Its that time of year again where I think about adding A/C to my '63 LeSabre two-door hardtop. I've added or swapped out to the mongo Harrison radiator, shroud, 5 blade fan, Flow-Kooler pump, smaller pulleys etc. I'd love to add AC to this car. Who's DONE it? Who KNOWS someone who's DONE it? Where's all the discussion? It doesn't get HOT where you live?? I'm in Arizona and last summer was a bit, uh, "toasty" :af: cruising and I want to keep the Mrs happy so she'll keep going with. Let's TALK about adding A/C to your Buick that didn't come with from the factory. H.
Look under the forum section "THE BIG CHILL". Should be some more help for your needs. But best as I recall, it seems that there is a good deal of custom bracket fabrication. The hardest part (in my opinion) would be clearance and correct offset. Almost any of thee major parts stores now sell the fittings, and a lot can make the "custom " hoses for you; I know that the local NAPA can and does make up the hoses, what with all the hydraulic hoses needed by agricultural and mill works with hydraulics needing a hose, not needing the equipment down for days waiting for one to be ordered and shipped. Not too many people doing old Buicks with nailheads. Vintage air and others make aftermarket "custom" kits that convert the vent controls from old school vacuum to modern electric. Can't really help you on the subject.. ALL of my cars have FACTORY a/c; most have been retrofitted to R-134. Yeah, even convertibles have a/c; We are talking "fast with CLASS".
There are brackets available. That's the ez part. Firewall is where the rubber meets the road. Vintage does impalas and Chevelles. I'm looking for someone who's done an old Buick. Thanks H
This is what I'm looking at for my 61 http://www.classicautoair.com/Custom_Models_Air_Conditioning_AC.html
The AC compressor and brackets are off right now but, I may have a few pictures from 2 years ago. It is an A6 comp with rebuilt with modern components. I used 76 Cutlass brackets modified to mount to fit the Performer intake and the head bolts. Call Classic and speak to them... The unit fits nicely under dash, fab up the heater hoses, vent hoses with adapters, and then the brackets to secure the unit up behind the glove box. I bent 2 brackets as triangulated feet on the sides and 3rd one horizontal. I use 2 shut off valves to stop the water from circulating to the unit and insulated the firewall.
