VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1961-1964 Factory Air

I just closed the deal on a low mile '62 Biscayne. It doesn't have factory air. The pictures the seller sent me don't show vents of any kind in the dash. Did the '62 with factory air have a different dash? If so I'll likely have to go with an under dash vintage air unit. Along that same line I know cars of that era often had over heating issues when they were equipped with AC. Would the radiator be larger on a factory air car? Any tips will be appreciated.

The "changes" with factory installed air depend on engine.
A 283 will have a thermostatic fan,(stanmdard with 327) heaiver front coil springs, Larger (output) alternator, and larger radiator (depending on engine). If car is a 8 Cyl. with a 3.08 axle ratio it would have a 3.36 ratio with factory air.
Chevrolet did have an add-on under dash unit.

putting an air conditioning condenser in front of your radiator is going to restrict the flow of air thru the 2 units. place a cloth diaper in front of rad and run idle motor, then place the condenser in front and feel the difference in the flow .

I would assume the rad would need to be thicker for a start, check the parts books and see if an air con equipted unit was thicker or not.

The other thing I would look at would be a clutch fan with at least 6 preferably 7 blades to draw the maximum amount of air thru the rad.. Also you will want to maximize the fan and install the correct shroud on the rad.

vintage air also sells a NON clutch 6 blade fan if your cramped for space.?

mike

Thanks for the info guys and thank you Gene for the scans.

Did those cars have a fan shroud? A shroud helps cooling quite a bit.

It has a shroud. Slideshow

Tiny, you've got yourself a really nice one! Lucky you - - -

Great car - I remember when they were everywhere like that, but no more!

I have a friend who had a complete '62 factory A/C set up that he was selling, but I can't remember if that was a year ago, or 3 or 4 years ago......... (time flies). So don't know if he still has it or not.

I've sent him an email to find out, and will let you know if you are interested. I have no idea what he might want for it all, but as I recall it was in working order when removed.

Thanks. It'll depend on what he wants for it. For some reason the cash is a tad short right now.

I thought I was the only one with that shortage.

Sorry, Tiny - but your money is safe - he already sold it.

Thank you for asking on my behalf. I appreciate it.

Tiny, Beautiful car!!! Doesn't even look like it was driven to church every Sunday. It must have been owned by a little old lady who just sat home. Some guys have all the luck! Beamer

Tiny Try ( Vintage Air.com ) they can set you up with what you need. Have a great life!

I'm leaning toward just leaving it alone, the way it was born. No it doesn't have the original tires, battery & brakes but the less I molest it the more accurately I can call it a survivor, a pretty rare critter these days.

Wow Tiny, it looks like a new car! Congrats on getting it.