VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1961-1964 1961 Impala AC help

Need some expert help on a 1961 Impala 4 door. I am restoring the car and have been out of the hobby for a while. I have previously owned a few 1962's, but this is my first 1961. The car is a 348/Powerglide. It has factory air. All the components came with the car, however, the compressor and related equipment were removed and in the trunk upon purchase. I know, I need a wiring harness, a rebuild on the compressor, new lines etc. Any assistance will be great. Thanks.

Hi 6T1348,

Suggest you purchase an "Accessories Installation Reference Manual". This book is invaluable for a project such as you are about to undertake. From the information in the book you can make an intelligent assessment as to what parts you currently have and form the basis of a "want list".

6T1348,I would recommend that you purchase the following books. they will be most valuable thur out your restoration.1961 shop manual-all air conditioning is shown. 1961 accessories installation as previously recommended and the 1961 assembly manual.They are all available in reprints from www.fillingstation.com......If you have an original 1961 with a 348 (250 or 280 H.P.)it was only available with a Turboglide automatic transmission. Power Glide was not available in a 348 in"61.The Turboglide has an aluminum case the Power Glides, if it would have been available had a cast iron case.Turbo. dosen't shift when taking off-Power Glide has one shift point.A later aluminum Power Glide was available as an installation kit to convert a Turboglide to a P.G. in the later '60s.(original T.G. has GR (grade retard) on the shift quadrant and the P.G. had LOW .Also would get a copy of Hemmings and check with the various later year Chevrolet patrs suppliers as there are many reproduction harnesses available.

Classic Air in Tampa Florida, will be a lot of help with the lines and the rebuild. The correct dryer "long" is somewhat difficult to find, the "short" style replacement is around. I think 61's also had that stupid STV valve like the 62's that is VERY problematic, you will want to get that done. Sounds like a nice combination, on nice car. You don't see too many of them. As far as the books go The assembly manual will be a real help, I am not sure but I think the 61 accessory manual might not cover the all weather system, I know that the 60 does and the 62 does not cover it. They just concentrate on the cool pack unit, or dealer air. The 61 shop manual has a real good section on the A/C. There is a training program booklet for the 61-62 A/C set up also, I think it is known as TP-20, about 120 pages very helpful.
Good luck
John 340/340HP