Looking at a 70 stage 1 driver with no a/c . I live in Florida so a/ c is almost mandatory if I really want to drive it . My concerns are cost (I'm not tackling this myself) , and what , if anything it will do to the value of the car . I'm looking for a #s matching car
Any deviation from original condition will impact the value. In this case, you making a major modification. If you dead set on it, the easiest is a vintage air system. I think it will be the least intrusive method. Putting in a factory system will involve modifying the firewall and not easily un done
IMHO, look for another car if no AC is a deal killer esp. on a #'s matching Stage 1. Even on a non #'s car (Stage 1, 455, or 350) if that conversion were done, even if done properly which is a lot of work, would be a deal killer for me as a buyer.
Changing a non-AC car to AC is a lot of work and probably pretty expensive to have someone else do it. I would try to find another car if AC is mandatory.
A complete donor 70-72 ac car would be a must. Finding the correct stage 1 pulleys/compressor will be expensive. The firewall mods will require the hood, right fender, right door(optional but much easier) to be removed and most of the interior. Thats probably 20 hours labor minimum to R&R that stuff. I would guess total labor would be near 100 hours total.. there is opportunity to fix other parts and replace some wearable items while its apart though..
I live in the Tampa Bay area and I've seen several highly restored cars with vintage air systems. I really don't think it hurts the value since it's non-intrusive and can be easily undone. Go for it!
