1955 Retrofit air conditioning kit | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1955 Retrofit air conditioning kit

spierssn

spierssn

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Thunderbird Year
1955
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1955 retrofit a/c kit.
I have read that one of the A/C companies make a kit for the 55 baby bird using the existing heater controls. That appeals to me. If possible I would love recommendations on who make the best integrated kit. I have read some posts but they are 5 years old. I am wondering if there is any newer innovations

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Since we are an all Thunderbird site, you can omit the make & model from your title to shorten it. Your title has been revised.
 
Maybe you should reconsider. I notice most of the threads regarding A/C are about problems, so maybe you don't want to open that can of worms? And also, how did you get away with posting an informational request about parts? I tried asking about sources for transmission oil pans and got admonished. Maybe I need to upgrade to VIP, lol?
 
Installing an air conditioning unit in a 1955 Thunderbird 6-volt positive ground system ground is relatively simple. There are a number of websites that say that 12-volt air conditioning systems will run on 6 volts. I tried that, and the air conditioning compressor clutch does not apply itself as tightly as it should, and has a tendency to slip with 6 volts of power. The evaporator coil fan runs at such a slow speed that it is grossly inefficient. Being a purist and not wanting to change the 6-volt positive ground system, I elected to install a second 6-volt Optima battery behind the seat and in front of the cardboard panel visible from the trunk. I then installed a 6-volt DTDP relay. I wired this relay to keep both batteries in parallel when the air conditioner is not being used, and thusly keeping both batteries charged as needed. I installed a couple of 6-volt relays in the Vintage Air evaporator so that my normal system would activate this relays when the air conditioner is needed. Some had suggested just putting a 12-volt battery in the trunk and wiring it that way, but I would have no way to charge that 12-volt battery efficiently while on the road. This system charges both batteries when the air conditioner is not on and provides 12 volts to the system when the air conditioner requires it. The relay is activated automatically when you turn the air conditioner on. I have also installed 12-volt electric windows in this car and use this system to activate the window motors when they are needed. In a normal position, this relay is in a parallel configuration, charging both batteries, and when the air conditioner is activated, it only charges the main battery in the engine compartment. If you need more help and or a wiring diagram, please contact me at Tim Simonsma (916) 995-1804, Sacramento
 
simonsma said:
Installing an air conditioning unit in a 1955 Thunderbird 6-volt positive ground system ground is relatively simple. There are a number of websites that say that 12-volt air conditioning systems will run on 6 volts. I tried that, and the air conditioning compressor clutch does not apply itself as tightly as it should, and has a tendency to slip with 6 volts of power. The evaporator coil fan runs at such a slow speed that it is grossly inefficient. Being a purist and not wanting to change the 6-volt positive ground system, I elected to install a second 6-volt Optima battery behind the seat and in front of the cardboard panel visible from the trunk. I then installed a 6-volt DTDP relay. I wired this relay to keep both batteries in parallel when the air conditioner is not being used, and thusly keeping both batteries charged as needed. I installed a couple of 6-volt relays in the Vintage Air evaporator so that my normal system would activate this relays when the air conditioner is needed. Some had suggested just putting a 12-volt battery in the trunk and wiring it that way, but I would have no way to charge that 12-volt battery efficiently while on the road. This system charges both batteries when the air conditioner is not on and provides 12 volts to the system when the air conditioner requires it. The relay is activated automatically when you turn the air conditioner on. I have also installed 12-volt electric windows in this car and use this system to activate the window motors when they are needed. In a normal position, this relay is in a parallel configuration, charging both batteries, and when the air conditioner is activated, it only charges the main battery in the engine compartment. If you need more help and or a wiring diagram, please contact me at Tim Simonsma (916) 995-1804, Sacramento
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Wow, I sure could use your expertise in determining why, after replacing the d/s window regulator rollers, the p/s window goes up no matter which way the switch on either side is pressed. I did blow a circuit breaker in the process and replaced it. I put the wires back as I found them but have experimented with moving them around, and replaced the p/s relay, all to no avail. Switch, connections, circuit breaker, relay, wiring, ground...????
 
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