Add on a/c hit? C-2

[Tom S.]

How big would the hit in points be for add on A /C IN A C-2 Coupe? I am looking at one that is very nice and a decent price. It has add on air, and I definately want air. I was wondering if it is worth going after or would the points hit be to large? thanks Tom

[Jack H.]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Well, the deduction for an owner/dealer option configuration change is a full deduction with respect to the affected items. Now, there's not just one line item for A/C as it's spread between Mechanical and Interior. But, if you take a Flight Score Sheet, you'll find there's 20 originality points and 15 condition points for the A/C components in the Mechanical system, so that's a 35-point deduction there.

Kick in the interior items (vents, controls) and it'll probably come add up to something in the 50 point range. So, I'd go figure you'll lose about 1% overall for the add-on A/C option. But, that really doesn't sound too bad considering the benefit you get in terms of comfort and convenience from the system....

[Joe R.]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Jerry Fuccillo has add-on air on his 67 and has had the car judged a couple times. He'll probably see this thread and respond, but if not let me know and I will contact him directly.

[Tom S.]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Thanks guy's for the response, I appreciate the help. I have been looking for quite some time for a factory air coupe and not had a whole lot to choose from. Tom

[Chris Patrick]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Some of it no doubt will be how the add-on air is configured. Some put the AC compressor on the left, others the right. If they move the alternator as part of the install, then I would expect you to lost more points.

Now some use factory parts, but not most, so those might actually get you through ok, if they do a complete job.

[Joe R.]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Hi Tom:

I know what you mean about limited selection. When I set out to get a C2, I wanted a real 67 red/black convertible small block with factory air. I think I located only three candidates in the course of a year-long search. However, I did eventually find a nice one.

My goal was to get a car that had the colors and options that suited my personal preferences, while maintaining originality for NCRS judging. That definitely makes the search more difficult.

Being more flexible on the color scheme and the year would have opened up a LOT more possibilities. So, if your main interest is a factory A/C coupe and you are flexible about the colors and production year, I don't think it will be hard to locate a suitable factory air car.

I suggest that you think carefully about what your goals are. If you plan to seriously pursue NCRS Flight Judging, you may find that non-factory A/C will be an annoying handicap. While it is certainly true that you can Top Flight with non-factory air (as Jerry Fuccillo has done), you will have to work extra hard in other areas to make up the likely 50+ point loss. Since you can lose 270 points and still get Top Flight, it is feasible to get Top Flight with non-factory air but the large point loss from the non-factory A/C will certainly sting.

On the other hand, if your primary goal is to have a nice driver and *maybe* pursue NCRS Flight judging on a casual basis, the non-factory A/C may not be an issue. You can have the car judged and see where it comes out, knowing that you are going in with a slight handicap.

By the way, one thing I like about the factory air is that it preserves leg room on the passenger side. Some (but not all) of the aftermarket systems eat up a lot of space on the passenger side.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Add on a/c hit? C-2

Tom,

The hit may not be that bad with Vintage Air on a non A/C car, but it depends upon the judges you get. On an original non-A/C car (like my 67), they ignore the add-on compressor and look at the things that have changed from original.

On mechanical, it is the pulley changes, and non-typical heater box. On interior, it is the radio side panels, fresh air pull on the passenger side (if you don't put it back where it was) and the underdash area for the heater box change. The vintage air box really doesn't take up that much leg room on the passenger side.

I lost only 27 points at Flagstaff last year on the add-on air and made Top Flight. The driving points (in comfort) more than covered the loss.

I think an estimate of 50 or less is probably correct at Flight Judging. But..., I don't think you could PV with an add-on AC.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179