1953 Cadillac Convertible A/C system offered by GM

[longhornlarry]

Hello,
I have read most blogs regarding adding AC to the 53 or older Cadillacs. All the blogs refer to the Cadillac sedan or coupe. What system did GM use for AC on the 53 convertible? I can't imagine the in trunk original system with the plexiglass tubes being installed in the convertibles. Was it an under the dash system GM used on convertibles? I was told GM did not offer an in dash system on convertibles until around 1957.

Trying to get the parts to add AC to my 53 convertible and would appreciate any information you can give me regarding what system GM originally installed on 53 Convertible for AC.

Thanks
Larry

[Dan LeBlanc]

Larry...you're chasing your tail.

You could get a/c in a convertible in 1956 but few were produced. It wasn't until the a/c was moved to the dash in 1957 that it became somewhat more common.

Options at this point are an under dash aftermarket system.

[G Pennington]

Don is correct.  Factory A/C was not offered in '53 convertables.  I am also trying to figure how to get A/C in my '53 conv.  Easiest solution is to go with an under-dash unit with modern compressor, condenser, etc. 
A more "stock appearing " installation would be to use a behind-the-dash evaporator unit and modify a 53-55 under dash control unit to operate the modern controls.  Probably have to shorten the glove box to make room for the evap.  That leaves the air outlets.  Not wanting to cut holes in the dash, the outlets would need to be under dash or in the kick panels.  Challanging installation.

[longhornlarry]

Thanks, will leave w/o AC or decide on an under dash unit.
Challenging is the word.

Larry