Thinking of adding a factory AC to car, car is pretty much restored to original condition except NOM (a1970 block, every thing else on motor matching). I have all the AC parts from another car, except compressor and brackets.
Would adding a factory AC to a 66 SS affect cars value?
Jim_66SS
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Thinking of adding a factory AC to car, car is pretty much restored to original condition except NOM (a1970 block, every thing else on motor matching). I have all the AC parts from another car, except compressor and brackets.
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It would add a bunch for me, and suspect most others would feel the same way. I like to drive mine and doing that without a/c here is not an option.
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Anyone who looked at the trim tag, if it is a car built at a plant with trim tag body option codes.
With that said, if it is a NOM car you probably would find just as many people that would pay a premium for the factory AC (if it is done right and all works and cools well) as would think it decreased the value. So I would not let value concerns affect your decision much.
But I will say that putting factory AC on a non-AC body is an enormous pain in the rear. The entire passenger side cowl panel is different. It's not just a matter of sawing a couple of holes that aren't already there. To do it right you actually have to graft in metal from an AC car or fabricate the missing pieces. And unless you change the entire dash panel, cutting the holes in the dash to leave the provisions for the screws that hold the corner AC vents in place is no picnic either, and your top vent has 2 screws that go into counter-sunk holes in the dash above the radio. Also not an easy job.
I've done it on two cars. I swore I would never do it again after the first one, but had a moment of weakness on another car. After the second one, I really mean it this time -- NEVER AGAIN!!
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I took my '66 out for a couple hour drive last weekend in the 90* heat. It was very comfortable but I have a few things that you may not. It's a Malibu with the correct cloth insert seat and turquoise in color, not black interior. With those vent windows aimed at you it's just fine. Now if it's a black interior and full vinyl, maybe not so nice.
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drove mine last weekend with the heat index around 110*. blue vinyl, all windows down, vent windows open, cowl vents open. and I will tell you it was hot in the car. and the air hitting you was hot as well. AC would be good to have on days like that. I just don't know how well it would work. and my car didn't like the heat either, it ran cool but it sure ran like crap
I had thought about adding factory AC to my car when I was restoring it. but only found a complete set up including half the cowl after I had the car painted. So I left it where I found it. and after restoring anther car with factory AC i am glad I never did AC on my car
Jim, I would encourage you to think long and hard before attempting this, and once you start there is no turning back! Heed Jeff's advise, this is not a job for the faint of heart!
If this is your red car, don't do it! That car is too nice to take apart IMO. Maybe consider Vintage Air? Or how about tracking down a vintage GM add-on-air unit, that would be cool! (no pun intended) :grin2:
Good luck with whatever you do!
If this is your red car, don't do it! That car is too nice to take apart IMO. Maybe consider Vintage Air? Or how about tracking down a vintage GM add-on-air unit, that would be cool! (no pun intended) :grin2:
Good luck with whatever you do!
+1. An arduous task at best.
Go with an aftermarket setup. You can always remove it without altering the vehicle.
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I'm in Las Vegas, and for a month or so each year, the humidity combined with the 110+ heat can make things a little uncomfortable. But
I wouldn't start cutting up a perfectly good car that would be a PITA to restore to original.
Get an original AC car and work it!
Thanks for the opinions and suggestions everyone and yes it is my red car. I do have the cowl and dash with vents and controls along with the evaporator and heater and blower boxes. As winter approaches the erge will ease soom. My white interior is not as bad as black; but in MN it's still plenty warm when above 90.Original cowl tag with no AC option.
I think I am leaning towards selling everything and going with an aftermarket set up and keeping all the original parts, or as Bill mentioned, an old gm add on system.
I think I am leaning towards selling everything and going with an aftermarket set up and keeping all the original parts, or as Bill mentioned, an old gm add on system.
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