What a great site, and I have already learned a lot, from this forum.
I just signed an agreement, to buy a 65 T-Bird. It's almost complete, but I have a lot to do, to get her road worthy. I don't plan to show her, so I won't be held to the culture of restoration.
My question, at this point, is weather I can put air in her. Can I just add in the compressor, and related equipment, with out adding the vents? Can I just vent it through the heating? I found some parts on E-Bay, including the controlls. I just can't find the vents, and ducting.
Any word would be greatly appreciated, as I don't need the air so much for myself, but plan on taking a 33 year old mentally dissabled man, accross, and around the country. I am his care giver, and he lives with me. His dream is to see the country. His health is affected by the heat, and I really need to watch that. His mom is so happy that I'm getting this great car, 'cause she know's that he'll enjoy it as much as I will.
Thanks, and peace.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Zia Son,

If you have not already, you should, very soon, order a shop manual for the car. You will need it and so may your mechanic. While you are at it buy the body and chassis and the electrical book. The host of this site, John Draxler, sells these and he can be found through the Thunderbird Ranch web site.

John is also one the country's experts in Thunderbirds. You might give him a call and get his advice.

If you look in shop manual(I have a '66), you will see making a non-AC car into one is a large task but not impossible. The whole bit under the dash and behind the firewall is entirely different.

Not sure if its any cheaper or less trouble but I did once see an aftermarket set up that wasn't too intrusive. Unfortunately these year Birds have a console so the standard Ford underdash add on unit won't work. This set up cut a hole in the front dash and had four outlets on it and control knobs just underneath.

Ask your local, "know what they doing", auto parts place who is good a vintage air conditioning. That company could offer you a lot of help.

Regarding you other post on engine colors, the "ranch" website also has contour summaries including engine bay colors. My suggestion, would be paint the block and intake black. Then chrome whatever else you want. This way, if you decide to go back to a factory like look all you have to change are the bolt on parts.

Have fun.

Vince

Thanks Ken, I figured as much.
And I have ordered the wiring book,shop and owners manual, and a few other goodies. Going to be a while till I get her paid off, and in my hands. But the owner is letting me do a little work so I can drive it home, when I get her paid off. Namely, a fuel pump, that makes an amazing fountain of gas.
As I'll be looking at what all the discussions have to say, I'll chime in for more advise.
P.S. Thanks again, John.

Has anyone delt with classic auto air? They have an aftermarket, costom fit air conditioner, with all I (they say) need.
I have been in contact with them, and they seem to have a good product. I was just wondering if you might have any experience.
Thanks again. Eric
P.S. Our prayers go out to John, and his family. I'm ordering manuals from him, and will keep my eyes out for parts here, 1st.
Peace

I also have a Non-Air Bird. It is a 1961 Streetrod that wasn't even equipped with Heat or defrost. The firewall heater openings appear to have never been opened. I started to get parts from John Draxler to piece it together using original pulleys and compressor mount.

After much research, I decided on Custom Auto Air and received the kit (R134a) about two weeks ago. Their kit uses separate cores for the heat and air. It includes a custom compressor mount for the Sanden comp. on the 390 (don't need any part of the orig mount and won't have to change the PS pump to A/C version). Since I didn't have original heat, I opted for the billet control panel and had to buy defroster ducts ( not needed if you have factory heater/control panel). All parts are good quality and instrustions are clear. You will need (advised) to have the wiring diagrams and shop manual for your car to help removal of panels and identifing wiring splices.
The cost: 1195 + s/h; 1400. with upgrades
Units are built to order. Turnaround was about 4 weeks.

I hope this helps. Good luck.
GaryG

P.S. Best wishes to John Draxler and his family. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!

Thanks Gary, That's all I needed.
I'm glad I didn't start buying old parts, from old birds, just to find that I was going to have to go through Costom Auto Air. As I somtimes jump the gun, trying to get what I want.

It will be few months before I get the system, but I will post my results.
Peace.
Eric