1941 series 7519F air conditioning process/kits

[jspina]

Is there a kit, or process, that has been successfully used for the 7519F? Is there a vendor that is recommended?

Jim Spina
Edgewater MD

[Doug Houston]

The only air conditioners that were available in 1941, were factory installed systems, furnished by Bishop and Babcock, of Cleveland, and were installed at the time of assembly. No retrofit kits were offered.

There were 300 jobs built.

[Dan LeBlanc]

I think he's referring to something like a bolt on Vintage Air kit.

[jspina]

Yes, a "bolt on" Vintage Air kit is what I was told might work. Any info on using it successfully? Local folks  tell me that an additional pulley will have to be fabricated, a new radiator needed and there are doubts about the performance of the engine after installation. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Jim

[pauldridge]

Local folks  tell me that an additional pulley will have to be fabricated, a new radiator needed and there are doubts about the performance of the engine after installation. Any help will be appreciated.

Jim,  All that above sounds like just a bunch of "locals" who don't have a clue.  I installed A/C on my 1940 Fleetwood, same 346 engine.
There is no reason you should need a new radiator if your current one is performing properly.  I see very little difference in operating temps with or without A/C on.

And, you certainly won't need an additional pulley... you already have two on that car.  Just get a compressor that has the wider pulley on it to accommodate those wide vintage belts, and get a longer belt to drive it.

All the components needed can be purchased off-the-shelf (with the exception of the compressor mount, which is a pretty simple fabrication).  I got much of mine from Vintage Air, some pieces elsewhere, such as condensor, because the Vintage Air sizes weren't optimal for my opening.

The modern-day Sanden compressors require very little horsepower to operate.. that old flathead won't even know if it is on or off!  I chose an all metal Vintage Air underdash unit, because I liked the retro look of it.  That baby will freeze you out of the car.  I've yet to turn it on full blast, even in the dead of Texas summers.

I've written up a complete description of my install, including pictures and sources for parts.  The write up is attached as an Acrobat file.
Finally, of course, you'll need to convert your car to 12V if you haven't already.  also attached is my notes on that task.