I am insterested in equipping my non-airconditioned 1966 corvette into an airconditioned car using factory correct system components. Assuming they are avavailable (used), can this be done without carving up any of the car? I do realrealize that the center dash piece would need to be replaced with one to accompodate the center vent. Thanks!
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Several previous threads are in the archives. *NM*
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Look at the '66 Assembly Instruction Manual
Seth,
I once considered converting my non-air '66 to a factory-correct air car. After reviewing the AIM, I quickly realized that this is a major undertaking. Here are some of the considerations:
1. Changing the inner fender skirt filler and washer reservoir (bag vs. jar); 2. Changing the right-hand battery tray for a left-hand tray used with a/c; 3. Modifying the firewall plenum holes and changing the dash panel; 4. Adding firewall plenum adapters and brackets; 5. Adding compressor, brackets, refrigerant hoses, blower, evaporator, condensor and throttling valve; 6. Changing belts and pulleys; 7. Changing the wiring harnesses in the engine compartment and under the dash; 8. Adding the appropriate resisters and relays; 9. Adding a/c heater hoses and water shutoff valves; 10. Replacing the radiator support; 11. Adding switches, cables, and vacuum system in the dash; and 12. Installing the correct tinted glass. Finally, even with all the correct equipment, your engine code may still indicate you have a non-air car.
If you are still interested in making this change, I recommend pricing out the cost of your project in advance. For example, Chicago Corvette may not have all the parts available, but its catalog is fairly comprehensive in listing A/C parts and prices.
Personally, after considering what was involved in this project, I became very happy with my non-air car.
Good luck.
MarkComment
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Re: Midyear Airconditioning
Seth - It's not impossible but it will take some work. A couple of important items are 1) not all of the midyear Corvette C-60 components were available as SERVICE parts, so they never were available but on AC cars, and 2) some of the major components such as evaporator cores, condensers, etc. are different for the various years, although I expect if you get a complete unit from another year you could make it work. BTW, I'd expect you can craft an AC dash from the current dash in your car but I did not note in the C-60 section of the '67 AIM any dimensions. If you're serious E-mail me and I make you a template. You might also check out Long Island Corvette Supply, if you haven't already, for reproduction midyear C-60 components. PeteComment
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Re: Midyear Airconditioning
Seth-----
About the only way that this conversion could be accomplished would be to strip ALL of the A/C components off of a "parts car" and use them as the conversion parts for your car.
Performing the actual conversion would amount to a MAJOR piece of work that would definitely involve much modification to your existing car (i.e. the conversion would not be "reversible"). All-in-all, this is a conversion that I would not recommend that anyone attempt for any C2 or C3.
If A/C is very important to you, I'd recommend selling the car and buying one already factory-equipped with A/C. Since mid-years were not equipped with A/C in large numbers, those cars will command a premium price over a similar condition car without A/C. Nevertheless, the cost difference will be FAR LESS than attempting to convert a non-A/C car.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Midyear Airconditioning
Seth: if you must do the conversion why not consider using a made for mid-year system like vintage air? It's cheap and can be installed in a short period of time, works very well and can be "reversed" if you desire. Joe L. was right this not a project for the faint of heart. You will spend much time and effort for little if any gain.
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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