Add AC to 57

[munson1578]

I want to add ac to my 57 Series 62 coupe. It has a 365 engine.  The car was originally non ac.  It seems that the compressor bracket is my biggest obstacle.  I spoke to Old Air.  They recommend using an A6 compressor, but do not make Cadillac brackets. Any input/ help would be appreciated. 

[Cadillac Jack 82]

57 was the first year for the dash vents.  Aftermarket kits mount below the dash but you need to remove the front speaker.  As for the A6 compressor you might be able to luck out  with adapting a later model Cadillac to your engine.

[Cadman-iac]

 You might try looking at the 64 through 67 429 engines for how they mounted an A6 on them. I'm not positive, but I think 64 was the first one to use the A6, but someone else could verify that for you.
 The 429 is very similar to the 365/390's in design.

 Rick

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

A6 compressor began in 1962.

For years a friend had contemplated adding A/C to a 1957 CdV but ultimately decided it was too monumental a task. Make sure you fully understand what you're getting into.

[bcroe]

Converting any car to factory air is a monumental
project, in some cases not even possible.  But
adding an under-the-dash type bolt on in theory
is a one day job, might take me a few days to
get it just right.  My first involved relocating
the power steering pump (they said it could not
be done), and some cooling system upgrades.  They
do keep you cool.  Bruce Roe

[V63]

Adding some optimism,

The factory in dash system for 1957
Was marginal at best.

It is possible (i have done it) to retrofit and maintain a totally original look inside the car. Use a modern Sanden compressor, modern parallel flow condensor and a vintage aire HVAC proximate glove box.  You can even utilize the original controls. Worse part of the job would be removing the right front fender and inner fender to best facilitate.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Hard to imagine A/C could have been dealer installed- and for the same cost if installed at the factory despite the extra labor involved which must've been significant by comparison. Dealer installed air must have been rare since I have yet to see a factory (style) A/C setup in a car that didn't have "K" on the body tag.

The few aftermarket hang-on A/C units I've come across actually had far better cooling than the factory equipped A/C systems. I suspect that the evaporator being located forward in the cabin rather than inside the dash may have been the reason. On a 1960 CdV with 1960s installed aftermarket setup, the a/c was so cold that frost formed on the outlets.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Dealer installed AC "package" was listed on the parts book and looking at the differences in discharge and suction tubing (different lengths and bends) although rare it was done
Greg Surfas

[chris cunliffe]

My 57 Seville is or was fitted with full factory A/C. It is a Q code engine and the A/C was probably fitted some time after it was new as the dash controls are from the 58 model.It had the full AC even down to the front spring spacer fitted to counteract the weight of the compressor.The compressor and brackets were taken off around 15 years ago but everything else is still in place.