The orders keep coming in for A/C systems for 330′s so here are some photos of the process. The top photo shows the fabrication of the compressor brackets which use extremely thick steel as a substitute for proper engineering. We joke that well before the brackets are going to flex or distort, the studs that secure them to engine will break off. Anyhow, we copy parts accurately but can see that they are way overbuilt.

We also make the evaporator housing which holds a very dense core and squirrel cage fan. The original housing is made from steel but we make it from aluminum since it’s so much easier to work with and the part has a bunch of bends and needs huge holes drilled in the sides.  Since the part is buried under the dash, no one will ever know the difference especially if we give it a coat of light gold paint.

I have all the other parts coming in soon like the condenser, the compressor, drier bottle and all the fittings to complete the kit. It’s such a huge collection of parts and I have lots of stuff in stock but there is always one things that is missing. When its all together I will take a photo of the complete set up. I have a higher amperage alternator to send off with this kit, it’s an 80 amp unit from a 365 GT 2+2 but the 330′s with A/C originally came with Lucas 60 amp alternators

A/C System 330 GTC Evaporator

Ferrari Air Conditioning system

Housing for A/C Evaporator

This super cool 1954 Ford F100 just came up for sale at the shop. At first glance the truck looks very good with good paint and trim, of course the next thing to look at are the floors and the cab corners which are both solid. The panel gaps are good and the floors seem to be in great original condition. This F100 has the appropriate 4 pointed star on the grill that indicates that it is powered by a 6 cylinder engine which is rare to find because so many have been converted to late model V-8 engines and automatic transmissions.

What always strikes me about these 1950s American trucks is their incredible simplicity, everywhere in the engine bay are basic and proven ancillary items such as the Holly Carburetor, AC fuel pump and Delco Electrical components. We are going through our normal process on cars that are new to us which include re-coring the radiator, rebuilding the generator and starter and replacing all of the brake components. We always overhaul the generators and alternators on old cars because it’s cheap and typically no one services these items until they fail.  If it were an aircraft, you service components based on strict intervals so you don’t fall out of the sky, but on a car, the risk is much less as you roll to a stop on the side of the road which makes maintaining things like starters or generators less urgent. When we finish these projects, the truck will be driven and sorted so the next owner can feel confident when driving to the hardware store… and returning home.

I have never advertised anywhere that I make Air Conditioning systems for Ferraris but somehow people continue to contact me to build a system for them.

A man in CA. heard that I have the jigs and know how to get all of the parts to equip his car with a very original style system with the original type hose ends and cotton braided hose. We also built brackets for the original style York compressor. Through various contacts, I located all of these parts, sent many things off for cadmium plating and sent off a diagram on how to wire everything and route the hoses and wires.

One thing that is missing to complete a system are the dashboard vents that double as temperature switch and fan speed switch. I am in the process of tooling up to re-make these vents and knobs that will work with modern replacement switches.

If you know anyone who needs these vents let me know. It will cost a small fortune to make the molds for these and I will also have to make the chrome trim pieces so I would like to have some interest to help out with the cost.