Thread: 34 going up on jack stands for a while

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I've had this coupe for 10 years now, although there were 4 years where nothing was accomplished due to a move overseas, the return and getting set up in a new house. Old-timers here know some of the "issues" I've faced. I still have some, so I'm taking it off the road and doing the final (I hope) modifications. The main mod is addition of A/C, and that is going to be interesting. The laid back grille shell and custom radiator are going to be the main culprits because, a) the trans cooler . . . er heat exchanger . . . . . . needs to be moved. I'm not sure where it will go, and b) the size and shape of the radiator will make condenser fitment very crowded.

I'm going to use a replica of the old MK IV under-dash evaporator for space reasons.

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I'm upgrading my alternator to a polished unit and adding a polished compressor, and adding a chrome master cylinder.

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I'll be sending my headers to Sanderson for ceramic coating and working on moving my exhaust from in front of the rear tires to the back. I also have some fluid leaks at the rear of the trans, at the differential and possibly the rear main seal of my Chevy crate motor with only 900 miles.

Upholstery will be put off for a while.

For those not familiar with the car this is it.

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I may post progress (and possible frustrations) for anyone who may be interested.

Jack, it's the end of show season so now is as good a time as any to do the things you plan on doing.. I'm sure you'll find a place for the trans cooler, exchanger thing... if you haven't all ready call V/A and let them know about the radiator and they may have something to help or even make for it.. you're not the first with a laid back grill to have air i'm sure.. the new a/c alternator is like the one i used and it seems to work great.. getting the exhaust run out the back should clear up some space under the car for the trans cooler.. (can't help myself)

That is one nice ride..........always did like the looks of that year. You have the stance down pat as well. Sorry to hear you have some minor glitches but don't we all now and then.

Originally Posted by Henry Rifle

Upholstery will be put off for a while.

For those not familiar with the car this is it.

Attachment 59855

I may post progress (and possible frustrations) for anyone who may be interested.

Interested? You better believe we'll be interested! Keep the camera charged fully too.

You've got it well planned, which is no surprise, and like Mike says I hope you'll keep a running progress report with some pictures here as you go along. I hope you can gain enough room for your condenser by pulling the trans HX - are you already running an electric fan? The only thing I'd change in your list is that I'd consider working with JET HOT for coating the headers. They do a great job, and they do a fantastic job with customer service. Debi Heath in their Arizona location is the gal I worked with when they re-coated mine for free after I cooked them playing with timing.....

Roger,

I have an electric puller fan with an on/off switch - no thermo switch. I might change that later. The fan shroud covers the entire condenser grid of the radiator, and you can see the transmission HX behind the grille. I'll probably pull the nose off tomorrow, which won't be fun. The radiator mounts to the fiberglass grille shell on top, and through the grille shell base to the frame on the bottom.

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The radiator core measures about 14" W x 17" H. The condenser I ordered is 12" W x 19" H. I'm 99" sure it will work, but threading the hoses will be "interesting." (That's my new favorite fabrication word.)

I also pulled the dash to paint it and to clean up the wiring a bit. It works, and it's 95% organized, but I need the other 5% cleaned up and some more multi-wire plugs instead of some of the indivitual connections.

Now, if I can just find enough space in my garage to put the parts . . .

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Looks like a good winter project. I'll be interested in hearing how the Mark IV works out.

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Jack,
VA has some slick soft aluminum hard lines that you can use to extend the condenser connections to a convenient terminal point. They come in various lengths, and they're easy to form and seal tight - http://www.vintageair.com/2013catalo...ebpgs%2077.pdf I used them to bring the top connection down the side & curve around the passenger side, and to bring the bottom connection up and curve to match, putting the two hose connections tucked into the side of the radiator behind the splash apron.

Henry, if you have not purchased the under dash unit yet, take a look at Buy Auto Parts in ebay. I used this one from them with remote control and it works a lot better than the one my friend has like you are considering. Plus it is not as thick. My wife told me my 40 would have to have air this year if she was going to ride cross country to the LA Roadster show. At the lowest speed, it would blow up her skirt let along keep her cool in the 105 heat crossing the desert. At high speed it would freeze both of us out of the car - sedan not coupe. Plus, price is much better. They also have some other models which you might like more. Very satisified with their follow up service and help. Worth a look. Ray

Scooting,

Thanks for the lead. I found a version of that same unit without the remote controls. It doesn't have the same retro look as the MK-IV . . . but neither does my gauges, steering column, seats, etc.

Jack

Looks like a fun upgrade. Who makes the alt and a/c compressor brackets you pictured? Those might work for me.

Tru Trac Systems & Brackets | Billet Specialties, Inc.

Thanks a ton!

My condenser arrived today. I really wish that when you ask a supplier for the exact dimensions for a tight fit that they would actually measure. I know it's 12" W x 19" H, so I asked how wide it was to the outside of the fittings. The CSR told me to add "about" 1-1/2 inches. The "about" bothered me, so I asked if he was sure. He was - but it isn't. It's an extra 2-1/2 inches. It's going to be close. (I didn't get the fittings shown in the photo. I need to go tighter.)

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Had to fight that same battle on a couple cars Jack, hope this condenser works out for you!