I'm sure it works great in cool weather, how about above 85F? Does it affect the value of the car? Hagerty price guide says $50K hit for a non A/C car.
If the question is, “Does it work well?”, the answer is that if properly maintained, it will work very well and will keep the car cool in 85F+ temps, no problem.
Ed, The question is: "Does the A/C work decently above ~85F?" which is not an unusual question about factory A/C systems from the 60's. Thank you, Kevin, for answering. The point is: I am looking to buy a 330 or 365 GTC and I'm trying to understand if A/C is considered a desirable option, so that I can better make a FMV offer when I find the right car, or perhaps budget for a retrofit. Thanks.
The AC systems work best when you upgrade to a new compressor, new lines, new condensor, also - there are improvement in the internal AC blower box for better and faster blower motors....most of the cars the ac works sufficiently enough,not great, however in AZ, between the outside heat/sun over 90 degrees and as everyone knows, upwards of 115 degrees, and the ineffective radiator cooling fans to to keep the car cool and the condenser cool to make AC, most , i say most, not all GTC owners out this way dont drive their cars in the heat of the summer. usually when a restoration is underway for a gtc, all these upgrades can be accomplished, doing it after is costly. Value wise, without AC is a small deduction - maybe the 50K like you say....ac included needing all the upgrades to work effectively, at least that to do the work.
Great info, thanks! I have family in Scottsdale and Marana so definitely understand how hot it gets. I'm in north Idaho and we do get a few days over 90F. My intended use for the car would be visiting places like Glacier National Park and Banff. No need for A/C once we get there, but not sure my wife would be happy with the windows down for the 3+ hours of 80 mph on the way over. We did this in my '73 911 with very mediocre A/C and it was tolerable if you left early, never roll the windows down, parked in the shade, etc.
When I had the engine re-built in 9593 I had my shop upgrade the A/C. Pulled the York compressor and replaced with a Sanden rotary. Also put in a larger unit that is the full width of the radiator. Installed 6 blade Spal fans for cooling. The tech replaced the blower motor with an MB unit....it fit perfectly. I think it was from a 97 MB e320. These improvements made a significant difference in the a/c performance. Of course these changes not being original rules out any ability to have the car judged in any serious show. But I don't care about scoring points as much as making my GTC a better car to drive. I kept all of the original components. As a caretaker of the car the next individual that assumes the role might want to bring it back to original spec.
Well said, I would and may someday do the same. While I acknowledge the history, at the end of the day I buy cars because I like to drive them. I also take excellent care of them, but they will be used because that's the point. Otherwise, it's just a fancy mutual fund.
My current GTC is the second one I have had. Put 100k miles on my first. Of the 8 exotics I have the GTC is still my favorite.
That's awesome, as much as I love what I have now, I'm missing a manual GT car. Can't wait to find the right one. I did get a lead on a great example that doesn't have A/C, thus this thread.
My dad bought a 330 GTS back in 1972. Paid $6500. Gorgeous car. With help from his friend at Algar he was able to source all the parts to install an original a/c system. Doubt that’s possible today.
My understanding is that RPM in Vermont can do it but it's a $30-50K job. I'll give them a call if the car seems right otherwise.
yep big job, fabricate a new unit inside the car - possible a dash pull required, depends on how clean you want the job. i remember they used to fab the inside units, but sure that is the case any more - let us know what you find out from them. i have a car as a candidate as well
Having a good a/c system in a GTC makes it a much better driver. When it’s raining having a/c helps keeps the windshield from fogging.
My GTC never has had A/C. I spoke with the original owner long ago that had a horse ranch outside of Reno. I asked him why he didn’t opt for A/C. He said he never went anywhere under 100MPH. He just put the windows down. Very funny I thought. The lack of A/C is fine for the moderate climate I live in (Seattle). And I appreciate less hardware under the hood.
Yeah, Seattle is perfect for a non A/C car. I'm closer to Spokane and we do get a punishing heat blast every now and then.
In my hunt I've only seen one car with the circulation controls as shown here, rather than concentric with the outer vents. Does anyone know if this is normal or perhaps a retrofit? Image Unavailable, Please Login
i only have seen the fan and cooling controls on the outer round vents - this is a 330 gtc console we are looking at?? looks to be but wanted to ask unique radio surround as well
could be a later retro fit - some decided to insert the controls on the panel vs in the air vents - never seen this before either
I’d love an aftermarket a/c unit in my 330gtc The weather in S Florida is hot…. Funnily enough as long as I’m moving with windows down it feels great in the cabin. It’s the red lights that are the killer lol
