FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    • 1 of 1

       

    5/04/2024 7:41 PM  #1

    True74yamaha
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Salt Lake City
    Registered: 5/07/2013
    Posts: 2,526

    Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    1965 ford Mustang. I was curious what would be better my car had factory A/C. Should I keep factory as I love and prefer looks of original A/C floor unit. Should I keep factory A/C how would I get the A/C charged? If dont keep Factory A/C if aftermarket is better way to go. What do I have to do with the factory fresh air cowl vents in Cowl? I was curious If I need to remove both cowl vents or if I need to  remove my passenger side cowl vent and that's all?

     

    5/05/2024 5:07 AM  #2

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,675

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    I have zero experience with factory AC in a vintage mustang.  I’m currently installing the CAA AC setup in my 66 project.  This kit provides a plate to block off the fresh air vent on the passenger side.

    The old system if kept would have to converted to modern Freon. I’m not sure how efficient the system is when converted.  I’ve always read mixed reviews on how well the conversion would work.  The CAA kit I have claims to be an improvement over their previous kit. 

    If I had zero AC parts to start with, then I would go aftermarket for sure.

     

    5/05/2024 6:10 AM  #3

    John Ha
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 909

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    If you have the complete original system you can try to find someone who still works with R12.  It may be a long search and will certainly be expensive if you do find someone.  

    You can use all of the parts of the original system with R134 but you'll need to flush the entire system, change the compressor oil to something compatible with R134, and replace the dryer.

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    5/05/2024 8:00 AM  #4

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,598

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    John Ha wrote:

    If you have the complete original system you can try to find someone who still works with R12.  It may be a long search and will certainly be expensive if you do find someone.  

    You can use all of the parts of the original system with R134 but you'll need to flush the entire system, change the compressor oil to something compatible with R134, and replace the dryer.

    I changed from R12 to R134 in my 86 Bronco.  While the R134 did cool the interior, it didn't cool as well as with R12.  The system components are different between the two, and other components need to be changed to take full advantage of switching to R134.
     

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    5/05/2024 9:17 AM  #5

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,619

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    R12 is still available, ya it costs more but cools better. The only thing different is the size of the Schrader valve fittings. It ain't rocket science to evacuate and charge the system. If I can do it, anyone can. True story.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    5/06/2024 8:51 AM  #6

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,186

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    On my 65 convertible, I plan to keep the original underdash unit and install a sanden compressor with a Vintage Air condenser and convert to R134a.

    The disadvantage of this system is that the defroster does not have refrigerated air like a complete Vintage Air in-dash system like in my 66. Since the vert is a fair weather driver, I figure that won’t be an issue.

    In the 66, where it is driven on long trips, rain or shine, it is imperative to have a good working defrost system.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    5/06/2024 9:53 AM  #7

    True74yamaha
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Salt Lake City
    Registered: 5/07/2013
    Posts: 2,526

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    Thank you for the replies I think I'll keep my stock under dash unit and see how it works.  I guess that means either new cowl bottom or two repair panels. My cowl in perfect shape except the Flats around where the hats mount lightly pitted may sand blast off.  Needed to figure out which way to go with the A/C so I knew If I should keep my fresh air vents. To any of you think I should remove the cowl fresh air vents?

       •Thread Starter
     

    5/06/2024 11:30 AM  #8

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,949

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    Rain x anti fog.

    https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4T8YideT-A3MCHnibzrh4YomZyqlBmzxmDxBaGu982cwP6rVz5VzoTXiNjuCw61JsHWX85neo7fw7VjL1jjlrp9HRRXIg2A

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    5/06/2024 12:56 PM  #9

    John Ha
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 909

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    True74yamaha wrote:

    Thank you for the replies I think I'll keep my stock under dash unit and see how it works.  ... To any of you think I should remove the cowl fresh air vents?

    Why not keep them?  You won't always need to run the AC.  And having a fresh air source without opening the windows is nice sometimes.  

    As for defrosting, you can set the heat on high and channel it through the defroster ducting when you need to defrost the windshield.  Hot air tends to absorb moisture. 

    Later model cars run air conditioned air through the defrost vents because that air is dried during the cooling process (hence the need for the condensate water drain).

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    5/06/2024 1:01 PM  #10

    True74yamaha
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Salt Lake City
    Registered: 5/07/2013
    Posts: 2,526

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    Cool I think I shall keep my cowl fresh air vents. I'm still planning on keeping the vents in the cowl. So they might as well do what they were intended to do.

       •Thread Starter
     

    5/07/2024 7:50 AM  #11

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,598

    Re: Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    The Vintage A/C system eliminates the passenger side vent.  Vintage supplies a cap to block off the driver's side vent, bit it doesn't have to be used.  However, leaving this vent, I believe, would complicate the routing of the A/C ducts to the drivers side.  I eliminated both OEM vents on my install. 
    What I found difficult in installing the Vintage system was the routing of the duct tubes for the A/C and defrost.  It gets pretty tight under the 65/66 dash.  

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  Help on A/C. What would be better stock or aftermarket?

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.