Converting a Non AC car to Factory AC

[Jason Edge]

I had typed this out in a reply I just saw pop up and wanted to save the writeup for future reference. I know my descrption needs some refinement but will serve as a start:

Going from a non A/C setup to an original A/C setup (63 or 64) is a large undertaking requiring many components. I've had one customer that I know did a complete conversion and ended up renting a room a few miles from me and going through everything.  There are some alterations that need to be made (e.g. firewall) and some large pieces that need to be replaced (e.g. core metal dash) and things that need to be switched out to accommodate AC parts (e.g. cylinder head cross over pipe/water intake).  With the 64 system you will have some different components and additional components but going to an original 63 or 64 will require a laundry list of parts and some physical modifications or changing around your dash and firewall.

I'm guessing there are easily 30+ parts total but some of the main things to consider for either 63 or 64 system:

Engine Compartment: Compressor and compressor coolant lines and mounts, compressor belt, Cylinder head outlet pipe (water intake) with extended arm to support compressor, 5 bladed clutch fan (or later model 7 bladed fan) and radiator shroud, condensor and mounting supports, condensor to evaporator line, dehydrator/dryer and brackets, evaporator with Suction throttle valve, You will need a hole cut in the firewall on right side for evaporator, 3 groove crank and water pump pulleys, idle speedup control wiith bracket for carb, heater blower box assembly with recirculation diaphragm.

Inside car: The physical dash needs holes to accommodate the AC Vents on sides and center. It is easier to just pick up a new core dash (which I have), Other items include  Left, right, center AC chrome dash outlets, and ducts and clamps, AC-Heater switch control panel, additional vacuum lines and wiring harness for AC/Heat setup, under dash heater box and core and cross over duct, inner heater/ac box to Evaporator duct and clamps, kick panels to replace your vented heat-only panels.

For the 64 Comfort control you will also need a few other items including power servo and transducer, 3 sensors including the dash sensor, mode door diaphragm ambient air switch time delay Or replacement Master Vacuum Switch,  heater water control valve, with thermal vacuum valve.

I am probably missing a few items but believe I got most of them.

A general pricing for all parts in VG condition is $1800 + s/h for the 1963 setup or $2500 for the 1964 Comfort Control Setup. What I don't have I can put you on the Wait List or some of our other parts suppliers may have them.

With the many parts and size and weight of some, I would suggest coming down for a day going through the parts and saving a ton on shipping.  That 40 lb compressor alone can really set you back depending on your location if all of the items are shipped.  If interested email me at [e-mail] 

[Jason Edge]

Here are pictures of a heat only firewall and ac/heat firewall. Note additional cutouts for evaporator ( far right passenger side), outside air (top center), cabin recirculated air ( top driver side).