Re: [Amc-list] A/C on a 64 Classic

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Yes, it was an option. The in-dash unit can be hard to work with, and the entire dash really needs to be replaced to mount it. I'd use an aftermarket under dash unit such as sold by Vintage Air (http://www.vintageair.com/catalog.asp -- I recommend the "slim line unit, I had one!) and others. Your local auto AC shop might have a catalog from another manufacturer that will work as well. 

One thing that can't be overlooked -- the cooling system! AC means more heat in the cooling system. Your current radiator should be fine, but you'll need a better fan and a fan shroud. The factory used a five bladed fan without AC, seven with. I'd use a Flex-A-Lite aftermarket fan that's molded of one piece of plastic. It pulls more air and is light in weight, less wear on the water pump. Most hot rod shops can provide a universal shroud, or do some salvage yard shopping. An Eagle, Concord, or Spirit (even CJ and old full size Jeep) shroud should adapt to the Classic -- 64+ AMC car radiators are all pretty much the same size, along with the CJ and SJ (full size) Jeeps. 

AC will rob some power, but it shouldn't be too bad. If you feel the power is marginal now you'll notice the difference, but if you're happy with the power you have I doubt you'll notice -- maybe on take-off, but you can get a vacuum switch that cuts the compressor out under load. My 97 Volvo 960 had such a switch. It's a normally open switch with a vacuum diaphragm on it. When the engine is producing lots of vacuum (at idle or cruise) the switch is closed, but when vacuum drops below around 10" it opens and cuts power to the compressor. 

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 07:16:27 -0700
From: "Thomas Garner" <Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Did the 64 Classic with 232 engine have A/C as an option? Does A/C rob it of 
much power if I put it on mine?


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