Adding A/C - how bad does it screw up "original"?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
Adding A/C - how bad does it screw up "original"?
Still looking for the right chrome bumper C3 for me. I keep passing up cars without A/C because in TX, it's very important to me to have A/C. I want to get a car that is mostly original, and keep it as original as possible. I'm not planning to get it judged or anything, but I don't want to reduce its value by adding A/C to a car that did not originally come with it. I'd like to hear some opinions on if this is something that I should really be concerned with or not.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 10
From: Newcastle NSW
My car is a quite original car with its "born-with engine" (L36, 4 speed car). With that said, I intend to add a Vintage Air kit to the car to make it something I can go on long drives with. It looks like it's not that hard to go back to original with the Vintage Air if I change my mind.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
You could add A/C, then take it back off later if you wanted. You just wouldn't want to cut anything up. Save any parts you take off.
To me, a "driver" - one you can get in and enjoy would be worth more with the A/C.
To me, a "driver" - one you can get in and enjoy would be worth more with the A/C.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I would guess in the world of ncrs it would take away judging points,
But it that isnt your bag make your car 100% more fun and comfortable to drive and add AC plan to when I get the toad pelts saved but I modify my car so I dont count as far as original goes....
But it that isnt your bag make your car 100% more fun and comfortable to drive and add AC plan to when I get the toad pelts saved but I modify my car so I dont count as far as original goes....
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 200
Likes: 4
From: Richmond Virginia
Think of it this way - if you find a chrome bumper car that's pretty much what you're looking for, and the owner says, "Well, it's pretty much all original, but I added a Vintage Air kit since I live in Texas and wanted to enjoy it." Would that diminish the value of the car to you since it's aftermarket, or would it increase the value since you can enjoy it in the summer? If the answer is the second, you can bet there's plenty of other owners out there that feel the same way when you go to sell it.
One of the things I love about these cars is that they're old enough for there to be a strong NCRS following, but common enough and popular enough that there's always a buyer for what you have. Of course, keeping your modifications removable is always a plus!
One of the things I love about these cars is that they're old enough for there to be a strong NCRS following, but common enough and popular enough that there's always a buyer for what you have. Of course, keeping your modifications removable is always a plus!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,380
Likes: 789
From: Redondo Beach, California
Buy that nice C3 without air. Then purchase a Vintage Air conditioner kit. It fits very well and is far more efficient than the factory unit. I mounts under the passenger's side of the dash...doesn't take up engine room. Buy a repro air conditioned/heater control unit for the console...$150? nice repro unit. With this unit, the interior will look absolutely like a stock C3 with AC.
I've installed a Vintage on my 70 BB car since it will give me a lot more engine room for headers, etc. The car had an original factory AC unit..removed it.
I've installed a Vintage on my 70 BB car since it will give me a lot more engine room for headers, etc. The car had an original factory AC unit..removed it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
If the car you purchase is not some pristine, 'special', hard to find C3 in perfect condition, you won't be hurting the value of it by installing A/C. You may not be ADDING value to it, but it might be more saleable in the future, if you decide to sell it.
Will it be totally "original"? No. Do you care? No. Will others care?
Who cares???
Will it be totally "original"? No. Do you care? No. Will others care?
Who cares???
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 4
From: Woodbridge VA
cb,
The hood will have to be removed. I doubt the 75 system differs from the 70 system that much, you're installing the condensor and drier in front of the radiator, the rest is easily accessible.
The firewall does require a permanent mod - a semi-circular cut to accept the hoses from the evaporator that is installed under the passenger side dash. You'll need to cut two holes through the passenger side radiator mount to run lines from the drier/condensor to the compressor/evaporator.
When I saw mine for sale, I knew it was the one. But I REALLY wanted AC. So I installed Vintage Air and it's been great. Use the factory AC bezel rather than the cheap plastic piece provided in the kit.
Regards,
Eugene
The hood will have to be removed. I doubt the 75 system differs from the 70 system that much, you're installing the condensor and drier in front of the radiator, the rest is easily accessible.
The firewall does require a permanent mod - a semi-circular cut to accept the hoses from the evaporator that is installed under the passenger side dash. You'll need to cut two holes through the passenger side radiator mount to run lines from the drier/condensor to the compressor/evaporator.
When I saw mine for sale, I knew it was the one. But I REALLY wanted AC. So I installed Vintage Air and it's been great. Use the factory AC bezel rather than the cheap plastic piece provided in the kit.
Regards,
Eugene
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 187
Likes: 10
From: Western OK
Go for it. I used to worry about numbers and such but now not so much. I just want to drive them and enjoy them. Now if was a real rare car, a one of 10 or something like,that I might not. I guess I am getting more mellow as I age now. It just not that important anymore to me. But, I won't do anything that can't be reversed. After all we don't own them- they own us and we are just their care takers.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Unless you are buying a ZR1 or LS5, I wouldn't worry about it. Our C3s will never be grade A collector cars worth the kind of money similar year 911s are fetching. The value you get from keeping cool will outweigh the minuscule decrease in value.
