Adding A/C after the fact - car value implications

[chipchambliss]

Was curious what everyone thought about the impact to the valuation of adding A/C to a non-factory A/C car.  I want to buy either a '67 or '68 GT500 to drive on the weekends (and I live in Texas), but I don't want to impact the investment in the vehicle dramatically if I buy a non-ac car and modify it after the fact.  Outside of running the lines through the firewall and permanently making a hole are there really any other implications I should think about?

Thanks in advance!

[terlingua11]

How about the enjoyment factor. If you buy the car and can't enjoy it, or it's uncomfortable to drive, why have it. If putting in air makes you drive it more and increases the enjoyment factor, who cares about what you sell it. You only live once and unless you're buying a concourse blue chip car it shouldn't matter. Buy what you like, drive it how you like. That's my 2 cents.  Did that with my 66. Did the mods that I enjoy, not what the value it will bring down the road-

[Bob Gaines]

I would say that as long as you make it look like a factory installation inside and under the hood on a car you drive regardless of how nice it is that it would not be a negative. Although it may not make it worth more it will enhance the sale ability of the car IMO. A concours car is a different story . Someone should not do that modification if they intend to show in concours or if they do expect a sizable deduction for the installation. Just my opinion based on what i have seen. Others may have different opinions.

[Bigfoot]

I agree with the above.
I've been in TX and South Florida in August when its 90 and humid and you would want AC for realz.

[stephen_becker]

I have an original factory in-dash system for sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293196686843?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649



Stephen Becker
CEO & President
Stephen Becker Automotive Group Inc

+1 (770) 614-3300 | +1 (770) 900-5532

stephen@beckerautogroup.com

beckerautogroup.com

[Don Johnston]

Just curious as to those with original systems are doing about the lack of freon for refill service.  Is there a required upgrade or are there some shops that still have freon available?

[Rickmustang]

I just replaced all the orings on my system and recharged with R12. Ice cold. Check eBay for freon

[FL SAAC]

How about the enjoyment factor. If you buy the car and can't enjoy it, or it's uncomfortable to drive, why have it. If putting in air makes you drive it more and increases the enjoyment factor, who cares about what you sell it. You only live once and unless you're buying a concourse blue chip car it shouldn't matter. Buy what you like, drive it how you like. That's my 2 cents.  Did that with my 66. Did the mods that I enjoy, not what the value it will bring down the road-

+ 1 agreed

[FL SAAC]

I would say that as long as you make it look like a factory installation inside and under the hood on a car you drive regardless of how nice it is that it would not be a negative. Although it may not make it worth more it will enhance the sale ability of the car IMO. A concours car is a different story . Someone should not do that modification if they intend to show in concours or if they do expect a sizable deduction for the installation. Just my opinion based on what i have seen. Others may have different opinions.

+ 1

[FL SAAC]

Just curious as to those with original systems are doing about the lack of freon for refill service.  Is there a required upgrade or are there some shops that still have freon available?

retro fit system and change to R134 could use original compressor, but would be more efficient with a sanden compressor

[98SVT - was 06GT]

I'd get OEM in dash looking AC and add a new style compressor. Full OEM system would probably not have much impact on value. Save the firewall knockout plugs in case you ever want to go back they can be welded back in.

[Bob Gaines]

I have an original factory in-dash system for sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293196686843?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649



Stephen Becker
CEO & President
Stephen Becker Automotive Group Inc

+1 (770) 614-3300 | +1 (770) 900-5532

stephen@beckerautogroup.com

beckerautogroup.com

Stephen ,your ebay auction is of a 68 in dash AC system not a 67 in dash AC system which is being discussed here.  The 67 AC system has all  completely different style brackets then your 68 system all except the one lower cast iron compressor bracket  which is the same. The  indash vent register panel and control panel vent register which are the parts that you see is different on a 68 compared to a 67. Other then those things it is very similar. Best of luck on your sale.

[Shelby_r_b]

+1 to the previous posts. And, the less drilling required, the better. 

[Don Johnston]

Unless the car is being restored for concours, any a/c added to a classic gets more attention with our hot summers.  I have seen classic Mustangs with a/c added getting higher  numbers and quicker sales than those without for non-concours cars.

[67350#1242]

I am not sure with the Shelbys, but regular production Mustangs had different specs for the front coil springs when AC was ordered (and possibly rear spring rates as well).  There is fairly significant weight added to front of car with AC.  I suspect this would affect small block more than big block car as big block coils are a lot stiffer.

Years ago I swapped in a factory system into a small block 67 coupe and found a noticeable drop in the front stance as well as some degradation in handling.  I went back and swapped the front coils from the donor which corrected the problem.
Just a detail to think about when searching for a donor system.
Kurt.