Topic: Adding AC to a 65

[66RavenGTCoupeAgain]

Hi guys,
related question so I'll try my luck and post it here and just wait and see if Jeff moves it or not 

I've added an original ac unit to a not so concourse 65. Still want it to look correct though so I have a few questions.
1) Is the aftermarket concours correct shroud a good copy?
2) What size fan spacer should I be using and does the amount of radiator cores make a difference to this size?
3) Where can I get these damn grommets for the AC hoses pictured below!
Thanks in advance,
Dan.

[CharlesTurner]

The grommets are the same ones used on the radiator support.

[196667Bob]

Attached is from the 1965 Ford Parts and Accessories Catalog. It doesn't qualify anything based on Radiators, but don't know for sure.

Hope this helps with part of your questions.

Bob

[CharlesTurner]

A 65-66 with A/C would have had a fan with clutch setup, not a fixed blade fan.

[carlite65]

Hi guys,
related question so I'll try my luck and post it here and just wait and see if Jeff moves it or not 

I've added an original ac unit to a not so concourse 65. Still want it to look correct though so I have a few questions.
1) Is the aftermarket concours correct shroud a good copy?
2) What size fan spacer should I be using and does the amount of radiator cores make a difference to this size?
3) Where can I get these damn grommets for the AC hoses pictured below!
Thanks in advance,
Dan.

2. if you are doing this the factory way  no spacer is used. you will use a clutch fan which has the spacer made into it.

[196667Bob]

+1 on "Factory Way" - for 260 and 289's (OP did not specify if his 65 is a GT like his '66). The 6 cylinders did not have Factory viscous (clutch) fans, nor were they available as an Option for 6 cylinders. Although I have no instructions for a 1965 Dealer Installed A/C Kit for V8's, my guess would be that a Clutch Fan was not included in the Kit, and would have had to have been ordered separately; if not, the Dealer would have used the "non-A/C" Fan and Spacer. There is no Fan shown for 260 and 289's with A/C other than the Clutch Fan.
Possibly someone may have 1965 Dealer Installed A/C Kit Instructions that would confirm or refute this premise ?

Bob

[CharlesTurner]

Unless a car came with documented proof that the A/C was installed by a dealer and not at the assembly plant, I don't see why someone would 'replicate' a dealer install when the correct factory installation components are well known.

[suskeenwiske]

Hi guys,
related question so I'll try my luck and post it here and just wait and see if Jeff moves it or not 

I've added an original ac unit to a not so concourse 65. Still want it to look correct though so I have a few questions.
1) Is the aftermarket concourse correct shroud a good copy?
2) What size fan spacer should I be using and does the amount of radiator cores make a difference to this size?
3) Where can I get these damn grommets for the AC hoses pictured below!
Thanks in advance,
Dan.

Hi Dan,

1) I used a 'Concourse' Reproduction Shroud on my 8 Cylinder 17 years ago and it looked exactly the same and fit perfectly...hopefully this still applies.

2) The number of Radiator Cores does make a difference. Whether this is a 6 Cylinder with a Spacer or an 8 with a Fan Clutch, make sure that distance
    from the Radiator to the Fan is no less than 1/2" (12.7mm) and no more than 1" (25.4mm). Any less and you run the risk of the Fan hitting the
    Radiator, any more and you won't get good Air Flow through the Radiator; either way you will need a Fan Shroud. Also, if it's a 6 Cylinder, the Fan
    Shroud and Fan are different and not easy to find...not impossible, just not easy. If it is a 6, a have photos of the correct parts.

    Also, keep in mind that, the thicker Radiator if you go that route, in relation, brings everything closer to it; you may have to modify the Radiator
    Hoses, Transmission Lines (if Automatic), etc.

3) The Grommets are available through most Mustang Parts Suppliers. I happen to know that they are available from NPD, part # 378264-S for a set of
    two...per your photo.

Hope that helps some.

Take care...Ray.

[suskeenwiske]

3) Where can I get these damn grommets for the AC hoses pictured below!

I've done a lot of looking but can't find any of these Grommets that have not been trimmed, nor could I find any photos of original Grommets that were anything but round for both the Firewall and Radiator Support...have no idea why they're trimmed.

Will start a new Post to address just these items...couldn't find any past reference to this question on this site.

Ray

[66RavenGTCoupeAgain]

Sorry, I should have specified. 289 and I have the clutch fan so it seems that the spacer is not required. I have a 3 row radiator and will be putting on an aftermarket concourse correct shroud so Im hoping it will all fit as it's supposed to??
Thanks for your advice. It will prove to be very helpful. What is the name of the other thread that was started on the fire wall grommets please?

[suskeenwiske]

What is the name of the other thread that was started on the fire wall grommets please?

Sorry, I haven't begun the thread yet, I first needed some extra Grommets to sacrifice for their Rubber and then still need to test what I have in mind. Essentially I'm cutting Rubber off of the sacrificial Grommets and attaching the cutoff pieces with a flexible Rubber Cement to the flat areas on complete Grommets in order to create a circle.

After that, I need to add a thin layer of Flexible Liquid Rubber to fill in the Seams, if any, and give each Grommet a final surfacing to match the original look. I've had good success with other pieces I've made in the past and hope this will work also.

The post, if all goes well, will detail how I restored them and what materials and processes I used to restore them.

Wish me luck.

Thanks

Ray

[66RavenGTCoupeAgain]

Good luck Ray. Eager to see results!