Silly question but how hard would it be to install AC into a non-AC 59 Cadillac? I know I'd have to source the lower dash, duct work, control wires, etc but is it a massive undertaking or relatively simple?
Massive undertaking requiring massive skills, time and effort. Radiator is different and would need to be relocated to the forward side of the support bar for stock appearance.
If this is about the white CdV just posted for sale, I would forget it. It's too nice a car to start butchering. A friend who also lives in Gilbert says winter/spring months is old car driving season down there.
A lot of 60s cars got add on AC, unit under the
dash, condenser ahead of the radiator, compressor
on the engine. Some early factory ACs were the
same thing. Mount and drive kits were available
for many engines, I did a few with junkyard recovered
units. The capacity was always adequate in northern
states, but the cooling system best be in A1 or perhaps
upgraded condition. Bruce Roe
Eric this is true but with AC I am able to take out the girls even when its 100 degrees outside and they run fine. AC isn't a huge deal but it helps. The R12 in the 55 thats going to NY will keep ya chilly even when it was 107 outside 8)
The least invasive would be a 'hang down' under dash unit as suggested above. I just looked at a real nice one I considered. It has round vents which look more correct for a 50's car.
Your radiator would not require relocation. Plus an under dash was quite common to add for that period vehicle. The factory offered hang down units as well across the industry. Possibly The most invasive would be routing the 2 refrigerant hoses thru the firewall.
Of coarse it all of this depends on your preferences.
Well I might just stick with non-AC as mentioned above. If its super hot outside I'll use the Toro. Thank you all for the input!