adding a/c or PS

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Jul 28, 2005 | 08:48 PM

70 roadster

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 6

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From: midland, ga 31820

adding a/c or PS

Can someone guide me to more info on adding a/c and or powersteering to a 68?

Jul 28, 2005 | 11:09 PM

carriljc

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 6,656

Likes: 1,357

I've done PS and am doing a/c

I added power steering to my 68 back in 1991. Nowadays I would consider converting to one of them Steeroid systems instead of just converting to power steering.
I am in the process of adding Hot Rod Air right now...I may get the system charged this weekend...

You can get power steering kids from Mid America and other vendors...many choices.

Jul 28, 2005 | 11:30 PM

foundvettelifeisgood

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 2,117

Likes: 213

From: Pittsburgh PA

I added PS via Steeroids plus a stock PS pump, bracket and March pulley. It's a big improvement and a fairly easy install on a manual brake car.

Jul 29, 2005 | 09:22 AM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,118

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From: Connecticut, USA

You should do some reserch before deciding. I was going to add PS to my 69 until I rebuilt the steering box and replaced the old G60 tires with 225 70 x15's. It was a night and day difference. I had collected most of the PS parts too.
I have a classic auto air system now that I'll be installing within the next week or two. I chose it over others because it retains the stock controls and has cleaner look.

A rack & pinion system and aftermarket ac run about $1,100 each too.

Gary

Jul 29, 2005 | 10:08 AM

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7,720

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From: Chattanooga TN

I rebuilt my stock p/s setup. If I had it to do again I would convert to the Corvette Steering converted Jeep box. I really like the way they look. You can get a stock conversion from Vette Brakes, a forum sponsor, or at least they used to be.

I added factory a/c to mine too. I used stock 78-82 stuff. You really need a 68-76 inside box (because of the controls) and a 78-82 outer box (to get orfice tube instead of VIR/POA). On a 68-72 you have to clearance the corner of the fan box just a little-no big deal. To add factory a/c correctly you have to take the front clip off and add the recirculate door on top of the rh cowl and block off the fresh air door on the lh cowl. I also plan to upgrade to a C4 fan soon.

Jul 30, 2005 | 12:17 AM

carriljc

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 6,656

Likes: 1,357

Charged the A/C system with R-134 today....

Finished installing Hot Rod Air system today and charged it. Got a discharge temp of 38 degrees. Looks like this project may work out.

Jul 30, 2005 | 08:13 AM

Eddie 70

Race Director

Joined: Feb 1999

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From: Lenoir City Tennessee

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Quote:

Originally Posted by carriljc

Finished installing Hot Rod Air system today and charged it. Got a discharge temp of 38 degrees. Looks like this project may work out.

Carl, we need a separate thread with all the gory details and some cool pics. I have given some thought to this one also. I almost melted last weekend while out in my vette. It was 95* plus last weekend and I was very glad to get home.

One note to be aware of, if you are converting from stock manual steering to stock PS, be sure to get the PS pitman arm or you will wind up hurting yourself. I found this out luckily while my car was still on jackstands. The car would steer in one direction fine. Steering in the other direction resulted in the wheel whipping to full lock and wanting to go further. A very scary situation.