I'm looking to buy a 65-69 Mustang for my son and I to work on. We're in Arizona so AC is kind of necessary. My question is: Is there a difference in cabin vents and control panel size between AC and non-AC models. Or can you just slip in the control panel that has positions for AC on/off and the vents are the same in all models. Thanks

 

All depends on which model you have. I have a 68 which came setup for air (vents, controls, etc) even though I didnt have one.

I went with the model specific system from Old Air and have been very happy with it. There are other companies that do it well as well.

Pic a company and call them as there is a bit of customization and the system will vary depending on where you have power steering.

 

The 65 and 66 were similar, but not the same, under-dash units. 67 and 68 had factory in-dash, and dealer under dash units. Some differences in the two years, mostly the LH vent/control.

69 in dash was similar to 67-68, but only slightly.

The 65 and 66 install as add-on, ad are not connected in any way, you can even run both at the same time.

67-and 68 can be added on, with more work, but the standard heater will be removed.

69 is even more work, the dash must be cut or replaced, and the dash pad must also be replaced.

There are also various aftermarket units. Let us know what year car you are buying, and we can be a lot more specific.

 

Vintage air and classic auto air have a in dash kit for the 64-66 cars and sell factory looking kits for 67-70 but none of their kits suck air from the cowl vent.

 

check out ebay for ac parts. im also in arizona and have a 70 that came with ac, you can buy all direct bolt in r134 conversion parts, hoses, high efficiency condenser, and sanden r134 compressor. 65 and 66 had under the dash units. not sure on 67 & 68, but 69/70 should be the same. try to find one that came with ac. believe me you need every advantage when it comes to ac in arizona. my r134 conversion will keep you comfortable when it hits 125 degrees. ive forgotten which sellers sell the stuff on ebay but its not hard to find, they also have online stores. make sure you get a r134 compressor, its iffy on doing a conversion on a r12 compressor. i did mine 5 + years ago and its still going strong, wife drives it to work 5 days a week, and she leaves at 3:00 in the afternoon.

 

I would HIGHLY recommend Vintage Air. They are made in San Antonio, make a very good series of products that work, and if you have any issues, they will stand by their work. From what I understand, Classic Auto Air had tried or did knock off Vintage Air's stuff, which is just shady. If I had to do it all over again, I would get Vintage's full setup (Evaporator, Compressor, and Condenser) instead of trying to piece part it or use original stuff. From what I understand, their new Condensers are far better than the factory replacement stuff.

 

the outfit i bought from is classic auto air. they have a site and sell on ebay.

 

here you go

 

I have a vintage air kit in my mustang my step dad has one in his 55 chevy his is one of there first kits sold and still works prefect.When i get the cash and around to it ill put one in my 86 chevy truck.

 

I would like to thank everyone for the replies. It looks like I will be here regularly looking for advice. Since the origional post I came by a 68 all original Coup with factory air. It hasn't been driven in quite a while but everythings there. It's a one family second owner car origionally bought in Phoenix and been in Arizona it's entire life.

Thanks for the tips on compressor types and vendors. I will look back at these posts when it's time to re-do the AC system.

I'm going to pick it up next weekend. I will post a few pics when I get it home.