My Maverick doesn't have AC, never did, and I want to fix that. Right now it's November and that's okay. I'm not in a big hurry yet, but I thought the planning phase should begin now. It's got a 302 and power steering, power brakes too if that makes a difference, and the way I see it I have three options: 1: Chase down all the parts and build it piecemeal. Pros: I can get custom with it if that's warranted. Newer style compressor, different pieces from different cars, potentially have a "better than factory" system while still being "like" factory. Also might be pretty cheap. Cons: This might get complicated, and I won't REALLY know it will all work until I put it together and try it. Inevitably something won't work, so I'll probably fill the system a least twice, it might keep my car down for a while, and it might get expensive. Parts might be hard to find. That's a lot of "mights." 2: Get a parts car and pull the system from that. Pros: I will know I've got everything I need, I'll see how to properly install it, might even be able to test the AC before I even buy the car. I'll have a factory correct AC system and that will be nice. One would THINK a cracked-up later model 4-door Maverick (for instance) could be had for very little. Plus I can part the car out later and maybe recover some money. Cons: I'll have to find a Maverick with factory AC (and a 302?) that someone wants to get rid of CHEAP and I don't really know how easy that's gonna be. Generally in the South if the AC works that's gonna double the asking price of even the worst hoopty you can find, so I will probably have to take a chance on something that doesn't run. Will likely need to diagnose and fix a complete-but-non-working system. I'll have to store it in my garage for a while, wife's gonna love that. It's going to be a bitch to install, and I have to pull it first. (Although that's not a huge concern.) 3: Aftermarket "Vintage Air" or similar system Pros: All new parts with a warranty, essentially guaranteed to work, and probably not all that hard to install. At least I won't have to do a full dash swap. From what I've read these are far superior to factory systems, and it does get pretty damned hot down here. Cons: There's no direct-fit application for a Maverick, so I'll have to go with a universal or Mustang setup, not sure which. Although this seems like the easiest way, it might not be, and it's not going to happen for less than a thousand, potentially a good bit more. That's a lot of money for me. So... Can anyone offer me some insight? Anyone else been down one or more of these roads and got some sage advice? Money is a major factor, but I want to do it right. What are your thoughts?
If you don't have a complete parts car, I would definitely go with Vintage Air. Their systems are small and should fit under the Maverick dash with no problems. I have one in my near future. (and I have a parts car)
i say vintage air too but finding a beat a/c maverick comet shouldnt be toooooo hard. then again i dont know how hard the swap would be. engine size really doesnt matter for the stuff behind the dash but the compressor and its brackets would be diffrent on a I6 engine
No, I haven't checked all the options available yet but I have seen some of their units in street rods...very compact. Don't think it's going to be a problem.
I am going to go with Classic Auto Air's complete heat/ac system. They have a better selection of registers. Plus their unit can be hooked up to our standard control panel.
I think it was Old Air(outta FL)that a friend got his setup for his '61 Sunliner.Came w/everthing for about $800 vs $1200 for the same setup from Vintage Air.Check around,there are several aftermarket A/C/heat systems out there nowadays.
Most of the components in the aftermarket systems are readily available at most parts houses. I would think most of the manufacters use the same parts, unless you get into the custom billet stuff. When the time comes for mine which had factory air but has all been removed, I'm thinking of a hybrid system, aftermarket indash unit, custom length lines, with later style compressor. I hate the way FORD routed the lines up and over the front of the engine, I think it will look better to route them down the side and then accross the rear, but that's my
I have several complete AC systems removed from running/driving parts cars. Just drive up here and I can help you. Email me directly (see below) if I can help.
I would use the aftermarket systems simply because with the factory set-up, fresh air ventilation is weak without the fan. Whereas the seperate vents in a heater only car will blow a gale force breeze if your going fast enough.
Faceless First thing I cheep . We all need to make our car dollars go as far as we can. I have dun the very thing you are thinking of duing . I used a factory unit ( every thing from under the dash incl. the dash) to convert my car from non a/c to a/c car . You have a 71 as I due . In 71 ford had two ( 2 ) differant firewalls 1. for a/c cars 1. for non a/c .That is not a big deal to install a/c in a non a/c car .You will need to drill 3 or 4 new holes to install the factor unit . Under the hood of mine is all new parts .( condenser, hoses, dryer , compresser ) . If I were you I would find a complete parts car or talk to craig about his parts . Parts you will need 1 dash complete with heater - a/c contorls ,vaccum lines ,dash center vent 2 heater -a/c evap box complete with control cables 3 defroster ducts 4 lower dash tray with ball vents for a/c car You will need to reseal all the heater doors in the evap box and replace the heater core vaccum check all the vaccum motors install vaccum canster . hope this helps with your project. JAY
Thanks for the info, guys. I'm still undecided, but at least I have a little while to decide. Mavdog, I'm glad you took so many pics of your AC install. Checking them out... And that's a very nice car you have!
Try sitting in the lunchtime stop and go traffic for a couple of hours in the middle of downtown Atlanta in July when it's nice and humid. Ohh, you'd change that tune real quick. A/C is a godsend. My '73 will definitely be getting it. Personally, I am hoping to use an aftermarket setup and use the factory A/C package tray vents for the A/C. I'm not much of a fan of the vent in the middle of the dash like the factory A/C cars had. To me it looks out of place.
