Our '66 hardtop is now ready for the summer heat as well as MCA judges. Our compressor and compressor mounting brackets were installed when we detailed the engine for the May '04 issue.
The "restomod" Mustang seems to be the hot ticket these days. Whether it's an Eleanor clone, a Shelby clone, or someone's rendition of what the ultimate Mustang should look like, it's a hot topic among Mustang enthusiasts. One of the great things about restomod Mustangs is there's no rulebook. You can build one with any parts you want and won't be judged on paint daubs and date codes. For many who have been in the hobby for a long time, it's refreshing to be able to build what you want and drive when you want.
But make no mistake, there's still a large contingent of early Mustang owners who live and breathe by Mustang Club of America judging rules. These people can quote factory oddities and Ford part numbers better than their kids' birth dates.
While far from a complete list of parts installed, this photo shows the main package of hoses, brackets, wiring, dryer, and condenser included with the kit. Not shown is the main underdash evaporator assembly and previously installed compressor and brackets on the engine. If your Mustang has power steering, you'll have to replace the straight-neck power-steering reservoir with the slanted version for compressor clearance. Classic Auto Air now offers reproduction reservoirs.
Our '66 hardtop project falls somewhere in between. We aren't restoring this Mustang with N.O.S. parts or following the letter of the MCA (we can't see putting orange peel in a new paint job on purpose), but for the most part we wanted the car to look like a show winner, yet still have better performance, handling, and functionality. So we installed hidden engine performance mods, urethane suspension bushings with mild lowering springs, clearcoat paint, a CD changer, and more during the course of the restoration.
We wanted to add air conditioning for the sweltering summer show season here in the South, and we could have taken many directions with the installation. Classic Auto Air has multiple choices for Mustang cooling needs, from completely new solutions to systems that use stock-appearing plastic parts. Its new Perfect Fit series features complete heat and cool functions (in one case under the dash) with remote vent locations, all hoses, brackets, and a highly efficient Sanden compressor. It's a great-functioning system we've installed before, but it didn't offer quite the right look for our '66 restoration.
Classic Auto Air's Daily Driver system for the '65-'66 Mustang is one of its most popular sellers, featuring a plastic version of the original-style underdash unit, with hoses, brackets, and the Sanden compressor. The Daily Driver system is great for those on a budget, and can even be upgraded later to look concours correct. For our '66, however, we felt the factory-style "concours" system would be a better fit for the look of the car.
Al Sedita built Classic Auto Air's business upon this system and, while not his best seller these days, there wouldn't be a Daily Driver or a Perfect Fit without Al's tireless research and investment in the Mustang A/C system restoration and reproduction marketplace.
To gain access to the areas we'll be working on, Classic Auto Air technician Doug Gresian removes the grille assembly, horns, and hood latch with brace. | 
The lower valance has to be dropped for access and for mounting the condenser assembly. Remove the bumper guards and hardware retaining the valance to the stone deflector and front fenders. You can usually let the light valance hang from the turn-signal wiring or you can support it with a box covered with a towel. | 
The dryer attaches directly to the condenser and is supported by a bracket that's attached with a tapping screw. The reproduction condenser uses a six-circuit core that improves heat transfer 30 percent compared to the original Ford unit. It's also R134a capable. Most of the A/C line fittings are flare fittings, requiring sealing oil on both sides of the flare. To prevent twisting the fittings, be sure to use two wrenches when tightening connections. |
Before Doug installs the condenser mounting brackets, he measures the bolt-hole locations on the core support and transfers these measurements to the condenser so the brackets can be installed. | 
Once the condenser is ready for installation, remove the four radiator mounting bolts and J-nuts from the core support. The radiator won't move much with the coolant hoses connected, so it can be left in the engine compartment temporarily. | 
The condenser mounting-bracket studs are carefully slid through the core support, radiator, and fan-shroud mounting brackets. It looks like it requires three hands, but with patience one person can tackle the job. |