Air Conditioning

[MoparMatt383]

I was just wondering about this for my challenger.  I am kicking the idea around once I start restoring it.  It was an origianl AC car with a 318.  It still has all the under dash stuff, but none of the underhood stuff.  Now the car has a 383 in it.  I was wondering if somebody could post some under hood pics of some working AC cars and list what stuff I will have to buy.  I want to start looking out for it now.  Also somebody I know has a 71 barracuda 318 AC parts car with all the underhood AC stuff still there.  Will the 318 stuff fit onto my 383 or is going to be different.  The only under hood thing I have is this valve with for cut hoses coming off it.

Matt

[RedLine]

Sure MoparMatt383 ...  well, not sure about 318 to 383 bracket compatibility for the compressor.  Chryco can tell you that.  Do you want stock or custom?  our comments below is based on us going custom.   but I will include a couple of original reference pics at the bottom.


Will you use the original compressor?
> We didnt care for the large inefficient compressor, so switched to Sanden.  We eliminated the idler puley, so had to do our own pulley & bracket geometry/configuration.
Will you use the cable controlled water heater valve?
> We went with an electric servo one -  and mounted it over the blower motor area -- but you have your original box so original vavle might be good for you.
Will you plumb the system as original or do your own thing?
> Where you place the dryer and how you choose to link it with the condensor is one consideration.  Originally I think the line went down both sides of the car for 383's maybe the same for 318. although it is possible to keep on one side.   We had to make our own lines...

Our components were from Vintage Air.

[basement]

Hey Matt,  could you please keep me posted on your AC progress. I too have an original 318 AC car that someone dropped in a 360 and removed the compressor etc. And I'd like to put the AC back in at some time in the future. Good luck.

[MoparMatt383]

Hey Redline that is a great looking set up.  I am probably going to go the stock route sinse I have all the underdash stuff and I have the valve for under the hood.  My mother showed interest in the challenger so she would be putting up some of the money for the resto.  It would be a good car for her because it has PS, power disc brakes, rear defroster, AC, and a slap stick auto.  It would be great if most of the 318 stuff bolts because I could get all the under hood stuff in one shot.

Matt