Aftermarket A/C for 1963 Comet

[pfleuret]

I am thinking of adding A/C to the 1963 Comet. Curious if it has been done and how it worked out. There is very little space under the dash where the evaporator and blower would have to be mounted.

[Joe Travers]

Pulled a Classic Auto Air unit out of my car during the Fall, haven't re-installed it yet.
My Hurst shifter had plenty of clearance. It fits but it's pretty snug. Back of the evaporator sits on top of the transmission tunnel.
https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/com ... er-ac-kit/

If you have column shift & no gauge cluster, should be able to center it better than me-


Joe

[pfleuret]

Very good info thanks. I have a gauge cluster like that and the factory 4 spd shifter so would end up in the same place. If you have a moment would be useful to know the model name or number. That is exactly what I have in mind. On their website no Comet kits so maybe this is for a Falcon. I like the matching paint too.

[Joe Travers]

Unit was in the car when I bought it, so don't know if installer bought the whole kit or just the major components. Compressor, dryer and evaporator are the same as those in the kit I linked previously. Check out the installation manual here- https://www.classicautoair.com/wp-conte ... ts-web.pdf

My dryer was installed on the inner fender skirt instead of rad support (quad headlamp bucket). Don't know if hoses have to be changed or if kit hoses are correct length. I'll measure them and post tomorrow.

Joe

[Joe Travers]

No need to measure hoses after reading the manual again this morning.
The evaporator unit and compressor are Classic Auto Air pieces. My dryer has pressure switch built into the top and longer refrigerant hose running from condenser through the radiator support panel to the inner fender apron.

I don't think anyone makes a kit specifically for 1st gen Comet but I could be wrong. If you find one, please post. If you need to piece a system together, I can get you the part numbers off my system. It worked well when I ran it in the car.

Joe

[pfleuret]

This gives me what I need to get going. Many thanks!! Will post updates.

[Jims65cyclone]

Vintage Air has a nice set-up. It's more expensive, but more deluxe with just air duct ports under the dash. It replaces the heater box with a new one that incorporates the evaporator, so it eliminates the knee-knocker under the dash. Not sure what type of heater box a 63 has, so not sure it would fit. Food for thought.....
https://www.vintageair.com/surefit/comp ... el=Mustang

Jim

[pfleuret]

Yes I discussed that with the vintage air folks. That was their recommendation. But the car is original except for wheels and some engine upgrades so I couldn’t bring myself to take out the factory heating and defrost stuff.

[Joe Travers]

Here's the compressor & dryer out of my car. Compressor is Classic Auto Air # 5-128-5. The label is long gone off the dryer.




The evaporator unit isn't too much of a knee-knocker. A little intrusive but I've had a few adults ride in the car w/o complaint.
I like the double blower setup on the CAA unit.

Joe

[pfleuret]

I ordered the underdash Classic air evaporator from Jeg's and a Vintage air condenser from Summit. It is for a 1964 Falcon I am sure it can be installed in the Comet. Vintage air sells a compressor bracket for the 260 so will probably get the bracket and compressor from them.

I don't need a/c myself but if I want my wife to cruise with me in the Sacramento summer it is non-negotiable.

[JimsHot66]

I don't need a/c myself but if I want my wife to cruise with me in the Sacramento summer it is non-negotiable.

pfleuret,

There are lots of good car events in your area (I'm up the hill in Auburn)...

Italian Hot Rod Association Car Show June 24th https://norcalcarculture.com/events/ita ... ar-show-3/
Mustang and Ford car show on Sept 23rd (https://sacmustangshow.info/) I've heard Mercury's are welcome and might attend.
Auburn Cruise Nite: June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8; 5 to 9pm, get there early if you bring your Comet.

Jim

[pfleuret]

Yes I started subscribing to the NorCal car club newsletter lots of events I had no idea!

[Joe Travers]

I don't need a/c myself but if I want my wife to cruise with me in the Sacramento summer it is non-negotiable.

My wife won't ride in my car.
She swore off of Comets when she busted her knuckles driving my Cyclone years ago

Joe