Installing AC in a 1969-70 GT500

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

Hello folks,

Has anyone been so adventurous to install an after market air conditioning system in a 1969 / 1970 big block car?

If so what was your experience?

How long did it take to complete?

Does it adequately cool the interior cabin?

This kit we are looking at uses a Sanden compressor with all electrical controls.

Will run on R134 freon

They say all components, knobs. etc look like the factory type.

Your thoughts on this or any other system?

[krconvertman]

I have and would not go with that system. I don't like the case lay out, the controls do not look original and the cast crank pulley, just no. I prefer The Vintage air system allows you to use factory registers which makes the cabin area look completely stock. I have also changed the dash pad and cut the lower dash for the outer vents when converting from non AC. Which I prefer over the cheesy vents they all come with if you order the kit for a non AC car. So I order for with factory air and make the mods myself. Outer vents are now nicely reproduced, only the center dash pad vent is hard to find really nice but they are out there. But I also have  a cut up dash I saved the end vent areas from to use as templates to do this. the thing is this system works GREAT!!! I`m in Texas, so you know it needs to work good down here. I`m not as thrilled with the engine compartment components but they do work. The lines and all route through the stock radiator support hole and they have a nice backing plate that fills it. I typically put a stock black foam seal on as well to make it less obvious. However the condenser type and size and dryer are completely different. If you order the kit for with factory AC you will need to get a factory 3 groove crank pulley and possibly the cast iron compressor mounting bracket that goes to the cyl. head. Although the kit I`m installing now I did not have to have that as it came with a custom compressor mount I kind of like better as its easier to adjust the belt tension. You also have to drill some extra holes in the firewall to mount it but it is pretty easy to do following their instructions. As got how long it takes, that depends on how skilled you are and what route you take. if like me you want the factory vents then the lower dash is going to have to come out and that is a big project, however with the lower dash out, installing the case and locating and making the drain hole becomes very easy. I`m typically doing the install during the initial assembly of a fresh build so its not as big of a deal as having to take things apart then reassemble them when done. It typically takes me 2 4 hour days that way. if your having to carefully disassemble and do stuff you've never done then figure double that. Take your time. The careful disassembly and not damaging anything part is harder than the actual install. But it is worth it. I do this stuff for a living and was an ASE certified tech once upon a time. Hope that helps, feel free to message me if you have questions or PM me and I`ll give you my phone number. Bruce

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

This us the info on the Old Air Products Electronic Hurricane A/C/Heat/Defrost System for 1969 and 1970 Mustangs with a 390/428 Engine and Factory A/C.

If your 1969-1970 Mustang with a 390/428 Engine and Factory A/C could use a better cooling and heating system, then check out this Old Air Products (CAP-1170M-390) Electronic Hurricane A/C/Heat/Defrost System!

Kit Includes:
- Hurricane Heat Cool & Defrost Unit
- Integrated Cable Control Package
- Mounting Bracket & hardware
- Louver Package
- Compressor
- Compressor Bracket (Actual Bracket and/or Pulley May vary from Photo)
- Compressor Binary Safety Switch
- Condenser Assembly w/drier
- A/C Hose Kit

Additional Notes:
- This A/C system is for use with 134-A refrigerant.
- This part is Non-Returnable.

Vehicle Fitment:
- 1969-1970 Mustang with factory A/C

This Old Air Products (CAP-1170M-390) Electronic Hurricane A/C/Heat/Defrost System mounts right to the firewall, taking the place of the factory heater box. The A/C and heater fittings pass easily though the original blower motor hole with a custom rubber grommet. The included electronic switching package mounts to the original factory A/C control bezel, and offers an array of control of the A/C, heater, and defrost functions. Also included is a Sanden style compressor and bracket that mounts onto the 390/428 engine. The condenser assembly gives superior cooling capacity using the aluminum Superkool condenser assembly with a factory style drier and mounting brackets.

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

This is the info on the Gen 5 is Vintage Air's most powerful and intelligent climate control system. The Gen IV uses an exclusive fully electronic microprocessor control system that eliminates cables or vacuum connections.

Separate high capacity copper parallel-flow heat coil and aluminum plate and fin cooling coils provide outstanding performance and instant temperature adjustments.


Additional features include variable blower speed and dash / floor / defrost blend.

**Evaporator kit includes Evaporator and mounting bracket, louvers (when required), duct hose, wiring harness, new controls or Cable Converters, hardware and installation manual.

Fly-By-Wire fully electronic servo motor controls with no cables or capillary tube to routeInfinite "just right temperature" air blendingInfinite blower fan speed adjustment (1964 1/2 - 68)Uses original blower fan speed switch (69-70)High-volume dehumidified defrost modeSeparate high-capacity aluminum plate&fin cooling coilCopper/brass CuproBraze parallel flow heater coilMounts behind the dashUses your factory system controls with our patented Electronic Cable ConvertersFlat steel firewall cover panelReplacement molded glove box (reduced capacity)

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

Hi Bruce

Thanks for sharing that great information with us.

I am in FL it gets plenty hot down here just like Texas.

That's why after many years we have been thinking about installing the AC system in our 1969 GT500.

Over the years we have accumulated all the original AC parts, brackets, york compressor, evaporator,  condenser,hoses, valves, blower motors ducts, dash, engine pulleys, bolts, everything that came off another big block 428 automatic fastback mustang.

Again we have EVERYTHING - all original parts for our car

But viewed the new kits from Old Air with new components and thought that is the way to go.

So you suggest the Vintate Air unit?

[Bob Gaines]

Hi Bruce

Thanks for sharing that great information with us.

I am in FL it gets plenty hot down here just like Texas.

That's why after many years we have been thinking about installing the AC system in our 1969 GT500.

Over the years we have accumulated all the original AC parts, brackets, york compressor, evaporator,  condenser,hoses, valves, blower motors ducts, dash, engine pulleys, bolts, everything that came off another big block 428 automatic fastback mustang.

Again we have EVERYTHING - all original parts for our car

But viewed the new kits from Old Air with new components and thought that is the way to go.

So you suggest the Vintate Air unit?

FYI since you mentioned all original parts I wanted to explain that the Aluminum "York" compressor was not used originally on 69/70 Shelby's. It was typical for 69/70 Shelby's to use the different looking cast Iron "Techumseh" compressor . For whatever it is worth they both work the same but it is just that one is original looking and one is not in the case that fact matters.   

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

Hi Bruce

Thanks for sharing that great information with us.

I am in FL it gets plenty hot down here just like Texas.

That's why after many years we have been thinking about installing the AC system in our 1969 GT500.

Over the years we have accumulated all the original AC parts, brackets, york compressor, evaporator,  condenser,hoses, valves, blower motors ducts, dash, engine pulleys, bolts, everything that came off another big block 428 automatic fastback mustang.

Again we have EVERYTHING - all original parts for our car

But viewed the new kits from Old Air with new components and thought that is the way to go.

So you suggest the Vintate Air unit?

FYI since you mentioned all original parts I wanted to explain that the Aluminum "York" compressor was not used originally on 69/70 Shelby's. It was typical for 69/70 Shelby's to use the different looking cast Iron "Techumseh" compressor . For whatever it is worth they both work the same but it is just that one is original looking and one is not in the case that fact matters.   

Hi Bruce

Thanks for sharing that great information with us.

I am in FL it gets plenty hot down here just like Texas.

That's why after many years we have been thinking about installing the AC system in our 1969 GT500.

Over the years we have accumulated all the original AC parts, brackets, york compressor, evaporator,  condenser,hoses, valves, blower motors ducts, dash, engine pulleys, bolts, everything that came off another big block 428 automatic fastback mustang.

Again we have EVERYTHING - all original parts for our car

But viewed the new kits from Old Air with new components and thought that is the way to go.

So you suggest the Vintate Air unit?

FYI since you mentioned all original parts I wanted to explain that the Aluminum "York" compressor was not used originally on 69/70 Shelby's. It was typical for 69/70 Shelby's to use the different looking cast Iron "Techumseh" compressor . For whatever it is worth they both work the same but it is just that one is original looking and one is not in the case that fact matters.   

You are right boss it's one of those old p.o.s. compressors

Gona go with the nippon Sanden less weight more effective pumping that R134 for cooling down here in Floridaland

Domo arigato gozaimasu and Yoi shūmatsu o

[Tomdeg]

I did the Vintage air on my '69 GT350. Fortunately, my car came with the Power Vent option, so it already had the center vent. I did replace the lower panel with one from an A/C car so I could use the factory lower vents for a factory look. Works very nice. I'm in So Cal and without it, driving in summer is not pleasant. Vintage Air's customer service is very helpful too.

Tom

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

So contestants  we have several options to choose from and we will explore each one individually.

Starting with

Option One:

Factory Stock AC

We have every all interior components,  dash, knobs, controls, nuts, bolts, washers, brackets, hoses, receiver drier, expasion valve,  engine pulleys, evaporator, condensor, original engine bay fiberglass box with all internals, ducts and of course the old compressor.

Everything off a 1969 Mach 1 automatic big block car.

All put away in categorized boxes.

Take notes and give your honest thoughts on this process.

Coming soon Option Two!

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

This one of several options that we will be looking into. Your most valuable input would be appreciated

Option Two :

CLASSIC AUTO AIR KIT

ARE MODEL-SPECIFIC DESIGNED... THAT MAKES FOR AN EASIER INSTALLATION AND YEARS OF TROUBLE-FREE OPERATION.

This Model-Specific Fully Electronic Smart Series™ kit allows you to RetroFit your classic 1969 Mustang to full air-conditioning, easily and professionally.

Our 1969 Mustang system is engineered specifically to use our Direct Electronic Replacement controls (D.E.R)....which gives you a brand new, plug-n-play control that fits right into the OEM location with no modifications!

The exclusive Smart ECU allows for infinite adjustability over all modes, providing you with powerful air conditioning, heat on the floor, and dehumidified defrost.

Using just basic tools you'll be able to install this kit with a minimum amount of modifications. It's easy to get OEM quality with better than original performance and reliability!

All installation kits include detailed, step-by-step instructions, and customizing is a breeze. Plus no special tools are required and every system has the best warranty you'll find anywhere.

[FL SAAC Team Leader]

Option 3 :

Vintage Air Gen 5

The Gen 5 is Vintage Air's most powerful and intelligent climate control system.

The Gen 5 uses an exclusive fully electronic microprocessor control system that eliminates cables or vacuum connections.

Separate high-capacity copper parallel-flow heat coil and aluminum plate-and fin-cooling coils provide outstanding performance and instant temperature adjustments.

Additional features include variable blower speed and dash/floor/defrost blend.

**Complete kits include everything in the evaporator kit plus all under-hood components such as compressor, engine brackets, condenser with brackets, preformed refrigerant lines, drier, fittings, hardware and installation instructions.

Engineered to cool your vehicle faster than ever
Improved diagnostics and advanced systematic fail safes
Multiple mounting options for an easier installation
Rubber well-nut mounting points for improved NVH isolationSeparate high-capacity A/C and heater coils with blend air door for rapid vent temperature adjustment
OEM block-type expansion valveInjection molded case for optimal precision, strength and qualityInjection molded blend air doors with integral rubber seals
Removable access covers for coil serviceInterchangeable defrost and floor heat plenums for increased mounting flexibility
Powder coated steel mounting bracketsQuiet high-performance blowerIncludes new bolt-in electronic control panel
Flat steel firewall cover

[98SVT - was 06GT]

https://vintageair.com/1969-70-mustang-without-factory-air-gen-5-surefit-complete-kit/