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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bbskypilot on 2021-02-07 15:19

Title: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: bbskypilot on 2021-02-07 15:19
   I have an A/C unit that was installed in my 57 Wagon when I got it about a year ago. I don't think I will ever use it, and I am trying to "thin out" some of  my extra parts.  Can  anyone tell me something about it; does it have any value?  I also have a couple of mounting bracketts that were supposed to have come on the car from the factory for the A/C.  I can get a picture of them also, if someone is interested in seeing them.  Probably would be willing to sell them also.  The unit has  "FORD" across the top on the front, and both of the blowers work.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: John Palmer on 2021-02-07 19:58
That's part of an aftermarket A/C kit that was sold "over the counter" at a Ford Dealership.  It was very common accessory during the 1950's and 60's before true factory (built in) installed air condition became more common during the 1970's.  You see lots of those kits in early Mustangs.  They were designed for R-12 Freon so they need to be converted over to R134 today,  Your missing a lot of parts to make it all work.  The dryer and expansion valve need to be the newer R134 style.  I would consider it "period correct" for a '57 Ford.  They also had a more streamlined version, more chrome and thinner called a Select Air.

John
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: bbskypilot on 2021-02-08 19:45
Thanks for the info. 
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-08 23:07
Over the counter or Sears or M-Wards ect. Ford's over the counter unit was called PolarAir and it was boxier than yours.

Factory SelectAir has outlets near the windshield and semi hidden under the dash. Control was intergrated with the heater.

A little known fact was SelectAir could be installed at the dealer. It was very labor intensive, even the little emblem was installed on the passenger exterior door. I have a complete set of instructions for this installation.

Most of the kits like yours had an aluminum compressor mounted above the generator and a single drive belt. The factory kits used a cast iron compressor with dual belts.

Ron.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: Ford Blue blood on 2021-02-09 07:34
The generator was under the compressor.  The cast iron mount was a horse!  The crank pulley had three sheaves as well.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: bbskypilot on 2021-02-09 08:56
  Evidently my car had an a/c unit on it at one time; it still has the three belt pulley.  Also, here is another picture of the unit itself.  I ran out of room on my initial post.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-09 23:47
The SelectAir set-up used 2 belts from crank pulley to the waterpump to the compressor and the generator.

The 3rd sheave on the crank went to the P/S.

There were also 2 thick spacers placed above the front springs to offset the extra weight up front.

There are a bunch of other parts that were different too. I have a list if anyone needs the info.

Ron.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: bbskypilot on 2021-02-12 08:38
Going to check for those spacers.  Thanks for the info. I will try to get a picture of the 2 brackets I have.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: gasman826 on 2021-02-12 13:20
I have an extra Y-block AC crank pulley and a pair of spring spacers.  The pulley is within two days of finding it and the spacers might be a week or more.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: alvin stadel on 2021-02-13 17:50
I have what I think are mounting brackets for 57 air cond. compressor, any way there is paper work with the brackets that talk about the compressor.  I have 2 part #'s.  ECD-6129-B  and ECE-2882-A  and several smaller brackets that have no  #'s.  I have had these for years and really don't remember where I got them from. No doubt from a car I parted out.  If anyone can use this stuff it's yours for shipping.  I will never use it maybe someone here can.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-13 22:25
Alvin, I can use those just let me know how much. Zip 20722

Thanks,

Ron.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: alvin stadel on 2021-02-14 10:30
Ron, they are yours. I'll check  out shipping cost to your zip when I get into town this next week. Take care, Alvin
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: cokefirst on 2021-02-14 11:13
This should go in the wanted section, but since we are talking about A/C parts I thought it may go well here.  I have a 1957 with Select-Aire.  The blower motor quite (not long after i ad it rebuilt)  I took it off and put it someplace to send it off for rebuilding and now I can't find it. If anyone has a Select-Aire blower motor for a 57 I would like to have it to put mine back together.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: alvin stadel on 2021-02-14 14:49
Ron, send me your e-mail address, awstadel@gmail.com,
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-14 18:55
Alvin, email sent, no rush.

Thanks,

Ron.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-14 19:05
cokefirst, I remember looking in an auto hvac parts catalog decades ago and think a 57 Lincoln heater only blower motor is the same.

You can probably dig up a crossreference on the internet.

Ron.
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: alvin stadel on 2021-02-16 19:37
Ron, I sent you a message on your personel  e-mail. I need your home address so I can send you the parts if you still want them. Thanks, Alvin
Title: Re: A/C unit from 1957 Ford.
Post by: cokefirst on 2021-02-17 00:01
Quote from: SkylinerRon on 2021-02-14 19:05
cokefirst, I remember looking in an auto hvac parts catalog decades ago and think a 57 Lincoln heater only blower motor is the same.

You can probably dig up a crossreference on the internet.

Ron.

Thank you, I will check it out.  I will look for an old Hollander Interchange to see if they list them as interchanging.