59 Cadillac - Air Conditioner Keep or Replace

[Dan Eckstein]

Hi,

I am restoring a 59 Cadillac that came with factory air conditioning.  All of the air conditioning parts were disconnected so there is no gas in the system.  My question is should I keep the factory air conditioning system or replace it with something after market.  Also how hard is to get the system charged?

Thank you for your time,
Dan Eckstein
CLC #24850

[J. Gomez]

Hi,

I am restoring a 59 Cadillac that came with factory air conditioning.  All of the air conditioning parts were disconnected so there is no gas in the system.  My question is should I keep the factory air conditioning system or replace it with something after market.  Also how hard is to get the system charged?

Thank you for your time,
Dan Eckstein
CLC #24850

Dan,

Which unit you have now the old Frigidaire A5 or the AC Delco (Frigidaire/Harrison) A6 (aka big log) type? If you have the Frigidaire unit yes parts are becoming scarce and/or expensive, if yours is the AC Delco these still available. Check with http://www.oldairproducts.com they still have parts for the 1959, or you replace the A5 with the AC Delco type as an upgrade.

Good luck..!

[Dan Eckstein]

Yes, I do have the old Frigidaire A5 system.  So it sounds like I need to find a replacement.  Thanks for the info.


Thank you for your time,
Dan Eckstein
CLC #24850

[J. Gomez]

Yes, I do have the old Frigidaire A5 system.  So it sounds like I need to find a replacement.  Thanks for the info.


Thank you for your time,
Dan Eckstein
CLC #24850

Dan,

Although parts for the A5s are scarce these still can be recondition back to life, and there are a few shops that still work on these old units, check Forrest’s list he has them listed.

I’ve seen units rust buckets on the outside and the inside were in perfect condition, new seals, bearings, etc and were back in working condition.

You have to research what will be the best option in your case..! Also keep in mind these are R12 so if you are going to retrofit yours maybe R134a could be a good alternative, again these are options you will need to weight in.

Good luck..!

[35-709]

I believe Classic Auto Air still rebuilds the A-5s.  www.classicautoair.com  They also will rebuild your old receiver/dryer which will definitely need it.  Any AC shop should be able to recharge your system once it is rebuilt but look for a shop that has been in business for a while and is, hopefully, more familiar with your system.
Geoff N.

[Dan LeBlanc]

I didn't know about these guys.  I'm glad you mentioned them as I am looking to get my 61 hoses restored as well as my A5 rebuilt.

[Bob S]

Hi All,
I'll tell you what I did with my wife's 1959 Cadillac.  I replaced the original compressor, A5 with a new A6.  The compressor cost about $300.  I built my own compressor brackets out of aluminum.  Replaced all the original hoses with barrier hoses.  I also replaced the condenser with a new aluminum one. Then I recharges it with R12.  R12 is still available, you just have to do some reading and take a test that cost ~$20.  Then you can buy R12.  The system has been working great for the last 3 years.