A/C power killer?

Hi fellas,
I am kinda new to the forums. Awesome place!

Anyway, I have a 72 Grabber with the original 302 that's all stock. I'm the second owner. The motor has never been rebuilt but it still runs smooth with 90,000 miles on it. We charged the A/C and it blows cold and works great, but it really kills the power of the car. Would it be possible or worth it to convert to a newer style A/C compressor? Has anyone done this?

Thanks,
Robert

I'll try to post some pics of the Mavs soon too.

 

I done it, but it wasnt easy on the low budget plan. I used a compressor mount off a diesel truck, bolted it right to the existing compressor mount. This mount can be made, all it was is a piece of 1/4" steel plate with 4 ears welded to it to mount the compressor using four ears on the bottom side. The biggest trick was lining up the belt, I think this wouldve been easier if i had made the bracket from scratch, even now its not perfect. Then I took the stock belt tensioner, cut it off on the top and welded a piece of tubing to it to mount to the new compressor on two of the top ears. The compressor I used required different fittings, but I think you can get one with right ones already there. What I did works fine for my stocker that has 189000 miles on it untouched, if you want something nicer, check out what the street rod guys are doing, they usually have some pretty nice stuff available, wish I wouldve done that first, this little adventure took way more time than I anticipated...I took pics but Ill have to figure out how to shrink them, the file size is too big to post

 

ok i figured it out....

 

Is that a new compressor (or rebuilt) and where did you get it?

 

it was new from my local ARA dealer, I think I paid $225 for it...

 

Places like Vintage Air sell kits to do just that. What fits a Mustang should fit ours.

 

Yeah, I was just curious because I had a hell of a time finding mine. I ended up finding a new one for $200 from Classic Auto Air per the recommendation of someone here.

 

I got my set-up for my station wagon from Vintage Air. Brackets, Sanden compressor, etc. If they can make it for a 400M....they can make it for anything!!

 

Thanks guys. I don't have the bank to buy a Vintage Air system, they are really nice though.

Could I use a compressor off a 87 up 5.0L? would it work with all of my stock a/c stuff? Other than mounting it, what other problems should I expect?

 

i would imagine that 87 up uses a serpentine belt, you may be able to use the whole setup??

 

I know a few guys here have used the serpentine from a 85 or so Crown Vic. Maybe if you found one with AC? You'd kill 2 birds with one stone then.

Sure wish our 74' had air on days like today was.