I've got a 68SS396. The factory air stuff is mostly gone. I've got a 68 Malibu parts car with most of its factory air parts still there. Would you piece together the rest of the factory air, or go with aftermarket ?

My 2 cents worth...if you can get all of the parts that you need from your donor car...and it works, I would think that an original factory air car would be worth more when it's time to sell it.

You could also list all the items on ebay...and help pay for a newer A/C system... :)

I'd use factory, but if you're not concerned about originality, change the compressor to a modern Sanden or equivalent. That's what I did. The Sandens are much smaller, lighter, and probably more efficient. It's nice not having a 40 lb. log in the engine bay when wrenching.

My AC compressor is shot, and I need to get it converted over to the R134.
Every summer when it hits about 85 I figure I'd better get it done, then a few days later it cools off and I forget about it. In this climate you really don't need A/C that often, though it would help the defroster. If you are in a southern area I'd definitely do the A/C for your comfort, if not, I wouldn't
worry about it, keep the extra power and economy. IMHO the increased value is not that much unless it's a totally original car with a totally orginal A/C that looks like it's still using R12.

Another option is using that new fiberglass firewall box from American Graffiti (Colorado) that eliminates the bulk of the factory air under the hood without altering the firewall, if an owner ever wants to restore the factory air system. However you don't have air, only heat from the remaining system under the dash.

http://www.autoacforum.com/

I'd prefer factory, except modern compressor and condenser. Do the aftermarkets provide fresh air or only recirculate? How about defrost?

My $0.02

Your Malibu in all likely has a small block and your SS has a big block so the brackets off the Malibu wont work on the SS if both cars are original.

I've got a set of brkts. from a 454 but they are for the big "boat anchor" comp. I'd rather go with a small comp. I didn't even think about aftermarkets maybe not having defrost or fresh air. Of coarse here in Ga. most of the fresh air smells like chicken houses!

I meant to say "defog"...

I've got a set of brkts. from a 454 but they are for the big "boat anchor" comp. I'd rather go with a small comp. I didn't even think about aftermarkets maybe not having defrost or fresh air. Of coarse here in Ga. most of the fresh air smells like chicken houses!

The AC Forum mentioned earlier is sponsored by www.ackits.com They can probably hook you up with brackets and a Sanden compressor along with probably anything else you need. You'll have to contact them for specialty items like this, they're not listed in the online catalog. Another great company is www.oldairproducts.com They were able to supply AC lines for a 72 Chevelle that I couldn't locate anywhere else. Again, you'll you'll need to contact them for specialty items.

I've got a set of brkts. from a 454 but they are for the big "boat anchor" comp. I'd rather go with a small comp. I didn't even think about aftermarkets maybe not having defrost or fresh air. Of coarse here in Ga. most of the fresh air smells like chicken houses!

The AC Forum mentioned earlier is sponsored by www.ackits.net They can probably hook you up with brackets and a Seltec compressor along with probably anything else you need. You'll have to contact them for specialty items like this, they're not listed in the online catalog. Another great company is www.oldairproducts.com They were able to supply AC lines for a 72 Chevelle that I couldn't locate anywhere else. Again, you'll you'll need to contact them for specialty items.