Was this my AC set up?

[1930artdeco]

Is this an original AC set up or a dealer installed version? Mine has almost exact same holes location for location. Just curious for future reference when I go to install AC back in my car.

Thanks,

Mike

[1930artdeco]

Second try at the pics.

[oldave57]

I believe the AC Compressor mounting shown above is the same as the factory installed AC system in the 57 Models, but also the same as many dealer installed units that were hung under the dash. The factory AC units had the evaporator under the hood in an HVAC enclosure and the interior vents were at the base of the windshield above the dash. This arrangement was not quite as effective as later AC vent arrangements where the vents were below the dash or in the dash and probably not as effective as underdash units.

Modern AC installations (such as Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air) use Sanden style compressors which are a bit more efficient than the old 2 cylinder compressors used in 1957. If you are looking for originality, the compressor shown in the photos would be correct, but probably not as efficient as later designed compressors.

[miker98038]

I think I read that the dealer installed systems were under dash like Dave says. But the same under the hood as to compressor and brackets. If that’s what you’ve got, stay with it. Like he says, probably better. It’ll be a little less efficient converted to R134, but enough up here for the front seats. The only old system I remember that really worked in back was my Dad’s 62 and 67 Lincoln’s. They piped heat and air thru the big front armrest and delivered it to the back. Finest kind.

[KULTULZ]

There were two systems in 1957, one INTEGRAL (SELECT-AIRE), and the other an under the dash evaporator (POLAR-AIRE).

Drawings show the COMP MOUNT above the GEN on the RS of the engine.

[Ford blue blood]

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This is the A/C mount that was in a worn out 300. It was the same style mount that was in a 500 that came out of TX. Both were factory systems. Between the two I ended up with a complete system that went to New Zeeland. Even including the top of the door emblem!

[1930artdeco]

The reason for grabbing the pics and asking is that my car (57 Wagon) has the two holes under the dash in the same place and two holes in the rad support-again in the same spot. So, since I don't have the in dash vents I will go with the car was ordered with no A/C but installed at the dealer (Polar-Aire).

Now I will have to figure out which bracket set up to use with a new A/C system. I will probably end up using a set up like I have pictured since the firewall holes are on the driver side. Hoping the under-dash unit will put it out really well. Isn't finding out the history of our cars fun!

Thanks,

Mike

[rotorwrench]

The Sanden compressor types are more common and a lot smaller than the old York types. Are you planing on using modern or old original?

[1930artdeco]

I will eventually install a modern Sanden from Vintage Air. I was/am trying to figure out where to put it. Over the PS pump like the picture (easier for hoses but a new bracket has to be made) or over the gen (easier for the brackets/space but a royal pain for the hoses).

[KULTULZ]

SANDEN MTG KITS are made.

[Gene F]

The Sanderson units are a lot cheaper at RockAuto. Even Old Air Products.

I have seen 1 retractable with the venting for the A/C atop the dash coming out of the bottom of the windshield trim. A very interesting setup. It was at an auction, so I did not get to talk to the owner.

[Abe Lugo]

If you had original AC. The lower front windshield trims have vents molded in. You would have holes on the passenger side door where the emblem was. Also the heater controls would have a special decorations and the level has longer throw.
Also the heater box is completely different. And your glove box would be able 3/4 the size.

[oldbugger]

when i was a kid my Dad put an ac unit from a lincoln in our 57,it sat in the trunk under the rear window. the air would blow into the interior through two vents since i was usually in the back of the car so i was cool. it worked great

[KULTULZ]

Interesting find -

I was just reading a listing for a 58 FORD (352CI) with FACTORY AIR SUSPENSION.

It shows the AIR COMPRESSOR (compressed air) mounted on the RS of the engine and the AC mounted on the LS as shown in the photo.

It is a restoration and the ad states, "POLAR-AIRE added DEALER KIT install.

Maybe look over the AC COMP MTG and see if there are any ID TAG(s) to ID whether FORD or aftermarket..

[KULTULZ]

If you had original AC. The lower front windshield trims have vents molded in. You would have holes on the passenger side door where the emblem was. Also the heater controls would have a special decorations and the level has longer throw.

That install would be SELECT-AIRE, the OEM INTEGRAL SYSTEM.

POLAR-AIRE was a knee-knocker EVAP CASE.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

Second try at the pics.

You have no AC now (wanting to add) and these photos are from a sales page?

This setup appears to me as as 1958/ (COMP on LS of engine), even though the photo shows a 1957 FYB engine install.

EDIT -

Or possibly a 1958 292 with a 1957 4V swap (ECZ-B INTAKE and 1957 F4100 CARB)

[KULTULZ]

This THREAD continues here - https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350494