Addition of factory A.C. to 66?

[Harry S.]

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

I mentioned to John earlier today that a friend with a restoration shop just sold a complete 65 A/C setup for a 65 (except dash) for $1500.00. That was a deal. He is now pulling a 63 A/C car apart and selling the components, I don't know the price.

[Mike B.]

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

Hi John,

I've got a December 1st, '65 built 1966 factory AC car that's still dissembled. If you want any reference shots for '66 AC components, I'd be happy to help. It's a big block car, but most everything is the same as a small block. I've done extensive research on compressors, condensers etc. since mine were either questionable or missing when I bought the car way back when. I've broken the code.

Wow Harry. $1,500 for a complete '65 setup! Kinda scary. Sure hope this isn't a sign of the times.

John, the setup that Harry linked to has earmarks of a '66 system. I've spotted a few issues myself, but the condenser in the back is definitely from a '66 Corvette. Not used on any other GM car and is a one year Corvette part unique to the '66.

The setup that Ronald posted that eBay number to is very expensive but is beautiful. Most likely, it appears to have come from a November '65 built 1966 Corvette. Study these parts photos carefully. They're very correct for a '66 AC car.

Here's a good shot of my original '66 condenser. Absolutely correct for all '66 small block AC cars and is also found on earlier '66 big block AC cars. Happy hunting John.

Mike

[Donald L.]

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

I have done the swap in the past it was not difficult at all the hardest part was putting in the fresh air damper into the vent on the right hand side. With the engine out it is Not bad at all. 1500 for a complete set up is absolutely ridiculous if it was complete and he did sell it for that this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal you can expect to pay anywhere from four to $6000 for a complete 66 set up.

[Harry S.]

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

I have done the swap in the past it was not difficult at all the hardest part was putting in the fresh air damper into the vent on the right hand side. With the engine out it is Not bad at all. 1500 for a complete set up is absolutely ridiculous if it was complete and he did sell it for that this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal you can expect to pay anywhere from four to $6000 for a complete 66 set up.

I went through every piece. It was at Carlisle. People looked and just walked away. I was amazed that no one there took it. He sold it when he got back home in upstate NY.

[Donald L.]

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

I just sold in original suction throttling valve for a 66 for $650 alone. I am looking for an original 66 driver side air duct not a reproduction.

[Harry S.]

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

I just sold in original suction throttling valve for a 66 for $650 alone. I am looking for an original 66 driver side air duct not a reproduction.

The duct under the dash or the duct behind the vent?

[John M.]

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

[Mike, could you point out the unique points of the condenser - looks to be smaller than a 65? Also is the dryer pictured the correct part for a 66. finally, is the 66 condenser that is reproduced identical to the real thing or is it more generic when purchased for a 66? QUOTE=Mike Browning (24893);858780]Hi John,

I've got a December 1st, '65 built 1966 factory AC car that's still dissembled. If you want any reference shots for '66 AC components, I'd be happy to help. It's a big block car, but most everything is the same as a small block. I've done extensive research on compressors, condensers etc. since mine were either questionable or missing when I bought the car way back when. I've broken the code.

Wow Harry. $1,500 for a complete '65 setup! Kinda scary. Sure hope this isn't a sign of the times.

John, the setup that Harry linked to has earmarks of a '66 system. I've spotted a few issues myself, but the condenser in the back is definitely from a '66 Corvette. Not used on any other GM car and is a one year Corvette part unique to the '66.

The setup that Ronald posted that eBay number to is very expensive but is beautiful. Most likely, it appears to have come from a November '65 built 1966 Corvette. Study these parts photos carefully. They're very correct for a '66 AC car.

Here's a good shot of my original '66 condenser. Absolutely correct for all '66 small block AC cars and is also found on earlier '66 big block AC cars. Happy hunting John.

Mike

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[Domenic T.]

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

John,
I did it to my 67 427 BB 435HP back in 71, then made it over as in the book a few years ago. Engine was out both times and as saide in another post the right side need to be changed a bit. I had to do some cutting and had the complete unit that I removed from a wrecked vette which made it easy.
You will have to cut the center above the radio also to add the air duct and also 2 more holes on the control panel. Need the A/c harness which is easy and the template to cut the fenderwell for the battery along with a few riv nuts to mount the new battery box. The riv nut mounting holes were in my 67 frame.
If you tackle it section at a time it works out fine. BUT I would want all the firewall and dash parts there before tackeling that part.
Making it appear original was not so bad, I was able to buy small stuff that I didn't remove from the wreck when I did the frame off.
The first go around looked good and a corvette guy came in my shop while I was prepping for the 2nd paint job and also getting ready to lift the body off the frame. He called me a liar about the car being a 435 HP and said that he could tell that the A/C was a factory installation and not available on a 67 with the BB 435 HP.
I felt good that the installation passed off as a factory, but being called a liar didn't go over to good. I was tired of this guy and wanted him out of the shop. He made a insulting offer and I closed the shop door.
One thing you wont have to do is deal with the BB, in my case A/c wasn't available with my BB.

Dom

[Domenic T.]

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

Like to add one more thing. Core support (radiator support) did NOT need to be changed on my 67. The X brackets for the non A/C were close to the condenser, and I put a 1/16 spacer under the cond mounting to be sure it would not rub.
Another thing is that the A/C holes were already there for the hoses.
The vendor advertises the A/C support and the non A/C support and cleverly reverses them in their pictures so they look different! Just remove the X and you have the A/C support, or just leave it.
I left my X because I did not want to hide the fact that I added factory air.

Dom

[Mike B.]

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

Hi John,

I'm gonna send you an email listed on your profile with my contact info. If that doesn't work, I'll send you a PM. Don't want to post anything here that would send your thread in a different direction. Mike

HELLO DOM!

[John M.]

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

Been spending evenings reading the 5th Edition of the 1966 NCRS judging guide and was surprised to learn that "late 66" did in fact have the hood prop located back on the passenger side on cars with A. C. Does anyone have a car that is so configured? Certain that our car will have to be relocated to the left side (Feb. 22 production date) but curiosity has been set in motion as to just when this happened. Any images and dates?

[Jimmy G.]

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

Buyer beware of the EBAY listing in his thread Check his reputation (if it is who I think it is)

[Mark E.]

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

This sounds like a "cool" project to figure out and do.

But from an economic and time perspective, I agree with an earlier comment:. It may be better to sell this car and buy another that better fits what you want.

[Ronald L.]

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

Jimmy Gregg - who might you be refering to???

Buyer beware of the EBAY listing in his thread Check his reputation (if it is who I think it is)

[Ronald L.]

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

Or just install a modern AC kit if its not a solid original number matching etc.

This sounds like a "cool" project to figure out and do.

But from an economic and time perspective, I agree with an earlier comment:. It may be better to sell this car and buy another that better fits what you want.