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1965 Mustang Restoration: Vintage Reproduction A/C System Install We give our restored Mustang something that most didn't have back in '65 — cold air — in the form of a faux-original a/c unit. From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-506

Steve prepares for installation of the vintage-reproduction a/c system.

In this restoration project, Steve Magnante installs a vintage looking air conditioning system on our '65 Mustang fastback.

The vintage reproduction system is built to look like the pricey (in its day) original Ford unit, but it actually outperforms the original one — even when it was new.

The basic steps in this upgrade, as seen in this episode of Classic Car Restoration, are summarized below, along with a list of the basic tools and materials required.

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The new a/c unit (below) meets modern standards and is superior in operation to an original one (above).

Tools and materials:

aftermarket vintage-reproduction air conditioning kit including, including 5-piston compressor and new condensers
a/c fan unit (wires included)
pressurized hoses (included in a/c kit)
wiring harness (included in a/c kit)
full set of sockets and wrenches
band clamps
metal hold-down bracket
wire stripper
screwdrivers (phillips head and flat head)

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.
Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

The new 5-piston compressor is lighter and more efficient than the comparable original part.

Project Overview: Vintage Mustang A/C Upgrade

Behind it’s long hood, short trunk, pony car styling, one of the coolest things about the early Mustangs was the fact that there was a wide variety of factory options that could be added to the car to individualize it. Options included limited slip differentials, a couple of different V-8 motors, Power steering, power brakes, 14-inch styled steel wheels, upgraded interiors — and air conditioning. But at $277.20 optional air conditioning was, in 1965 dollars, quite an expensive option. In fact, it was one of the 5 most expensive options available on a Mustang. That’s why you don’t see it on many surviving '65 Mustangs today. But thanks to today’s aftermarket manufacturers, we can actually install air conditioning in our early Mustang for money that, when adjusted for inflation, is a little less than the cost back in 1965.

Modern reproduction a/c units like the one we install in this project feature modern electrical wiring and components, so they actually work a lot better than the originals ever did. The units come in kits that include all the parts and accessories you need for the installation. To make that job easier, we have all of the custom hoses, a brackets and pulleys that are required. These kits are specifically designed to be installed in the Mustang, so there’s no cutting, trimming, slashing or hacking. The mounting bracket is specially fabricated and designed specifically for the 289 engine on our car. The kit includes new condensers and dryers which simply bolt in front of the stock radiator. We don’t have to worry about any welding or cutting. It's truly a bolt-in affair.

Additionally, unlike original Ford air conditioning systems, the new one we're installing features a Sanden 5-piston compressor made of aluminum. It’s lighter and far more efficient than the original Ford vertical-piston units that were made of cast iron. The 5-piston rotary design requires less horsepower to drive and is more efficient utilization of the coolant.

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