the VINTAGE GEN11 unit
model VTA 68000-VUZ-A from Summit Racing which lists for $469.97 , the
control panel is another $45.00 . Its a great unit , we have installed six of them in different Mavericks and Comets here in Florida and they work great.
This unit has the defrost vents , as well as heater and AC with Ducts.
Cometized

 

Does this system use any of the factory defrost vents...or is it all new?

 

If I were to do it again, I would use the Vintage Air under dash unit and controls with my late model Nippondenso compressor from a Lincoln Mark 7. I bought fittings and hose and a crimping tool and made all of my own lines. I rebuilt the underdash unit with a new heater core and cleaned the evaporator, replaced all of the seals and installed a late model Taurus blower motor and it heats just ok in the Georgia winter unless you drive it for a while but the AC works well in the heat. If you have a factory ac system, it would be cheaper to use it, but if you don't and you have to source all of the stuff, rebuild it, etc, you might be better off using a street rod type conversion, like VintageAir, Coyote air, etc

 

Wowsers! I am excited about the responses already. I have posted in other forums for other cars and forget how well I love the maverick comet community.

I forgot to mention I also have a clean and clear non ac dash that I can install to delete all traces of dealer air.

Steve G.

 

If you stick with the factory AC system....you will need a factory steel dash for an AC car.

Oh yeah......this forum rocks.

 

Well I'm gonna axx a question here...

Are there any systems that all allows the compressor to mount on the the lower RF of the engine(under alternator)???

BTW I know about the double serpentine belt setup that mounts the compressor high on the passenger side...

 

I installed a factory system into my car years ago. Never had a problem. Heat and AC were adequate. I closed off the center outlet so that i did not have to cut up or switch the dash.

Micah

 

Are you talking about an electric taurus fan on the radiator/condenser or do you really mean a taurus blower motor?

You know me, Steve. Since that is not a factory AC car and has dealer air, I'd be tempted to leave it that way. Or maybe install an under dash unit.

I agree with Steve and Craig. Great forum!

 

I voted factory sys., but reading the first post a 2nd time and getting the story straight; maybe the dealer is the best way to go. I am basically a newcomer to these cars but did install a complete Classic sys in my fac air car 2 1/2 yrs ago. Everything is new cept the evaporator. Compared to cars of today I wud say my car is abt 70-75percent efficient. On 90+ degree days in traffic it's just adequate. I don't expect it to be to standards of todays cars - long story short - "I wud rebuild/it agn for the comfort it does provide". I do have a little air leak arnd my door glass but the outer door seals are in good shape. If u drive the car at highway speeds in hot weather for any distance - whatever u have is better than nothing.
When I throw the sw to activate the AC, I feel whatever cost and effort to get it working was worth it, and I enjoy the ride.

 

Fix that and I think you will notice a big difference. I know it made all the difference on my 4-door. Before: AC on full blast the entire time I drove it. After: Full blast at first, but I can eventually work the fan speed down to the lowest setting and still be comfortable.

 

By "larger" would you suggest using just the v-8 condenser or something else, like an aftermarket one?

I need to spend some time with Rad Wharehouse and figure out a part number for a SD compressor with V-belt pulleys, unless you know the numbers or an easy way to find them.

And I guess any electric fan whether assist fan or replacement of stock is an improvement on the stock mechanical fan, hugh?

I understand that. I have a small apt complex and after repainting, repairing, and constant maintenance, I never feel like improving my house.

I'm obviously not real familiar with Ontario weather 'cause I would've never thought you guys needed A/C. That just shows my ignorance.

 

Craig, do you remember the Sanden part number? For which belt system, serpentine or v-belt?