If you’ve got an old-school ride and you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to fit air-conditioning without ruining the look — this one’s for you.
We recently had a seriously impressive car dropped off at the workshop — a 1970 Ford XY GT Falcon replica, running a 445ci Dart stroker, a Dyers 8/71 blower, and making 832hp. It was built to an incredibly high standard and was easily one of the tougher cars we’ve had through the doors.
The owner, Aaron, gave us a call and asked: “Can you install an aircon system in this classic Falcon… and can you do it quickly?”
Challenge accepted. The car was towed in, sight unseen, and rolled into the shop with just two days on the clock. No mock-up, no measurements — just trust in us to make it happen. And that’s exactly what we did.
Custom Air Conditioning Install for a Classic Muscle Car
We weren’t going to half-do it. Our aim wasn’t just to make it cold — it was to make it look like it had always been there. Here’s how we did it:
Electric A/C Compressor
There was no chance of fitting a traditional compressor with that huge blower and Gilmer belt setup in the way. So we went with a compact electric compressor, mounted nice and neatly where the original battery tray used to be. It was our first time using this particular unit, and it worked out mint — clean, tucked away, and no compromise to the engine bay’s look.
Lithium Battery Upgrade & Boot Relocation
We upgraded to a lithium battery, not just for the 12kg weight saving, but also for the increased capacity needed to power the electric compressor. We ended up relocating the battery to the boot, not just to free up space, but because we had a choice: either put the compressor in the boot, or move the battery. Running A/C hoses the full length of the car under the body wasn’t a clean or reliable option, so battery relocation made more sense. It gave us a tidy solution, improved weight distribution, and kept the engine bay looking sharp.
Vintage Air System (Thanks to Rohan at Australian Auto Air)
We installed the Vintage Air system under the dash, supplied by Rohan, and integrated it cleanly. These Falcons never came with factory A/C, so the goal was to make it look like it belonged. We did lose a bit of glovebox space, but it was a solid trade-off — the vents were pumping out 8-degree air when it left the shop.
Custom Brackets & Fabrication
This was a full custom aircon install. No kits, no templates — we had to design and fabricate every bracket, choose the right mounting points, and get all the components working together. It was tight, but it came together beautifully.
Hidden Hoses and Wiring
We ran all the A/C hoses and harnesses through the guards, completely out of sight. It wasn’t something Aaron asked for — it’s just how we do things when we’re working on something of this calibre. The engine bay stayed looking sharp and clutter-free.
Show-Car Standard Workmanship — In Just Two Days
We had no prior walkthrough, no time to fluff about, and we still delivered a result that looked like it took two weeks. Everything was professionally secured, tested, and finished properly. That’s something I’m genuinely proud of — the team smashed it.
Why This Matters
We get asked all the time: “Can you fit air-conditioning in a classic car without ruining it?”
Absolutely. And not just fit it — we can make it look like it was meant to be there.
Whether it’s a muscle car, a cruiser, or even a retro 4WD, we specialise in custom aircon installs that are functional, clean, and built to a high standard — even when time isn’t on our side.
Need Aircon in Your Classic Car?
If you’re chasing classic car AC installation in Perth, or you’ve got a tough old-school build that needs cooling done right, we’re your crew.