Hello. New here, great site. What would it take to add an A/C system to a 1965 mustang v-8. I would like to keep it as clean as possible, but realize that it may not be OEM. factory parts, 40 yr. old car and all. So after market would be ok. Manufacturer recomendations? How much effort and what is the approx. cost? Thanks in advance to all you Gurus.

 

Vintage Air and Old Air Products are the two names that come to mind. Vintage makes a kit that isn't factory but is sleek and not nearly as "bulky" as the factory unit. I think the cost of the unit is about $1,000 - 1,200. Not sure on the install. I'd think about 8 hours or so but I'd check with the local shop for a firm quote. Either way, good luck!!! And welcome to the site by the way!

 

Vintage Air appears to have a very comprehensive Tech section to help with the installation. We have a member who just got through putting one in. If memory serves me right, that was ScottH. Might try emailing him for advice before you take the plunge.

 

I did a Classic Auto Air "Perfect Fit" system in mine. When I was in Tampa (early fall) they had a few "original Ford" center hump evaporators. I don't know if they still have them, but they were good guys to deal with. Might be worth the call if you want to go original.
I was looking for a modern system that would dehumidify the defrost as well as blow cold air out the heater vents. Plus I wanted the the full length console.
It was a good kit, easy to install. IIRC, I think I posted a thread on the subject. Might have been something like "project-du-jour" or some stupid subject name like that.
Old Air system has a really nice looking vent system, and from the kits I've seen seem pretty well built. Same with Vintage Air, only I think they siamese the heater core to the A/C core, and your hoses run inside the interior. This makes for a clean install, but a pain when replacing hoses. I'm also not a fan of siamesed evap/heater core, but that is more a personal thing. Vintage air has sold thousands of kits I'm sure.
Any more on these American built products, it is hard to go wrong.

Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

Vintage Air kit with heat and air using factory controls is about $1200. I am a dealer for them.

 

Does anyone know if you can put a modern compressor with factory air in one of these old beasts? I have seen compressors in catalogs for like $500. I can get a rebuild of my current compressor for $130.

 

Yep, did one two months ago. There is an adapter bracket to bolt a Sanden compressor to you original mount. Just have to make your lines and modify your belt tensioner. The bracket is about $60 and the compressor is about $200.