Adding AC to my 1957 CDV

[My57CDV]

I'm giving consideration to Adding Air Conditioning to my 1957 CDV.  I've done some minor research into Vintage Air  ...
I'd like to get input from others who have 1st hand experience in going down this road. What to look for, considerations,
Do's, Don'ts ... where to buy Dash AC control switch (1957) etc.

Thanks in Advance!

Mark Anderson

[V63]

I did this to a 57 brougham using vintage air. Everything  worked great EXCEPT These systems simply do not have the cooling capacity of OEM, they are undersized. If I were to do it again I’d go with 2 units

[59-in-pieces]

Mark,
I don't know how sold you are in keeping your car as close to OEM, or not, or even your mechanical expertise.
A 57 is iconic in its backwards facing fins (no offense) and deserves to look "real".
My bias is against anything after market - from the perspectives of functionality, looks and resale.

Having said that, I would upgrade with ALL necessary parts for the conversion from a donor car or cars (patience grasshopper).
Perhaps a master parts book for your year car would be a good place to start preparing a parts want/needed list.
There are likely others who have 57 Cads who can help prepare the parts list and provide photos - I love photos, they are better than 1,000 words.
I have a 57 Biarritz, but not smart enough to know if there are any differences in its systems, or not.

Good luck, and have fun,
Steve B.

[My57CDV]

Thanks V63 ... adding two units makes sense, front and trunk ...

Agreed 59-in-pieces ... currently ALL original car except the wire wheels .. but those were an option back in '57.  My desire is to stay all OEM if possible ... parts and cost are determining factors.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I don't think I would be putting one in the trunk as they were only put there because they were so big back then that that was the only spot where it would fit without taking up too much room.

I would be getting the largest Vintage Air unit that would fit under the dash, and fabricate a pair of under-carpet vents, like in the '60, that travel down the side of the tunnel.

They don't need to be too bulky, just sufficient to transfer air under the front seat to the rear seating positions.

There should be some outlets in the Vintage Air to accommodate these vents.

Bruce.

[My57CDV]

Thanks The Tassie Devil(le) ... Interesting Approach.

[ceejay]

I make brackets to mount a GM A6 compressor onto a 331/365. I don't know if they will work on the later engines.

I also make reproduce the triple groove pulleys which are needed

[V63]

I don't think I would be putting one in the trunk as they were only put there because they were so big back then that that was the only spot where it would fit without taking up too much room.

I would be getting the largest Vintage Air unit that would fit under the dash, and fabricate a pair of under-carpet vents, like in the '60, that travel down the side of the tunnel.

They don't need to be too bulky, just sufficient to transfer air under the front seat to the rear seating positions.

There should be some outlets in the Vintage Air to accommodate these vents.

Bruce.

The issue is, Not enough capacity with the vintage air unit, to cool that size cabin. I installed the largest available...BTW the conversion could NOT be told by viewing the interior in ANY way! I utilized the original controls and enhanced the duct work with black PVC. Air Discharge was GREATLY improved from original. The system simply could NOT handle the thermal load. I would say it’s 1/3 the capacity of what is needed to meet or exceed highest expectations.  That said I would do it again but with dual units like Chrysler  did.