When Classic Auto Air introduced its Perfect Fit in-dash climate control system for vintage Mustangs, it was a renaissance because it was easy to install and very much out of sight once in place. Operation utilized the factory heater control and cables.
Fast-forward to 2011 and the Perfect Fit Elite climate control system for classic '65-'66 Mustangs. This new system uses electronic control with no cables and greater ease of use. Adjust your Mustang's stock heater controls to get smooth, quiet changes in airflow and temperature.
Climate control adjustments are made via cable integrators and a compact microprocessor, which works with your Mustang's sliding heater controls to make the Elite system both high-tech and stealthy, which means no one will ever know it's there. And come chilly weather, there's warmth on your feet and effective windshield defogging, which makes the CAA Elite system a great modification in terms of comfort and convenience.
For this article, Mustangs & Fast Fords Orange County is installing Perfect Fit Elite in its showroom project '65 "R" fastback. Because we've already shown you the Perfect Fit system in previous issues, we're going to touch on the highlights of the Elite version and how best to approach the project.
Classic Auto Air strongly suggests you work closely with its staff when ordering the Perfect Fit Elite system in order to fine-tune your installation. Perfect Fit is designed and engineered specifically for '65-'66 Mustangs, which means it isn't an adaptation of a system for another car. It hangs neatly behind your dashboard, leaving your feet clear to move around. When it comes to outlets, Elite arrives with four individual outlets. However, Classic Auto Air offers a variety of different outlet types and styles that will also work with the system.
This new system uses electronic control with no cables and greater ease of use.
For this article, Mustangs & Fast Fords Orange County is going to install the Perfect Fit ELITE in its showroom project '65 "R" fastback.
Classic Auto Air strongly suggests you work closely with its staff when ordering the Perfect Fit Elite system in order to fine-tune your installation.
1 The foundation for Elite...
1 The foundation for Elite is the tried and proven in-dash Perfect Fit climate control system from Classic Auto Air. Where Perfect Fit gets even better is its electronic control, where microprocessor technology and cable integrators get together with old school heater controls for stealthy operation. Everything you need to accomplish the installation is included with the complete Perfect Fit Elite kit, and a variety of different types of air-conditioning outlets are available.
2 With the Elite system,...
2 With the Elite system, microprocessor technology (Electronic Control Unit, or ECU) teams up with cable integrators to replace mechanical cables entirely. The factory heater control head operates cable integrators instead of cables. Cable integrators (variable resistors) work with the ECU, which operates servomotors and air doors in the Elite system.
3 Classic Auto Air provides...
3 Classic Auto Air provides this special fan switch, which operates differently than the stock switch because it channels power to the Elite electronic control system. Swap out your fan switch for this switch.
4 Servomotors direct air...
4 Servomotors direct air for air-conditioning, heat, and defrost. Power comes from the ECU and cable integrators.
5 Of course, installation...
5 Of course, installation of the Elite system begins with removal of the old heater system. Here, Bill Hutton of Mustangs & Fast Fords Orange County has already removed the heater assembly and is getting the last of it—defroster ducts and clips. The Elite system has its own defroster ducts, which are sized differently.
6 Classic Auto Air provides...
6 Classic Auto Air provides this template, which enables you to correctly position the evaporator drain in the firewall. Watch out for the firewall insulator pad, which can throw your measurements off. Be prepared to cut your firewall pad to make way for the Perfect Fit system air manager.
7 The modified heater control...
7 The modified heater control has to be installed in halves—faceplate and control assembly—because cable integrators won’t fit through the dash.
8 The passenger-side outside...
8 The passenger-side outside air vent is plugged using a plate provided by Classic Auto Air. It is secured by drilling with a 1⁄8-inch bit, using 3M Rope Caulk sealer around the screws to keep water and dust out. If you don’t want to drill the cowl, a high-strength industrial adhesive or silicone sealer can be used instead to secure this plug. All you have to do is remove the foam rubber seal.
9 The Perfect Fit Elite unit...
9 The Perfect Fit Elite unit installs under dash with help from both sides of the firewall. You’re going to need help from the engine compartment side to guide the unit into place, then one fastener installed through the firewall to secure the unit. Don’t forget the evaporator drain while you’re at it
10 Lines should penetrate...
10 Lines should penetrate the firewall without contact.
11 The unit is secured at...
11 The unit is secured at the same location as the factory heater, and at the other end where you will have to drill a 1⁄8-inch hole in the cowl to get it secured.
12 This escutcheon seals...
12 This escutcheon seals the firewall with two sheetmetal screws. Drill two 1⁄8-inch holes at 12 and 7 o’clock, and install the screws.
13 The Elite electronic hot...
13 The Elite electronic hot water valve installs in the lower hose, which comes from the water pump. The idea is to position this valve where it cannot be seen. An electrical connection plugs into this valve and penetrates the firewall where heater hose passages were with the factory heater. Use a grommet around this lead.
14 Moving to the engine side,...
14 Moving to the engine side, Bill sets up the condenser for installation by securing the brackets top and bottom. This is a high-efficiency condenser that removes a lot of heat, yet takes up very little space. You don’t have to worry about clearances because it fits perfectly. If you’re running a Shelby valance or some other kind of custom fascia, be prepared to make modifications.
15 The condenser is installed...
15 The condenser is installed along with the receiver tank. Fasteners are installed top and bottom, but loosely because lines still have to be installed.
16 Classic Auto Air includes...
16 Classic Auto Air includes all lines and hoses with the Elite kit. Refrigeration systems employ a green O-ring seal, which must be lubricated with refrigeration oil during installation.
17 Lines must be carefully...
17 Lines must be carefully mated together, then gently tightened. Don’t tighten them until all the lines are installed.
18 The high-pressure line...
18 The high-pressure line is connected to the receiver. Bill used Eastwood’s round hole punch to produce the openings in the radiator support. It provides perfectly stamped holes, like a sheetmetal stamping press, without drilling and grinding.
25 Thermostatic switch connections...
25 Thermostatic switch connections underdash control compressor-clutch power based on evaporator temperature. A pressure switch located at the condenser completes the circuit unless there’s an overpressure malfunction.
26 ECU and cable integrators...
26 ECU and cable integrators are calibrated with ease following the Classic Auto Air instructions.
27 Calibration synchs cable...
27 Calibration synchs cable integrators with the ECU and servomotors. MM
19 Classic Auto Air provides...
19 Classic Auto Air provides this pressure switch, which disables the compressor clutch if system pressure gets too high. The pressure switch works closely with the Elite’s thermostatic switch underdash. Both switches must be closed for the compressor to operate. The thermostatic switch operates based on evaporator temperature.
20 What makes Elite easy...
20 What makes Elite easy to install is a two-piece compressor bracket system that doesn’t require front dress disassembly. One bracket bolts to the left cylinder head and another bolts to the water pump. The modern and efficient Sanden compressor bolts to the brackets; spacers adjust depth and belt alignment.
21 The idler pulley is easy...
21 The idler pulley is easy to install and adjust. Some may require minor machining if it doesn’t line up with the compressor and crank pulley.
22 Refrigeration lines arrive...
22 Refrigeration lines arrive complete with a couple of exceptions. Because installations vary, there are other lines in the Elite kit that must be cut to proper length and swaged by an air-conditioning or hydraulics shop.
23 This schematic shows the...
23 This schematic shows the way through an Elite system install. Classic Auto Air makes it easy to wire in this system because it’s all explained in simple terms.
24 This is the ECU, which...
24 This is the ECU, which controls the Elite system. Because it’s color-coded with multiplex plugs, it is fool-proof. Plugs and leads go to heater control cable integrators, hot water valve (underhood), defrost door and face/floor door servomotors, and switched power (ignition on only).