1960 Adding AC

[CtCarGuy]

I am looking for a Square Bird with working AC. Seems all the ones I look at, the AC is not workin. How hard is it to install the kit from Vintage Air? Is it best to start with a factory AC car? Seems the ones I call on, the AC is never working so I am thinking of buying one and adding Vintage AC. I figure it will be about $2500 installed Thanks.

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[Chet]

I have a 65, and the advice that I have been given is go with a modern system. You might check out Classic Auto Air Systems, they list systems for each year.

 

[jack-in-sac]

Whether the AC is working or not, the question may be what is needed to make it work? Repair may be significantly less than a new system. A caveat is that refurbishing an older AC system may require Freon R-12. R-12 has gotten very expensive. there for a modern aftermarket system with 134 or modern equivalent will be significantly less to charge the system. The other benefit going new would be all new components, ergo if a part fails it should be available at lesser cost that seeking parts for a 60 year old system.
You pays your money and you takes your chances. Good luck either way.

 

[Ward 57]

I agree, If it has not been working for some time you have no idea what the problem is. Is the evaporator shot, most likely the hoses and connections are bad and the compressor could be frozen. Tons of diagnostic time let alone the parts. At any rate jack is spot on about the refrigerant. Any repairs should be R134 capable. I believe that requires at least a new compressor. I think you would be hard pressed to find anybody who would work on an R-12 system let alone try to restore it. Could even be illegal in some places.