Topic: Adding A/C to an original non A/C 1973 (Added some pics)

[Jeff73Mach1]

After a couple hour drive in 95+ degree heat, I realized that I am not a teenager anymore.  My lightly optioned 73 Mach 1 is fairly close to original other than some period engine mods (intake, carb and air cleaner) and Mag 500's which I don't believer were original.  Still returning it to stock configuration could be done fairly easily as nothing has been cut, welded or butchered.

Would adding an air conditioning system affect the value of the car in either direction?  I realize that the 73's aren't the most collectible, but I'd hate to spend the money to install a system and find that I lowered the value of the car.

Has anyone done this and is there a recommendation for a good source for the parts (or even the install if it is reasonable)?

I searched the web and located one place that seemed to have a kit that was tailored to these cars  http://www.classicautoair.com/71_73_Mustang_Cougar_Air_Conditioning_Ford_Mercury_AC.html  but I have no idea of the quality of the components or the company's reputation.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Tim175]

I don't know too much about the value of cars so i don't want you to think this is a firm answer but i do not think that it would affect the value in either direction. only because A/C was a factory option on those cars so it would still be "original" so i do no see why it would affect the value. As for the kit i have no idea im sure Glen or someone else can help though.

[Soaring]

If anything, I would think it would make the car more easy to sell, especially in the hot country.  There is another company called vintage air, but they only have kits for 65-68 Mustangs.  . That classic air company is pretty trustworthy, according to guys I have talked with.   

[Jeff73Mach1]

well unless a 1972 engine block with an A code for the Galaxie is original to a 1973 Mach 1, the car is not completely original, so I guess I should quit worrying about originality and consider function.  In Tennessee A/C is almost a must have.  I'm going to think about it and probably add something like this in the spring.

Retrofitting a true ford A/C system might look more original, but this one seems a bit more modern and would appear to be a cheaper solution than trying to source individual parts.

[Soaring]

Absolutely.  The Sorensen compressor is far and beyond better than the original York. 

[Tim175]

Oh then yes i would get an A/C on there for sure.

[jethat]

Sell the car and buy another one with AC. Adding AC would probably increase the cars value but it would be a major expensive ordeal. Put the car up for sale then find one that has that option.

[Soaring]

Sell the car and buy another one with AC. Adding AC would probably increase the cars value but it would be a major expensive ordeal. Put the car up for sale then find one that has that option.

Not necessarily.  If the rest of the car is solid, adding air would only be about 2 grand if done professionally.

[Jeff73Mach1]

I can get the kit referenced above with virtually everything I need except a front pulley for 1250.00  I can do the entire install myself and my brother is in the heating and air business and can get the gauges and refrigerant I need to charge the system up.

Repairing an old AC system can easily cost that much as a open system gets dirt that causes restrictions and renders old condensers, lines and coils worthless as they will cause a new compressor to leak.

My car is very solid and rust free with a great interior, body, proper wheels and a stunning paint job.  It is very close to a concours restoration but the mechanicals need some tweaking-I bought it that way because it left me the work I like to do and not the stuff that drives me crazy (body and paint)

[plschmis]

I installed a Vintage Air system in my 72 Mach 1.  Relatively simple installation and runs considerably better than an original system. 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Good to hear.  About how long did the install take you if I may ask>

[plschmis]

The actual install took the better part of the weekend, however, spent time in advance planning, laying out the lines, had to get the fittings pressed on the lines once laid out (fittings need to be put on the lines on the same angle you laid them out).  Vacuum and gauges borrowed for Autozone for free.

[Soaring]

The actual install took the better part of the weekend, however, spent time in advance planning, laying out the lines, had to get the fittings pressed on the lines once laid out (fittings need to be put on the lines on the same angle you laid them out).  Vacuum and gauges borrowed for Autozone for free.

So, you found a Vintage Air brand that fit your 72?  They only advertise them up through 68.  Well, that's good news. 

[plschmis]

They sell a "generic" kit using the Gen II Compac unit if I recall correctly.  I purchased side vents as well which fit in perfectly behind the dash to replace the existing vents and they look like they came from the factory.  Something else to consider is the control unit.  I purchased an upgrade control panel here (http://www.vintageair.com/08/catalog08/08%20VA%20cat%20pg%2027%20f.pdf) also which, with a custom made cover panel fits in great where the original Ford control panel was.