I also have a Vintage Air heat/cool unit in my 56 Customline. I have the "IN Dash" version which is totally hidden up under the dash. You do loose most of your glove box space, The condenser mounts under the battery tray and the evaporator behind the grille. (I think I got that right) The bracket set-up I used mounts the compressor below the alternator but it all works out well. No problems at all.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Thanks gents, I'll check 'em out.

I used Classic Auto Air in my 55 bird. They have two divisions, one restoration, and one new installs, so they might have a bracket to mount a compressor on your original pulley. Mine loops around the alternator. But they use the original dash controls. Might be worth talking to, as the under hood parts looked pretty stock, and they show one for Fords.

If you go that route, there's a couple things to check. One is that the micro switch on the heat/defrost/ac works in both ends of the travel. And that the heater shut off valve really shuts off. Don't ask how I know.

But it fit really well, and works well in a small car like the bird. Came with an electric fan, proper mounts for the condenser out front, and looks stock in the interior (except the under dash vents), and pretty stock under the hood.

I can send pictures if you're interested. Post back and I'll pm my email.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I have a VintageAir setup in my 56 and am happy with it.The heater works great,the defroster is OK, and the AC is OK until the outside temperature gets above 100.At that temp,the AC has to be run with it on high to stay comfortable.This system is 10 years old(about 40,000)miles,and has not had any problems.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Anybody installed an A/C system in a '55/'56 Merc? After sweating it out all summer I gotta do something; the old 4/70 A/C just won't cut it. So my question is, what kit did you use and how did it go? Anybody with a Ford from the same years please chime in; the cars are very similar under the hood and dash. My car had factory air; the old Novi Air system with the evaporator under the package tray and the 2 clear ducts in the rear window. The owner previous to the guy I bought the car from took it out and chunked it. The only thing left of it is the crank pulley. I'm looking to install one of the A/C-heat-defrost systems under the dash. Opinions on brands welcomed.