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  •  » 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

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    Yesterday 11:53 AM  #1

    daily driver
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    Registered: 1/02/2018
    Posts: 126

    12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    Hello all. And Happy New Year wishes.
    My '68 Mustang came with factory air conditioner. I'm looking to reinstall AC after 47 years.
    I'm told there's a 12 volt system that's much less expensive and easier to install.
    Does anyone have experience with this 12 volt system?
    Are there any other systems you would recommend?
    Thank you

     

    Yesterday 12:05 PM  #2

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,858

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    If you do not have the original AC/heater box in good condition then I wouldn't even ponder trying to reinstall a factory system.  Every one of those boxes I've seen in the past 20 years has been cracked, shattered, cobbled back together with epoxy, etc.  Its just not worth messing with.  Any modern system is going to be better than 50 year old junk.

    A modern compressor is also going to be much better than the old ones that drained like 20-25HP off the engine when engaged and had the weight of a boat anchor all the time.  

     

    Yesterday 5:17 PM  #3

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,873

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    If you do not have the original AC/heater box in good condition then I wouldn't even ponder trying to reinstall a factory system.  Every one of those boxes I've seen in the past 20 years has been cracked, shattered, cobbled back together with epoxy, etc.  Its just not worth messing with.  Any modern system is going to be better than 50 year old junk.

    A modern compressor is also going to be much better than the old ones that drained like 20-25HP off the engine when engaged and had the weight of a boat anchor all the time.  

     
    Good to know.

    Replying to the question I have only heard about a local guy who installed one on a classic Mustang and likes the way it performs. Not sure if you'll need to get a bigger alternator.

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

    Yesterday 6:17 PM  #4

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,079

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    Lucky you if you have the original control cluster and the left, Center and right hand side vent outlets. They are reproduced in some kits but nowhere near the O/E quality.
    There  are at least a couple of aftermarket ac units , mine is a Classic Auto Air, Vintage  Air is another.
    I’d suggest calling one of those companies and explain what you have and I’m more than sure that one of them will suggest what parts you need to complete the installation.
    You probably don’t need a complete kit since an original A/C car will have a lot of the ancillary components.
    I found CAA has an excellent customer service.

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

    Today 7:03 AM  #5

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,908

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    As Rudi suggests, I'd call an aftermarket A/C system vender, explain what you do have, and see what they have to say.  I have a Vintage Air system, an found them to be quite helpful.  
    Remember that the 68 A/C system used R-12 freon, modern systems use a different freon, and the modern freon doesn't work that well witht the components (evaporator, condenser) from 1968. 

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

    Today 8:43 AM  #6

    Mach1Driver
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    Registered: 7/16/2021
    Posts: 134

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    The original system was 12 volts, so I'm wondering if you (daily driver) are confusing 12 volts with the coolant R-12 freon?
    The 12v runs the blower motor and the compressor clutch solenoid. All Mustangs, all the way back to 64.5 have had 12v electrical systems.

     

    Today 9:22 AM  #7

    GPatrick
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    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,131

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    Maybe the OP is looking for a fully electric A/C system?  Here's an example - https://mightycarmods.com/blogs/news/cool-runnings-electric-air-conditioning-allows-a-c-in-any-project-car?srsltid=AfmBOorXl53zgo3yEN06-05IjG3hoSmg9ThN-ofdNFxcANjRcuTSqFNm

    Wonder if a compressor can be sourced at a Tesla boneyard?

     

    Today 10:30 AM  #8

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,873

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    GPatrick wrote:

    Maybe the OP is looking for a fully electric A/C system?  Here's an example - https://mightycarmods.com/blogs/news/cool-runnings-electric-air-conditioning-allows-a-c-in-any-project-car?srsltid=AfmBOorXl53zgo3yEN06-05IjG3hoSmg9ThN-ofdNFxcANjRcuTSqFNm

     
    That's what I took daily driver's original post to mean. The compressor is powered electrically instead of a belt drive, which allows you to mount it in the trunk if you'd like.

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

    Today 1:47 PM  #9

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Online!

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,683

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    GPatrick wrote:

    Maybe the OP is looking for a fully electric A/C system?  Here's an example - https://mightycarmods.com/blogs/news/cool-runnings-electric-air-conditioning-allows-a-c-in-any-project-car?srsltid=AfmBOorXl53zgo3yEN06-05IjG3hoSmg9ThN-ofdNFxcANjRcuTSqFNm

    Wonder if a compressor can be sourced at a Tesla boneyard?

    $1,300 for the compressor.  Pulls 100 amps. Compatible with Vintage Air Gen IV in-dash system.  It will double the cost of an AC system, plus a huge alternator, but sounds doable!   We just need to find a junk yard full of dead-battery EV cars to see if one could be bought cheaper. I’m sure there will be lots of those cars in the near future.
    I would be game for doing this in my convertible, just so no compressor would have to go on the engine.  But, where would one mount it?

    If you have room on your engine for a belt-driven sanden compressor to mount, that would sure simplify things, though

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

    Today 2:04 PM  #10

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,079

    Re: 12 volt AC 68 Mustang

    GPatrick wrote:

    Maybe the OP is looking for a fully electric A/C system?  Here's an example - https://mightycarmods.com/blogs/news/cool-runnings-electric-air-conditioning-allows-a-c-in-any-project-car?srsltid=AfmBOorXl53zgo3yEN06-05IjG3hoSmg9ThN-ofdNFxcANjRcuTSqFNm

    Wonder if a compressor can be sourced at a Tesla boneyard?

     
    DD needs to clarify Zackly what system he is asking about.
    I checked Tesla a/c compressor and it runs at system  voltage 350-400 and draws 5-20 amps not 12 volts.
    There are numerous articles on the net about 12 volt driven compressor conversions.

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

     

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