We just returned home from the Northeast Zone Meet in CT. It was 2.5 hours each way in 95 degree heat - without air conditioning. Over the years, the lack of A/C has limited how far we're willing to go in the Wagonaire. Now it really is time to put in something that works well. I'm getting too old to sweat like that!
My '65 Wagonaire with Chevy 283 engine was actually built with A/C, but some previous owner removed it, probably to put in a different car. I've collected parts at swap meets, have a York recip compressor and mounting bracket and an original "Mark IV" style evaporator. However, I'm willing to start from scratch with new units, as the old ones would need rebuilding anyway and would be less efficient.
My first thought is to call Vintage Air and get a kit with all the parts. They make a replica of the old Mark IV evaporator unit which would look appropriate under the dash. I think the condenser can be about 20" wide x 12" high, maybe taller, based on some old brackets that are still in front of the radiator. There seems to be room behind the automatic transmission cooler to slip the condenser in. Does anyone know what size Sanden rotary compressor (508 vs 709) should be used on a Wagonaire with lots of glass?
The pulley on the crankshaft has three grooves but they are only about 3/8" wide. The water pump pulley has two grooves. There is currently only one belt, which drives the water pump and alternator. No power steering. I may have to change the pulleys, too, to accommodate the wider belt used on the Sanden compressors.
Photos below show old evaporator, old York compressor, and Vintage Air "Mark IV" evaporator.
I'd welcome any advice and suggestions.
My '65 Wagonaire with Chevy 283 engine was actually built with A/C, but some previous owner removed it, probably to put in a different car. I've collected parts at swap meets, have a York recip compressor and mounting bracket and an original "Mark IV" style evaporator. However, I'm willing to start from scratch with new units, as the old ones would need rebuilding anyway and would be less efficient.
My first thought is to call Vintage Air and get a kit with all the parts. They make a replica of the old Mark IV evaporator unit which would look appropriate under the dash. I think the condenser can be about 20" wide x 12" high, maybe taller, based on some old brackets that are still in front of the radiator. There seems to be room behind the automatic transmission cooler to slip the condenser in. Does anyone know what size Sanden rotary compressor (508 vs 709) should be used on a Wagonaire with lots of glass?
The pulley on the crankshaft has three grooves but they are only about 3/8" wide. The water pump pulley has two grooves. There is currently only one belt, which drives the water pump and alternator. No power steering. I may have to change the pulleys, too, to accommodate the wider belt used on the Sanden compressors.
Photos below show old evaporator, old York compressor, and Vintage Air "Mark IV" evaporator.
I'd welcome any advice and suggestions.
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