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06-07-2017, 03:40 PM | #1 |
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Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
I saw this flathead on ePay with a Sanden style AC compressor.
Curious how well AC works - or NOT - on a flathead. |
06-07-2017, 05:18 PM | #2 |
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Location: Lynden, WA
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
Guys down south run them on Model As a lot. I would think it's got to be better with a V8.
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06-07-2017, 05:39 PM | #3 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
The little sanden compressor ( or Sanyo ) doesn't pull much hp , it the generator /alt required that creates some problems . To keep it orig under the hood I've run the compressor off the driveshaft . It's not bad but gets warm on long traffic lights .
Open driveshaft obviously . |
06-07-2017, 06:35 PM | #4 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
I have see photos posted on mtfca forum of a closed car with a small AC unit installed and remember it's only 20 HP.
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06-07-2017, 06:49 PM | #5 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
The issue isn't the compressor on the engine, that works fine. The issue is the condenser in front of the radiator. I've only seen one flathead with good working A/C here in Texas. I have seen several A/C equipped 32-53 cars, but most not what I'd call successful. The one successful install had the condenser about a foot in front of the radiator with lots of air flow around the condenser, in a 41 Mercury. Any install that doesn't allow air flow direct to the radiator causes hot running here. YMMV.
The Model A folks are successfully running A/C since they have room under the car to mount the condenser with a big electric fan. Starting with the double drop frame in 1932 there isn't room. Pickups do have lots of room under the bed and could probably go that route. A really big generator or an alternator are required with this type of installation. |
06-07-2017, 06:55 PM | #6 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
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Last edited by Ardun; 06-07-2017 at 08:40 PM. |
06-07-2017, 08:37 PM | #7 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
JWL has one in his 40, and it works great.
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06-07-2017, 10:36 PM | #8 |
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Location: Marana, AZ.
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
I made my own system for my 52 using a Sanden compressor. I'm in AZ. and it works without overheating my engine. My engine is tired so I do notice the load a bit.
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06-08-2017, 04:18 AM | #9 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
"Period correct"? on a flathead? Please explain.
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06-08-2017, 06:02 AM | #10 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
I have one on a 40, with a sanden compressor, and vintage air unit. Flathead runs it ok but, it is not like a modern factory a/c. I wouldn't do it again.... open cowl vent, roll the windows down go 60, listen to the flathead pipes.
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06-08-2017, 08:05 AM | #11 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
I put a Vintage Air in my 53 Victoria worked good, I had trouble with over heating, tried electric fan worked great in city, on highway it would over heat. Ended up using 6 blade fan solved problem. The big problem was heat coming back from engine through the firewall and floor board, you must insulate both. It was worth the effort.
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06-08-2017, 08:10 AM | #12 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
As my Dad used to say, his car had 220 air, two windows and 20 miles per hour.
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06-08-2017, 09:08 AM | #13 |
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Location: Reno
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
An unnder dash aftermarket unit from the 50's, not integrated. Vintage makes a copy of it.
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06-08-2017, 09:15 AM | #14 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
Throttle "kick up" solenoid. Has the power to move the throttle when the compressor clutch engages.
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06-08-2017, 09:49 AM | #15 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
Ah, yes a Mark lV type unit. Had one in my '66 Ranchero.
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06-08-2017, 11:02 AM | #16 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
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06-08-2017, 11:13 AM | #17 |
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Re: Flathead with AC - how well does it work ?
Had a 34 coupe with a vintage air unit and an electric fan, never over heated and cooled the car well.
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