Converting non A/C to factory A/C?

[Chase383]

Hey guys,

I've got a two part question. My new project is a 71' Satellite that I turning into a Roadrunner clone.

I had hoped to get a car with factory A/C but the fact that this car was the body style I wanted, was local, very solid and fairly cheap overrode my requirement for factory air.

My plan is to section the firewall from an A/C car. I've heard of people doing this before to create a non A/C car... has anybody on this forum done it? Are the cowls different? I seem to remember A/C cars lack the fresh air vent on the driver's side?

Second question, my car currently has the 22" rad support, and I want to upgrade to the 26". I know AMD is selling new 26" rad supports, but do I need to swap the entire assembly?

I'd like to keep my numbered upper tie bar. The rest of my rad support is in pretty sorry shape as it appears some genius tried to tow the car with it. The lower tie bar is twisted and ripped and the RT side panel is bent as well. I've seen RT side panel for sale by themselves, is this the only different part between the two different sizes?

Thanks in advance.

 

[moparmarks]

I have done the A/C conversion myself but guys that have. It's to un-common. You are correct, A/C cars don't have the drivers side vent box nor the hole in the cowl for the box. No other differences in the cowl.
Even though the parts book shows different part numbers for both right and left core side plates you only need to change the right plate for a 26". Yes try and retain the original upper cross bar with the numbers if you can.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Man that's a lotta work. Do it if you want, but a nice new under dash A/C unit would be a LOT easier.

 

[Chase383]

Even though the parts book shows different part numbers for both right and left core side plates you only need to change the right plate for a 26". Yes try and retain the original upper cross bar with the numbers if you can.

Awesome, I can kill two birds with one stone. Now to modify this question a bit, does anybody have good pics of a lower tie bar brace installed? I've been looking at this brace and the firewall braces from XV Motorsports. Does the brace box in the existing panel or replace it completely? I'm taking great pains to upgrade the car wherever I can while keeping the car looking mostly stock. I really dig the F.A.S.T. type cars but instead of just going for all out drag strip performance I want a well rounded car.

 

[Chase383]

Man that's a lotta work. Do it if you want, but a nice new under dash A/C unit would be a LOT easier.

Very true. But I don't want to be stuck with an aftermarket kit full of mystery parts that I cannot get serviced down the road. I plan driving this car as much as possible.

Sure sometimes it is tough to get replacement parts for the factory system, but I least I know what I'm looking for and it will share some parts interchange with a stock car.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Very true. But I don't want to be stuck with an aftermarket kit full of mystery parts that I cannot get serviced down the road. I plan driving this car as much as possible.

Sure sometimes it is tough to get replacement parts for the factory system, but I least I know what I'm looking for and it will share some parts interchange with a stock car.

Ok. The hard parts to get though are the originals. I am talking about brand new stuff being produced today. Good luck.

 

[Dennis H]

Classic Auto Air. Tampa

. Ice cold flawless performance in my non ac B Body for 7 years. Uses existing heater controls. Vintage has a nice kit too with good distribution. Aftermarket.

 

[70RR]

A/C

Dennis H is correct ...I live in Tampa and Classic Air was in Business in 1979 when I moved here from N.H...They now only sell parts but up till 2008 or so they had a shop and did it all and I used them in the 90's..They have been advertising in Hemmings for 20+ years too...I stopped over last month with some questions on my Factory A/C ..Not really retail or anything but. they did give me some help...They are considered the Best or old cars .:eusa_think:.

Classic Auto Air. Tampa. Ice cold flawless performance in my non ac B Body for 7 years. Uses existing heater controls. Vintage has a nice kit too with good distribution. Aftermarket.

 

[chattacuda]

I dont know about a 71, but my 70 Satty factory air car has a drivers side vent box. I agree with the Classic Air posts. Great folks. I used their Sanden conversion kit on my car. Works great. I knowmseveral folks who have put their systems on factory ac and non ac cars and they all liked them.