I'm adding air to a 66 New Yorker. The path of least resistance is to add a Vintage Air or Southern Air evaporator unit with a Sanden compressor and modern condenser. I can see the benefit of the modern compressor and condenser. But looking at the smaller sizes of the heater and A/C evaporator cores I'm wondering if I should think about rebuilding an original heater/ac box and just upgrading the compressor and condenser. Any ideas about this?
Joined: Sat Aug 25 2007, 11:47AM
Location: new jersey
Posts: 367
Hotdog. The factory hvac underdash unit has a new heater core and bypass valve available. The hot water valve is also available. These parts as well as complete rejuvination of the unit is available from Classic Auto Air in Florida. They are on the web.
What I'm unsure of is new technology Is there something that makes the smaller a/c evaporator unit and heater core so much more efficient that I would want to change to a new evaporator unit?
Joined: Sat Aug 25 2007, 11:47AM
Location: new jersey
Posts: 367
I have read online about some of the aftermarket units being under-capacity. My experience is that some Chrysler enthusiasts choose to retain the factory hvac unit and replace everything underhood. The Sanden compressor with adapter brackets, high fin density condenser, barrier hoses and sometimes an ac cycling switch in lieu of an expansion valve. Definitely the dryer too.
Joined: Sat Aug 25 2007, 11:47AM
Location: new jersey
Posts: 367
Some of the modern underdash hvac units also use electric servo motors to actuate the ventilation doors in the unit in lieu of vaccuum actuators. I don't know of anyone that sells a switch assembly that's Mopar specific that interfaces with modern units that are electronically controlled.
For your A/C Evaporator ---Measure the Height & Width space a viable in front of The Radiator. With this information go to any pick & pull to get a like size unit from any make of vehicle ( that has connections on The Right Side ) and its Mounting Brackets.
Because you say your car has No A/C --- it means that it came with a Four Paddle Engine Cooling Fan that is hard mounted. Take any Engine Cooling Fan from any 1980'ish GM or MoPar Truck-Car or Van ( and its short lil four bolts ).
Your car May Not have an Fan Should either.
Also take any A/C Compressor from any Double Pulley pre-1988 GM or MoPar. If The Pulley Alignment is not correct - a Single Pulley Unit can be used with the same compressor.
Now re-call the vendor and ask for their A/C Compressor Engine Mounting Brackets and a "Vintage Styled" Under The Dash Unit.