I’m recreating an updated topic about aftermarket a/c systems. My '72 factory a/c system is compromised, and needs a replacement. Anyone out there have any comments about selecting a new system. I have looked at Classic Auto Air, Vintage Air, and Restomod products. My Cougar is not a show car, so what I’m looking for is an aftermarket system, which will plug and play, have excellent cooling capability, and most importantly reliability. Thanks…
Interesting. I bought my 71’ with the A/C removed. It’s not a big deal for me since I always almost drive it with the top down, but I’d be interested in what others think about this as well, in case I want to add it back at some point.
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Brian J: Thanks for your input. Classic Auto Air is the only one I’ve come across so far, that’s totally plug and play. I’ve had the dash out and refurbished the components. However, experience has taught me that since the car sat for over 20 years in a field, that the may end up as junk, after all…so the decision to just get a new system, with modern components is on the table.
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My car came with AC. Still can’t believe 428CJs were offered with AC. But I’m contemplating getting the AC put back in my car, so I’m interested in everyone’s opinion on this.
I’ve installed AC on 1968 GT-E’s that were equipped with the 427 and 428 engine. The cooling system is good for those systems.
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What exactly was compromised? System contamination? I rebuilt the HVAC box and changed all the under-hood components with new Sanden pump, reduced barrier lines, parallel flow condenser, and receiver drier. I’ve heard good things about some of the aftermarket systems but prefer to retain the inside OEM box and controls.
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I would replace the hoses, compressor, expansion valve, and the drier. Of course that means replacing the oil too.
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I, too, rebuilt the HVAC box, but put back in the original evaporator and heater coils. That was 5 years ago. I’m using the heater coil, and so far, no leaks. My concern is that I’ll do what you did, but with negative results. I put tape over the exposed valve block under the hood, and except for the old York bracket, all the rest is gone. I’m 77 years old, going on a hundred, so this decision is based on the fact that this will be the last time I remove the dash (which is the easiest approach), as my financial means won’t allow me to hire this refurbishment out. Also, from what I’ve read, it will eliminate a lot of the vacuum lines, iffy selector switch, that pesky long wire cable, wiring harness, and additional accumulated underhood temperature increase. I’ve already switched over to a 4 row and dual fan radiator, which was a Godsend. My query was if someone has a '71-'73 and has already done this.
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I understand, I’m not far behind you. The 71-73, like the 70 Mustang requires removal of the dash to get the HVAC box out? Ugh! I wouldn’t want to go thru that again. It wasn’t easy getting mine out of my 68 Cougar at all. I can understand your “once and for all” approach. It’s getting harder to crawl around inside and under the dash but does keep us flexible. If I can help with anything let me know.
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Thanks, Mike. Is that a Sanden-type compressor? If so, did you re-use the Ford York bracket? I’m trying to eliminate as much extra work as possible. I understand that most of those types will bolt directly, or with an adapter plate, to it.
Thanks, again.
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Yes, it’s a polished Sanden 508 style. I wanted to use the economical conversion plate but the OEM tensioner pulley and heavy brackets just looked wrong next to it. Maybe they could have been eliminated and just used the pump as tensioner? There are other conversion kits that “cheap out” and use the pump as a tensioner but I never liked that idea. I opted for the more expensive setup with the dedicated tensioner pulley and bracket like below.
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Looks good from here. I will have to (possibly) remove and discard the York bracket, but this looks substantial enough to do the job. Where did you purchase it from?
Thanks again!
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Yes, it’s a pretty stout kit. The plate material is 1/4" thick or more. I bought mine from Classic Auto Air but looks like Johns Mustang sells the same kit for less. Of course, it’s for early model SBF. Unsure which engine you have but shop around, you may find better pricing. If you’re buying new lines I like the reduced barrier hoses. They are significantly smaller, none of mine are larger than a heater hose.
John’s Mustang: 1965-1968 Mustang Sanden Compressor Bracket Kit, V8 (289, 302)
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For a non Ac car I like the vintage air kits but for a AC car I would try to keep as much as the system as you can and run an newer style compressor and R134. Classic Auto Air has alot of options for this route.
You may be suprised in being able to repair what you have and get it working again. The hardest part might be sourcing R12 but it could be worth it.
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Thanks DieselD. I am still in the contemplating mode, and you have given me another approach to consider. An informed decision usually nets the best results, so, thanks again!
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The dash does not need to be removed on the 71-73 cars. The HVAC box is two halves - the blower housing and the evaporator/heater core case. You leave the blower housing in the car and remove the other half - do your restoration work and reassemble. The shop manual has a step-by-step procedure, exploded diagrams and the vacuum schematics.
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Good to know. I removed the box on my 68 ok but it was tight. I don’t have a 71-73 but I have a 1970 Mach 1 and I know for a fact you must remove the dash to remove the evaporator/heater box. I assumed 71-73 Cougars were the same.
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You are correct. In my case, I’ve decided to replace the entire A/C system. After much discussion with Classic Auto Air (and while it won’t win me any points at an AACA show) I settled on their direct replacement system. Also, while it does require the replacement of all components (except the Ford/York mounting bracket) both underhood and underdash, this gives me the opportunity to repair/replace a lot of radio and gauge wiring that needs attention. You know, in for a penny, in for a pound. So, thanks to all of you who shared their thoughts. I had a lot to think about, and all things considered, this seems the best route.
Again, thanks.
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How many different Cougar years and models do you see in my Alley Cat?