Re: [FWDLK] First Question for the list (on A/C)

As far as A/C goes, a '57-'58 will be the only fit as far as factory goes. They stayed pretty much the same from '59-'64 so if you had a '59, you could go from there. Since you have a '58, your firewall is a little different and would have to be modified quite a bit to fit a later system. Now with that said ('58 owners correct me if I'm wrong) you'd have to modify your firewall anyway to convert from heat only to an A/C car. On '59-'64 cars you have to remove a plate that helps surround the heater core as well as enlarge the opening for the evaporator and removing the cowl vent door. You could probably retrofit a '59-'64 system but it would be obviously incorrect in appearance with the absence of the oil pressure controlled cowl vent, larger floor duct, and controls. If you really want A/C, just get one of those trunk mount systems from Classic Air, etc.. Also, running a Mopar RV-2 compressor would be a serious load on your engine. I'd recommend a rotary type since they give very little load on the engine. Remember, you only have 130 HP stock and that's at the flywheel. If you have a powerflite/torquflite, there goes another 30-45 (guessing, correct me if I'm wrong) horsepower by the time you get power to the pavement. So, that leaves you 85 horsepower. If you run an RV-2 compressor your loosing 20-40 horsepower by the time you go through the pulley changes/routings and load through the compressor. Now 65 or less horsepower won't be enough to push that 3000+ pound car at moderate cruising to highway speeds. Try to go with the rotary compressor with an aftermarket set up. Unless you want to change to a poly 318 or 350 Golden Commando motor, you won't be able to push the car with the Mopar compressor. As far as I know, Ma Mopar never put A/C into a powerflow six car so, you're limited to options. Good Luck on whatever you decide.