I am getting ready to install A/C in my 68 Camaro ragtop. It has a SB 350 with the alternator and power steering on the left side, which I believe is the traditional setup for a 68 SB. There is no smog pump on this motor.

I have been collecting parts now for a few months, and I now have 3 outside A/C boxes, two inside A/C boxes, 4 evaporators, 2 condensors, two sets of lines, brackets, dryers, etc. One set of parts came from a 69 Camaro, which I can identify with the pre-made A/C lines (not hose clamped), and the condensor lines are in different places compared with a 68 setup. From what I have found, the A/C compressor on a 69 mounts on the left side of the motor to the front of the head, so the lines and condensor won't do me much good? I believe one outside box came from a 67 Camaro; I am only guessing because the outside box has a Harrison tin plate on it with 67 in the stamped number. The third box is a little differnt. It is 2" shorter from the firewall to the front of the Evaporator. Would this be a big block box? Other than the noticable size differnce in the fiberglass of the box, the Evaporator seems to be the same. I measured from the top back of the box to the front top of the box along the seam of the two halves of the box, which measured 10", where as the other two boxes measure 12". Any thoughts?

The lower side of the A/C compressor uses the exhaust manifold to mount to, but I am using headers. I have a set of exhaust manifolds, should I think about going back to manifolds? I am not racing this car, but I still like using those 3.73 gears every once in a while. A little off the subject, but has anyone port-matched exhaust manifolds before? Is this wise to do to manifolds? Has anyone mounted their A/C compressor to headers. If so, what kind of brackets did you use? Or did you modify the original bracket?

I also have a question about the firewall opening, I have been told that the opening needs to get bigger. Meaning, I will need to cut my firewall opening. Do anyone have any tips for measuring the needed opening? Where and how much to cut? Anyone have a template?

Is anyone using there A/C system with the clamped-on A/C lines? I am contemplating using the clamp-on original lines versus getting an A/C shop to fabricate my A/C lines. My question is, will the clamped lines hold the A/C in the system for years? I understand this is the original configuration, but maybe these lines are the weakness of the system and this is why GM moved to pre-fabed lines in 69. Thoughts on prefered systems (clamped or pre-fabed lines)?

Also, I'd like to hear from anyone who has a mixed system. I've thought about purchasing a newer condensor from something like a 75 Camaro, or even newer. I've been told to be very careful about mixing components, because the A/C systems are a balance between the condensor and evaporator. Any thoughts on mixing components?

And lastely, tell me what you are running in your A/C system. Are you using R12 (Freeze12 or the like) or R134a? And what, if anything, did you need to do to prepare or convert when using R134a?

Sorry to be so long winded. Thanks ahead of time for patience in reading and any responses.

Steve,

The firewalls are different. You will not only need to cut a new hole but you will also have to patch the existing heater holes. This inludes the holes necessary to hold the engine side heater box in place and the heater hose connection points. The new evaporator box may cover some of these and reduce your workload. You can make a simple template for the large firewall hole using the underdash heater box as a guide. The factory A/C system pumps all air through the firewall hole/evaporator so I would recommend that you take a lot of time to clean the evaporator core and box and confirm that they are well sealed. There are several aftermarket companies that make A/C systems that bolt in for your car. They have plates to cover the existing holes. Only the compressor mounts in the engine compartment, everything else goes under the dash.

Hooker, Headman, and several other companies make rear compressor support brackets for our cars using headers. They will only fit the larger stock A4 compressor.

The factory original lines on mine were all clamped using a worm gear hose clamp with a side mounted locating tang. Even the sections attached to the aluminum muffler assembly that bolts to the rear of the compressor was like this. When I refurbished them I used Gates PolarSeal hoses and a mixture of crimps and clamps. If I could have cripmed everything I would have but there are several points that are not easily accesible with a crimper. The hose clamps work fine.

Sounds like you have both small and big block evaporator boxes. The fender side of the box is the same but on big blocks the engine side of the box and the evaporator are different. The big block parts usually bring a premium price. The evaporator is usually tough to find. It is easily identified since the POA valve is looped back toward the engine vs. the small block that loops toward the fender. If originality is not terribly important to you BUT you wish to keep the stock type A/C system AND have headers I would highly recommend trying to use the big block evaporator. The headers available for small block 67-9 F-bodies are limited to 1 5/8" diameter and do not fit well. There is very little room to route the #8 tube around the evaporator box.

67-9 compressors mount on the passenger side, 69 on the drivers.

I still run the real R12.

I can take some pictures of mine if it would be helpful. You can also see one view on my website.

Good luck.

CarlC I would like to see any pictures you can provide to aid in my installation.

I guess I still have some reservations about the aftermarket under the dash A/C systems. What happens in 5 or 10 years when I need a new condeser or something like that. I guess the original parts are getting harder to find too. Maybe it's just "fear change." Maybe it is the clean look of the factory A/C type system, not to put down the installation of the aftermarket systems or its abilities to blend well with the original equipment.

You suggested that the mounting holes for the non-A/C and A/C boxes are in different locations? I understand about making the template from the inside box to create the proper size hole in the firewall, but how will I know where to mount the box on the firewall? If the mounting holes are in a different location the inside duct work may not align properly by guessing the location of the inside box. Any suggestions on how to ensure the location of the A/C inside box will be mounted in the proper location?

Thanks for the info on the header mounting brackets for the compressor; I will need to hunt this bracket down for the short term. And I still plan on mounting the stock A4 compressor.

What is the difference between the worm gear clamp and a hose clamp? Do I need an A/C shop or hydraulics shop to create these worm gear clamped lines or can I perform this operation? Since I have all of my items off the car, can I get all of the items worm gear clamped?

68 small bock with factory AC
I changed over to 134 freon
(suggest you do a search on my previous posts)
Had new hoses made up, Hose clamp style leaked the 134a,
I would use a proper 68 condensor, (fit might be a problem)
I think you should still be able to mount the compressor on the right side with headers, (block huggers) Standard headers most likely won't fit around the AC box.
You might have to pull the motor, to install the AC box,
I changed the evaporator and broke the AC box when I tried to do this with the engine in the car.

Rob thanks for the info. I took a look at your other posts.

It will be difficult to use the 68 condenser with the non-clamped style lines. But I already have a case of Freeze12, so I am leaning towards the clamped lines and Freeze12. I will post again when I have completed the A/C installation.

I have found the mount for the A/C compressor when using with headers. Seems simple enough.

I've got an a/c vaccum resevoir (http://tigernet.missouri.org/~g6007/69camaro/canvac.jpg) if you need one.
I just pulled out the remainder of my a/c, if you need a firewall pic or hole measurement, let me know...