C500 - would you add stock A/C or go aftermarket?

[PocketThunder]

I just finished installing Classic Auto Air's A/C system in my 68 and its geting freon charged up today.  I am going to have A/C in my C500 also so my spouse and kids will be more comfortable on hot summer days in Minnesota.  (we have two seasons here, winter and road contruction.)  I have a 69 SE parts car that i could use the firewall out of for the C500, along with other stock A/C parts.  So if i decide that i want a stock looking A/C system in the C500, i need to put that firewall in now.  If i want to use Classic Auto Air's system again then i dont have to do anything. 

What do you guys think would be a better fit for my C500?   

Paul
in St. Paul

[Troy]

If you put a 5-speed in it then it's not going to look correct any way. I wouldn't spend all that effort swapping firewalls - plus it's harder to reverse (just in case you ever decide to). From everything I've read, the Classic Auto Air system is an easy install and works well. The factory stuff isn't all that great any way.

Troy

[moparchris]

I kind of agree.  I wouldn't go through the hassle of replacing the firewall, plus it would be a ton of work to return it back to stock if you ever decide to sell it.  I would go the aftermarket route and try to be be very creative with hose routing and such.  Just my 
Good luck

[moparstuart]

 I would also agree , I did the stock style convertion in my convertible and yes it looks nice . But it was a pain and not cheap!  go with the classic air if i do it again I will   

[PocketThunder]

I'm liking the sound of aftermarket now.   

[moparstuart]

I'm liking the sound of aftermarket now.   

yes looks much easier and reversible

[69_500]

I vote along the same lines as the others so far. Aftermarket. If your going to add the 5 speed already, why not just tack on a little under dash A/C unit. Rather than cutting out and replacing the firewall.

[UFO]

Why not wait and spend a little time with the '68 and see if the a/c works to your satisfaction.

[als500]

Paul,

The aftermarket is the only way to go at this point because its sounds like you already made some modification to the C500. Make the car the way you want, so you can enjoy it with your family. Trust me its a bear cruising without A/C here in Florida in July and my wife and kids refuse to get in the car in the summer , but hey going by the beach in the C500 by myself attracts a lot of girls in bikinis.

[PocketThunder]

Paul,

The aftermarket is the only way to go at this point because its sounds like you already made some modification to the C500. Make the car the way you want, so you can enjoy it with your family. Trust me its a bear cruising without A/C here in Florida in July and my wife and kids refuse to get in the car in the summer , but hey going by the beach in the C500 by myself attracts a lot of girls in bikinis.

Girls in bikinis?    that sounds good at first, but that might have less than favorable consequences when i get home.. 

[General_01]

Aftermarket dude. I am going to do this in the Bee too.

[als500]

You can look but don't touch, that what my wife said..

[A383Wing]

Here is what your firewall will look like if you go the OE route and decide to go back to stock.....go the aftermarket version.

Bryan

[A383Wing]

2 more....

Bryan

[69bronzeT5]

Go aftermarket Paul Way easier to install and you dont have to switch firewalls

[moparstuart]

 or you could do all this work like me . It's super nice now but lots of time and work .   

[moparstuart]

   here is the staight axel again for you paul