Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

[John M.]

Has anyone added a factory air conditioner to a 66 Corvette? OR - does anyone have a list of neccessary items to do so from a once considered project? Seriously considering doing this but innterested in potential trouble spots, availability of "stuff" to get the job done and pitfalls you may have encountered along with the most difficult part of the install and /or the more difficult parts to locate. Any and all comments of potential increase/decrease in value of car are appreciated along with your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

[Michael H.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Has anyone added a factory air conditioner to a 66 Corvette? OR - does anyone have a list of neccessary items to do so from a once considered project? Seriously considering doing this but innterested in potential trouble spots, availability of "stuff" to get the job done and pitfalls you may have encountered along with the most difficult part of the install and /or the more difficult parts to locate. Any and all comments of potential increase/decrease in value of car are appreciated along with your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

John do you want it to appear to be factory original or are you going for an aftermarket ? Sent you a PM.

Mike

[Don H.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

John, If you are considering a true factory air system I think you would find it very difficult to make it 100% correct. You would probably be better off selling your current car and buying one with AC. Did you search the archives as I think this has been discussed before. Good luck, Don H.

[John M.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

My goal (pie in the sky?) is to replicate a factory air installation. Lots of work for sure but being retired makes my time worthless and is not an issue. It is the gathering of parts that I dislike and therefore want to have all of the components at hand before disturbing a nice, running car to begin this project. Nothing worse than to have something scattered all over the shop while searching for one trinket that turns out to be a year more search. A friend has a 66 coupe with factory air to use as a "pattern" so an example is close at hand if needed to see how it was done. Dick at D&A Corvette and I have been good friends for 55 years and I am confidant that he will also help out with any issues - his shop is only a few miles from my home and he is far more than generous with his time and advice when asked. Selling the car and purchasing another with AC is always an option and probably the most practical solution but my choice at this time is to investigate the addition to our existing car since it is somewhat fresh, correct, and well sorted and a more seldom seen color combination. Other than AC it is very well equipped. Having a starting point of a car with AC BUT all of the other issues that come with a different car seems at this point to be as much or more effort than adding AC to an already good car. The ideal situation would be a junk 66 with AC to use as a parts car for the swap but that is almost out of the question.

[Jim S.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

A couple questions. I'll assume you have a SB and not a BB 66? Are you willing to pull the engine to help with the installation of the 'factory' AC?

[Harry S.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

My goal (pie in the sky?) is to replicate a factory air installation. Lots of work for sure but being retired makes my time worthless and is not an issue. It is the gathering of parts that I dislike and therefore want to have all of the components at hand before disturbing a nice, running car to begin this project. Nothing worse than to have something scattered all over the shop while searching for one trinket that turns out to be a year more search. A friend has a 66 coupe with factory air to use as a "pattern" so an example is close at hand if needed to see how it was done. Dick at D&A Corvette and I have been good friends for 55 years and I am confidant that he will also help out with any issues - his shop is only a few miles from my home and he is far more than generous with his time and advice when asked. Selling the car and purchasing another with AC is always an option and probably the most practical solution but my choice at this time is to investigate the addition to our existing car since it is somewhat fresh, correct, and well sorted and a more seldom seen color combination. Other than AC it is very well equipped. Having a starting point of a car with AC BUT all of the other issues that come with a different car seems at this point to be as much or more effort than adding AC to an already good car. The ideal situation would be a junk 66 with AC to use as a parts car for the swap but that is almost out of the question.

John, I sent a PM with my phone number. Please call as there is too much to type.

[John M.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Jim, yes I am prepared to pull the engine for the install.

[Jim S.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Jim, yes I am prepared to pull the engine for the install.

I think that in the long run that will save you time and grief.

[Arland D.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

John,

Check your PMs

Arland

[John M.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Jim, yes it is a small block. L79, PS, PB, Telescopic steering wheel.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

All the parts from a 66 327 one-owner car are available on ebay...

[John M.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Ronald, do you have a link? Unable to find.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

391899795090 is the number, you should be able to google the seller ID in the picture to negotiate

[Harry S.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-66-Original-Corvette-Air-Conditioning-Unit/202629049487?hash=item2f2da1ec8f:g:G3gAAOSw~KpckAsf

I see the two switches that attach to the inner heater box. Don't see the hot water shutoff valve. Missing the dash.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

Suggestion is to call, go to their website (Google?) - there are 130 or so pictures, if you want the entire set of parts...