Im restoring a 55 e7 pickup. I would like to install air conditioning. Not exactly sure how to go about this. I was wondering if there was any type of under dash unit that would work. I don't really want to go the traditional route under the hood.
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Originally posted by andy w View PostIm restoring a 55 e7 pickup. I would like to install air conditioning. Not exactly sure how to go about this. I was wondering if there was any type of under dash unit that would work. I don't really want to go the traditional route under the hood.Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.
'64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Avanti R-1, Museum R-4 engine, '72 Gravely Model 430 with Onan engine
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As far as I know ALL automotive A/C systems utilize a compressor driven by the engine and a condenser in front of the car's radiator, so there is no way to avoid the "traditional route under the hood." Think about it: Where else would you put the compressor and how would you drive it? And, where else would you put the condenser except in front of the radiator? That condenser gets rid of the heat that is removed from the interior of the car.
-Dwight FitzSimons
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Since the Studebaker C cab trucks don't have a traditional dash board ahead of the firewall the evaporator will be on the engine side of the firewall. IF you want to avoid an under dash unit. Back when my brother put a/c in his 57 Transtar no Studebaker specific unit was available. He cut off most of his glove box and mounted the evaporator there. He built a cover over the back of the Instrument panel to hide the evaporator and the back of the instruments. There isn't much of a way around this, but at least a Studebaker specific unit is available now."In the heart of Arkansas."
Searcy, Arkansas
1952 Commander 2 door. Really fine 259.
1952 2R pickup
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Originally posted by andy w View PostIm restoring a 55 e7 pickup. I would like to install air conditioning. Not exactly sure how to go about this. I was wondering if there was any type of under dash unit that would work. I don't really want to go the traditional route under the hood.Custom Aftermarket A/C Systems & Factory Replacement AC and Heater Parts for Hot Rods and Classic or Vintage Cars and Trucks including: Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, GMC Pickup, Corvette, Chevelle, and more!
You might also be interested in these links. I am using The Air Shop in Orange, CA to replace the dealer-installed air conditioning in my '57 President Classic. I will probably have them install either the Old Air 200 or 300 under dash units, plus a new compressor under the hood and might be able to use the original condenser in front of the radiator. You can probably find a shop around Charleston who can put in either a Vintage Air or Old Air unit. I have attached a few photos I have acquired to achieve my installation.sigpic
Jack, in Montana
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Hey there Jack in Montana .. Where in Montana are you? Im north in Fernie British Columbia ..
That air unit that is square is so 70's looking and not attractive at all but the unit with the round
vents looks great .. Those old compressors were huge lol . Im wanting to put an AC unit in my GT hawk
but also retain the Supercharger unit .. Would love to see some pics if anyone has done this ??Love my Lark
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One of our chapter members put A/C on his 64 GT Hawk with a supercharger years ago. It was a tight fit and he ran an extremely long belt. The small compressors they make now are an easier fit than the original style units, but there's not much room."In the heart of Arkansas."
Searcy, Arkansas
1952 Commander 2 door. Really fine 259.
1952 2R pickup
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Originally posted by Jett289 View PostHey there Jack in Montana .. Where in Montana are you? Im north in Fernie British Columbia ..
That air unit that is square is so 70's looking and not attractive at all but the unit with the round
vents looks great .. Those old compressors were huge lol . Im wanting to put an AC unit in my GT hawk
but also retain the Supercharger unit .. Would love to see some pics if anyone has done this ??Last edited by jnfweber; 04-07-2016, 06:39 AM.sigpic
Jack, in Montana
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Originally posted by Dwight FitzSimons View PostAs far as I know ALL automotive A/C systems utilize a compressor driven by the engine and a condenser in front of the car's radiator, so there is no way to avoid the "traditional route under the hood." Think about it: Where else would you put the compressor and how would you drive it? And, where else would you put the condenser except in front of the radiator? That condenser gets rid of the heat that is removed from the interior of the car.
-Dwight FitzSimonsOriginally posted by 64V-K7 View PostThey make electric compressors for Prius and other Hybrid type cars. That way you could put the compressor in the trunk if desired. However, they are NOT cheap..
Prius compressors operate on high voltage from the hybrid system which can be 200 volts on some years.
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This is Vintage Air's A/C unit that was specifically designed to fit the C Cab Studebaker trucks. Mine is a 49 2R, I'm not sure how different your dash is from mine but this unit fits right into the openings studebaker used for their heaters. I tried to post a picture from the under the hood side but am having difficulty getting it to post. Perhaps I will try again later.Jon Stalnaker
Karel Staple Chapter SDC
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