I was reading this last night, and since I'm looking for a/c, I ran a couple searches. These guys came up, and printing the installation manual today for the 55-57 bird, it isn't all that badly done. I talked to them today, and they say they use an alt/compressor bracket from Alan Grove. The belt is shared between the alt and the a/c, which concerns me a bit about slippage. It uses the stock 'bird control panel, and has a "fake" air supply duct if you want the under hood to "look" stock.

Anyone had any experience with them?

Classic auto air

http://www.classicautoair.com/55_57_T_Bird_Air_Conditioning_Ford_AC.html

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Hi paul I see you made it through the winter/ Still haven't done anything with those pulley/maybe later this spring/new hip slow me down more than I thought it would/ but Im sure glad that I had it done no more pain/pm me your phone # I must have misplace it

jim

Howdy,





I used a set of Vintage air brackets for my 292......it also includes the alternator mount. I'm using a 12si type 100a alternator I bought outright from Autozone. (



I got them from Summit a few months ago.



Here's a couple of pictures.







Pic with the A/C pump removed.





Cheers,





Rick






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1955 F-600/272/E4OD// Disclaimer: No animals were injured while test driving my F-600 except the ones I ran over intentionally!

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This post was created using OpenSuSE Linux x64 and Firefox

Paul,

Thanks for the information on the VA applications for the 56 Fairlanes.  My car is a 57 Fairlane and I think the VA built-in installation would allow the radio to stay in place, but likely would take out much of the glove compartment and would be more difficult to install which is why I was leaning toward the add-on unit.

The fresh-air vents on the 57 are very good (high volume) and do a good job until the temps and humidity get into the 90's, so I haven't really made up my mind on whether to go ahead with an AC or leave the car as Henry built it.

Thx,

Dave

Oldave57..........I have 2 56's with VA systems.One is the built in unit and the other is the hang on.Both have advantages and disadvantages.The hang on was a lot easier to install and actually cools the car better than the built in one.The built in is a much cleaner looking installation,but reqiures a lot more work to put in and in a 56 at least, you lose the original radio and most of the glove box.The A/C doesn't work the greatest in really hot conditions,but it's OK.The heater and defrost functions are excellent.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Thanks for the reply.  I haven't decided for sure whether to go ahead with an add-on AC or use the Vintage style that has separate vents rather than the hang-on unit under the dash.  The Vintage looks better after installation, but requires a lot more work under the dash.  I would also like to have an installation that has the option of bringing fresh air through the evaporator, but none of the units, including Vintage Air, do that so I was leaning toward the under-dash unit since the Vintage Air was recirculation only as well as the under-dash unit.

Good luck with your hip recuperation,

Dave

No I haven't did anything on A/C yet/ I had to have a hip replace so that has slow me down this winter/No one has said a word about N/A I do know that there compressor is a sanden look alike but thats what most of the aftermarket companys are doing/looks like to me vintage air is the only one that is using the sanden compressor/maybe thats why N/A prices are so low 

Hello Kansas,

I know this is an older post, but wanted to see if you had decided on an after-market AC?  I had seen the website for Nostalgic Air also, and their prices are very good compared to the other after-market sites. 

Thx,

Oldave57

back to my origin post I know that Nostalgic Air has the comp mount /what I want to know has any one did business with them/ were they satisfied with the kit? If there was a problem did NA make it right? $680 just seems a little low for the kit/  

Hey Kansas;;   Don Hyde in Texas has the mountings for y blocks,  beautiful a/c-alternator casting -- everything lines up. Had it on my tbird for 6 years still great.  Also Allan Groves makes them, they advertize in Hot Rods Deluxe mag.   Don's phone number is (972)423-4636.  Hope this helps   Good Luck   God Bless   Eddie

Eddie

Lake Forest, Ca. 92630