Classic Auto Air
The factory A/C was not working and I wasn't sure if it could be restored. In Mississippi, A/C is as important on a daily driver as a steering wheel so a complete, upgraded replacement was the best option. I ordered the "Perfect Fit Elite" system from classicautoair.com
Dashpad and instrument cluster removed
York compressor removed
A/C and heater hoses removed
Sanden compressor
and brackets to retrofit to the original mounting plate.
New blower/evaporator coil/heater coil
Everything is provided to COMPLETELY replace the factory air.
Sanden compressor mounted to original bracket
**** Do not mount your compressor in this position. I didn't realize until I was attaching the lines that it needs to be rotated 90 degrees.
Sanden compressor mounted to original bracket
Sanden compressor mounted to original bracket
Idler pulley and belt installed
Idler pulley and belt installed
Original A/C controls
used cables and engine vacuum to open or close ducts in the A/C heater box. The replacement controls use electric servo motors. Much more simple and reliable.
Old ductwork removed
Now is a good time to remove the lower dash and repaint.
Old ductwork
Passenger side vent
was loose in its socket. Originally, there was a piece of felt that lined the socket to make a tighter fit. To fix this, you have to remove the vent and separate the two halves. Glue in a new strip of felt and epoxy the vent back together.
Old A/C heater box removed
Inside, I found lots of old coins and a pink pen that had fallen in from the defrost vents. The pen was in contact with the "squirrel cage" fan and made a racket when the blower was on.
You'll have to remove the glovebox
to get the old A/C heater box out - if you don't remove the entire lower dash.
A/C controls removed
Sanden compressor
with a new V belt and all the brackets and pulleys painted. The compressor is still not mounted in the correct orientation.
Oooh, shiny!
New A/C heater box
being installed. Instructions say this is a two person job. I used a box to prop it in position while it was attached to the firewall.
New A/C heater box
A/C lines run
to new dryer and condensor coil. *** Note that the compressor is finally installed correctly.
Removing the lower dash
A/C heater box installed
I had trouble getting a bracket screwed to the curved part of the firewall so I welded it instead.
Lower dash removed
No dash
Steering wheel removed for painting
Steering wheel finished and reinstalled
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