Add AC to a 6

[CobraSix]

I have a couple of questions. I'm looking to add AC to a coupe I'm about to pick up.

I know it pulls some HP, but I'm going to compensate for that, don't worry.

The engine has a single groove crank pulley. Do I need to get a dual groove pulley? If so, does anyone know where I can find one other then trying to scrounge random junkyards in hope that I can find one? I've looking on ebay with no luck.

Slade

 

[mysavioreigns]

Can't remember if you need a single groove or double - I think it's a double. Do a search on ebay for "Sanden" - they are the company who makes those AC compressors that you see in the magazines for several hundred dollars. I have found that compressors all do the same thing - since you will probably be fabricating a mount for it anyways, why not just get one off of some other car? That's my idea. Hope that helps.

 

[bigcatchdaniel555]

i have a 66 with the stock 200 when my grandpa bought the car new it didnt come with ac however the miami heat called for it. my car has the dual pulley on the crank so i would take it you would need it. There are also two kinds of main systemsthe all in one which goes in the middle of the dash the downside to this is it takes up a lot of room however the up side is everything is in one unit and the compressor is of course under the hood. The daily driver system is a little more expensive however it is a little more classy with a single vent in each front corner and two small ones in the center the down side is cost and all the components are under the hood. I can also tell you that you mut have a GOOD cooling system because the a/c really makes it heat up.

-Dan

 

[bigcatchdaniel555]

almost forgot as far as the pulley goes npd sells them with the a/c kit but i havent seen them new any other place.

 

[wallaka]

Yep, you need a double pulley. I'd go for one of the newer Sanden compressors, they use half of the horsepower than the original York/Tecumseh piston types, are half the size and cool better to boot. Plus you can use R134 with them, which is much, much cheaper than R12. The underdash A/C components can be purchased from various places.

 

[250mav]

I cant remember if my comet has a dubble grove crank pullie but i know the alt is dubble groved. it also uses a diffrent alternater mount. its much lower than a non-a/c maverick. the compressor sits on top. if your going with an aftermarket set up it probably wont matter but you might also want a low mount alrernater bracket to give the a/s some room. i'd be happy to take pics of the 100% stock a/c p/s 250 in my comet if it helps

goodluck

 

[ochretoe]

Do you have an under dash unit already? If not email me, I have one I took from my 65 stang over 20 years ago. Its been kept in a barn dry and it looks pretty good. I'll let it go cheap or trade for a good used header.

 

[rbohm]

8) get mike(azcoupe) to post pics of his 67 with ac. the compressor was installed below the alternator, and as i recall the alternator was driven off the compressor pulley. that way the stock single pulley on the crank didnt need changing.

 

[fb71]

I have that same setup, and it sucks. Horrible dealer-installed unit, really half-hearted. If your going to spend money on it, do it right and get the doupble groove damper. Check boneyards for late 70's Fairmounts and such.

 

[LaGrasta]

yeah, you need a double. Try www.nostalgicairparts.com for all your I6 a/c needs. good people, great prices and sold me all mine with no complaints.

 

[jamyers]

yeah, you need a double. Try www.nostalgicairparts.com for all your I6 a/c needs. good people, great prices and sold me all mine with no complaints.

I'll second LaGrasta on this one, unless you're set on a particular style like I was.

This link over at tffn.net has details and some pics of my single-groove pulley a/c setup. http://www.tffn.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=6245

I like the compressor 'hidden' below the alternator, but I wish it had a better belt arrangement - with the crank driving the compressor directly instead of after the water pump, and with a dedicated compressor belt.

 

[wallaka]

That way, if the compressor fries, you still have a water pump and alternator.

 

[66 Fastback]

Some vehicles have a second pulley that bolts to the existing crank pulley to make it a double pulley. I really can't recall if that is what is on mine. But yes the crank has two belts and the compressor 1 belt. If buying used, watch the spacing of the clutch pulley unit. Some are thicker than others and you can end up with a pulley alignment problem.
Doug