Topic: adding AC to 1940 dodge with 350?

[1940DodgeUSMC]

Alright so I have my first rat rod and its wayyy to hot down here in SC. I was thinking about putting in an AC system to cool things off and get the wife to ride along. Problem is, I've never had an older cat with AC and never hadto  work on one. How would I go about installing one with my current 350 Chevy? I have looked at kits and they are quite expensive!!! Is there a cheaper and reliable route to go? I would like it to be somewhat hidden under the dash as there is plenty of room. Im guessing I'll need to get a compressor to mount on the engine... What then? Would appreciate your help!

Thanks

[oldskool49]

Welcome to the Nation. It will get warm and HUMID in SC. I did find these outlets, but you might see what you can come up with at a auto recycler.

http://www.autopartsfair.com/ac_parts/

http://www.autoaironline.com/shop/aftermarket_ac_kits.html


http://www.classicautoair.com/

http://www.classiccarair.com/


http://www.restomodair.com/view-all-products/vents/

I hope that these help in your quest. From what I saw you are looking at 1K + to cool your ride.

[miraclepieco]

The rat rod way to go would be to locate an antique swamp cooler setup, the kind that attached to the passenger window (photo attached). They can be located at swap meets and Ebay.

I've seen lots of SC rats without AC; the boys from Image803 Rod Shop in particular have some of the "coolest" cars, LOL.

[1940DodgeUSMC]

Thanks Guys! I took a look at some of the units and I'm just not sure about that route. I like the looks but I kinda want to stay towardsthe sleek look. I cchecked out a swamp cooler by Kooleraire and ordered the units that pops into a cooler. This is just a temp fix so Ican take the family  out without getting harassed lol. After i bought it... I started reading some reviews on it and people don't really like it. I figured since I already ordered the darn thing I could insulate it somehow with some insulation wrap. The complaints were that it wasn't coming out cool enough in90deg weather outside and it wouldn't cool their truck cab.... So maybe a bbetter fan unit? Ugh....

I'm still going to go the traditional AC route since it will be reliable hopefully. I'm still clueless how an AC system works but I just can't find any info on installing AC systems on a 350.

[naessdrawos]

a/c system uses a compressor, condenser, metering device (orifice tube or expansion valve) accumulator or receiver dryer (depends on the metering device) and the evaporator. the evaporator is bolted inside the heater box. with the blower motor. them you need a relay to power the compressor and a low side pressure switch to monitor the pressure to make sure the compressor don't build to much. basically its going to be 1k to 2k depending on own labor vs
shop labor.

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[1940DodgeUSMC]

Yikes that's sounds expensive lol. Is there any possibility to hit up a junk yard and yank out a working A/C system from a vehicle that has the same engine and use that setup or no?

[oldskool49]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automotive-air-conditioning.htm


http://www.ehow.com/how_6172466_install-car-a_c-compressor.html


try these

[oldskool49]

Yikes that's sounds expensive lol. Is there any possibility to hit up a junk yard and yank out a working A/C system from a vehicle that has the same engine and use that setup or no?

try bing or google that question and see from that. Also check with any rod building shops in the area. I dont see any reason why that would not. Except for venting into the cab.

[oldskool49]

Found 1 more fore you.


http://www.oldairproducts.com/