SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PM

Title: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PM
Have any of you added air conditioning to your 69/70? I'm still shopping for a car, but if it doesn't come  with air, I'd like to add it, I live in Las Vegas...
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Bob Gaines on January 28, 2026, 07:24:10 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PMHave any of you added air conditioning to your 69/70? I'm still shopping for a car, but if it doesn't come  with air, I'd like to add it, I live in Las Vegas...
It can be done but a lot of parts involved so it can be expensive if you need everything and you want it to look factory.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 28, 2026, 07:55:18 PM
If it's for a driver go with the Vintage Air. One stop shopping plus it fits and works great. Designed to use modern freon. The only thing I would change is to find and use the original Ford dash vents.

https://vintageair.com/1969-70-mustang-without-factory-air-gen-5-surefit-complete-kit/
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: shelbymann1970 on January 28, 2026, 10:19:18 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PMHave any of you added air conditioning to your 69/70? I'm still shopping for a car, but if it doesn't come  with air, I'd like to add it, I live in Las Vegas...
if you ever get one and want to add air back in 1990 a friend pulled a  setup out of a 69 Mustang in SoCal. No compressor as too heavy to ship and I was going to buy a new one anyways. I was going to add it and a lot of other options I accumulated for my 70 GT350 vert but when Marti and Eminger reports came out I shelved the idea. Not advertised anywhere either. Just sitting in my attic.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 11:55:53 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on January 28, 2026, 07:24:10 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PMHave any of you added air conditioning to your 69/70? I'm still shopping for a car, but if it doesn't come  with air, I'd like to add it, I live in Las Vegas...
It can be done but a lot of parts involved so it can be expensive if you need everything and you want it to look factory.

Doesn't have to look factory, as long as it doesn't look bad and it works...
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 11:56:26 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 28, 2026, 07:55:18 PMIf it's for a driver go with the Vintage Air. One stop shopping plus it fits and works great. Designed to use modern freon. The only thing I would change is to find and use the original Ford dash vents.

https://vintageair.com/1969-70-mustang-without-factory-air-gen-5-surefit-complete-kit/

That looks like the answer, I'll look into this...
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 11:57:05 PM
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on January 28, 2026, 10:19:18 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 28, 2026, 06:44:40 PMHave any of you added air conditioning to your 69/70? I'm still shopping for a car, but if it doesn't come  with air, I'd like to add it, I live in Las Vegas...
if you ever get one and want to add air back in 1990 a friend pulled a  setup out of a 69 Mustang in SoCal. No compressor as too heavy to ship and I was going to buy a new one anyways. I was going to add it and a lot of other options I accumulated for my 70 GT350 vert but when Marti and Eminger reports came out I shelved the idea. Not advertised anywhere either. Just sitting in my attic.


Thanks, I think I'd rather use a modern solution...
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: FL SAAC on January 29, 2026, 07:10:22 AM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 28, 2026, 07:55:18 PMIf it's for a driver go with the Vintage Air. One stop shopping plus it fits and works great. Designed to use modern freon. The only thing I would change is to find and use the original Ford dash vents.

https://vintageair.com/1969-70-mustang-without-factory-air-gen-5-surefit-complete-kit/

Definitely this A big Plus One

And try to find the original Ford vents to give that all original look

Best of luck on your endeavors

Next Topic :

what refrigerant should I use....lol !
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 11:02:57 AM
Another strange question but worth exploring......... I have owned well over 100 Mustangs over the last 40 Years, many 69/70 Fastbacks. a couple of them actually came with Dealer Installed Ford A/C that ran along the Lower Dash on both sides.  I know when Judging, you ding for Aftermarket A/C. Would the Ding be just as bad if was a Dealer Installed Ford A/C? 

Also, does anyone know if any Shelby was sold with a Dealer Installed Ford A/C?


Reason I ask is, I have seen a couple at the big Moultrie GA Swap Meet for sale in the past.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Coralsnake on January 29, 2026, 11:06:44 AM
Yes, there were Shelbys that were sold with dealer installed ac, many were drag pak cars.

Judging would permit it if there is proper documentation.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: FL SAAC on January 29, 2026, 12:13:45 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 11:02:57 AMAnother strange question but worth exploring......... I have owned well over 100 Mustangs over the last 40 Years, many 69/70 Fastbacks. a couple of them actually came with Dealer Installed Ford A/C that ran along the Lower Dash on both sides.  I know when Judging, you ding for Aftermarket A/C. Would the Ding be just as bad if was a Dealer Installed Ford A/C? 

Also, does anyone know if any Shelby was sold with a Dealer Installed Ford A/C?


Reason I ask is, I have seen a couple at the big Moultrie GA Swap Meet for sale in the past.

I have a buddy "Mikie from Miami" he own a bunch of cars.

One is a very original paint, interior 1970 shelby 500 4 speed car, he bought from the original owner.

The original owner of the 500, back in 71 or 72 drove back to the original dealer of purchase and had factory AC installed.

Included was a new dash, vents, under dash parts, the hole kit and kabootle.

When Mikie asked for "more documentation" like the sales receipt for the parts and install from the Ford dealer.

The original owner snarled at him with a who keeps all that crap. Its a old car, you going to buy it or not ?
If not get out.


Mikie gave him the Benjamin's and trailered it back home.

No paper work, no proof. Guess this install never happened....


Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PM

Chris, second question:  Would the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Chris Thauberger on January 29, 2026, 01:38:52 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PMChris, second question:  Would the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.

There is no "right" wrong. Both without documentation are a deduction.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 29, 2026, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PMWould the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.
This is why I asked if it was a driver. Adding AC even a full 1969/70 setup will lose you points. A dealer added setup with receipts is still a day two mod. If it's not on the Marti it's a deduction.
The OP needs to understand there seems to be a current trend for these cars to be returned to as born. While his desire for AC makes sense there are those who will look down their nose at whichever system he installs. As for me his car his choice - I'm not into judging and don't like a cars history being lost by turning it into a day one trailer queen.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Coralsnake on January 29, 2026, 02:45:49 PM
QuoteIf it's not on the Marti it's a deduction.

This is 100% incorrect. I am not sure where you are sourcing your information from?

I have been a judge since the 1990s. I was also the head judge. As I stated above there were cars that were sent to dealers that had factory AC installed by the dealerships. There would not be a deduction for them if they are documented. This would not be on the Marti Report, because the Marti Report reflects the car as built by Ford.

As for your comments that this was in-some way related to the original question, it was not.

I was a direct response to the person that asked a direct question, in post #8, if dealer added AC would be deducted.

It might be helpful for people that respond, if they actually read the posts.

It has been entirely clear for some time that the original poster does not care about originality and judging. In other threads he agreed modifying suspension components might be a good idea.

With regard to the other direct question would vintage aftermarket AC be a deduction? Yes, it would always be deducted in a concours venue. As would a dealer over the counter system added by a owner.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 29, 2026, 03:52:50 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 29, 2026, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PMWould the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.
This is why I asked if it was a driver. Adding AC even a full 1969/70 setup will lose you points. A dealer added setup with receipts is still a day two mod. If it's not on the Marti it's a deduction.
The OP needs to understand there seems to be a current trend for these cars to be returned to as born. While his desire for AC makes sense there are those who will look down their nose at whichever system he installs. As for me his car his choice - I'm not into judging and don't like a cars history being lost by turning it into a day one trailer queen.

The good things is, I don't care about points. I want a drivable car 365 days a year, and in Vegas that means AC. It's going to get done one way or the other. I don't want to do anything stupid or ugly, but it has to happen.
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: FL SAAC on January 29, 2026, 05:56:00 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 29, 2026, 03:52:50 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 29, 2026, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PMWould the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.
This is why I asked if it was a driver. Adding AC even a full 1969/70 setup will lose you points. A dealer added setup with receipts is still a day two mod. If it's not on the Marti it's a deduction.
The OP needs to understand there seems to be a current trend for these cars to be returned to as born. While his desire for AC makes sense there are those who will look down their nose at whichever system he installs. As for me his car his choice - I'm not into judging and don't like a cars history being lost by turning it into a day one trailer queen.

The good things is, I don't care about points. I want a drivable car 365 days a year, and in Vegas that means AC. It's going to get done one way or the other. I don't want to do anything stupid or ugly, but it has to happen.


 Points schmoints.....Atta boy !

Use it, like it was meant to be.

In the end you will rejoice on all the good memories made.

By the way what type of refrigerant will you be using in your new Day Two air conditioning system.....chilling
Title: Re: Adding air conditioning?
Post by: Brian350 on January 29, 2026, 07:09:09 PM
Quote from: FL SAAC on January 29, 2026, 05:56:00 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on January 29, 2026, 03:52:50 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on January 29, 2026, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on January 29, 2026, 01:35:18 PMWould the Dealer Added Ford Hang On A/C with out Documentation garner you Fewer or the Same Points Deductions as a Vintage Air A/C?  I would hope Fewer.
This is why I asked if it was a driver. Adding AC even a full 1969/70 setup will lose you points. A dealer added setup with receipts is still a day two mod. If it's not on the Marti it's a deduction.
The OP needs to understand there seems to be a current trend for these cars to be returned to as born. While his desire for AC makes sense there are those who will look down their nose at whichever system he installs. As for me his car his choice - I'm not into judging and don't like a cars history being lost by turning it into a day one trailer queen.

The good things is, I don't care about points. I want a drivable car 365 days a year, and in Vegas that means AC. It's going to get done one way or the other. I don't want to do anything stupid or ugly, but it has to happen.


 Points schmoints.....Atta boy !

Use it, like it was meant to be.

In the end you will rejoice on all the good memories made.

By the way what type of refrigerant will you be using in your new Day Two air conditioning system.....chilling

Don't know yet...whatever works best...