Something puzzling

[GLAmes]

I have a 1954 Ford Victoria with power steering , powerbrakes , power seat and air conditioning . Was it all available as dealer installed only ?

I have factory power steering and power brakes as well. Thankfully, no AC. Not that I don't like to stay cool, but I have spent thousands restoring this car, I can't imagine what restoring the AC would entail.

 

[KULTULZ]

Isn't that something?

It appears exactly as the MERC install.

Here is another parts source (in addition to the one in above post) -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2656965032...&brand=Unbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101224.m-1

The seller states he came across the take-out at an estate sell and the prices are right only if for service parts.

 

[KULTULZ]

In 1954, the aftermarket air conditioning company NOVI marketed an air conditioning unit specifically for the 1954 Ford. Ford with their blessing, approved the units for installation in V8 Fords at the dealership level.

As with other NOVI systems, they did without the fender mounted vents but still utilized the clear plastic tubes on the rear package shelf. However, they had to do without the overhead vent system and cold air discharged at the top of the tubes. These aftermarket systems were designed for quick, relatively easy installation therefore the hassles of removing headliners, running the duct work and vents was not even a consideration. However, most people see the discharge tubes and automatically assume they are connected to overhead vents, and in these situations, is not the case.

This excerpt from a discussion at -

https://blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/35077-1950s-ford-air-conditioning/

So FORD used a slightly different setup form LINC-MERC.

 

[Dobie Gillis]

My Merc had a Novi system but a previous owner removed it and tossed it because it was inop. He used the holes in the package tray for speakers. I wish I had that system, I could have fixed it. I don't know if it was line installed or dealer installed.

 

[cokefirst]

That system is very close to what GM used in the early 1950's my dad bought a used 1953 Cadillac series 62 four door sedan with factory air. there was no clutch on the compressor, so you were had to remove the belt in the winter otherwise the compressor ran all the time. The system worked well, the outlets were in the roof just above each door. Very cool accessory, I have never seen one before.

 

[Brian54]

Thanks to Kultulz and everyone for providing feedback regarding the " mystery " of air conditioning in a 54 Ford .

 

[KULTULZ]

Thanks to everyone for providing feedback regarding the " mystery " of air conditioning in a 54 Ford .

It isn't solved yet. There are only snippets to be found on the net so far.

The system as used in the 1954 FORD was of an outside vendor (NOVI EQUIPMENT COMPANY) and was FORD DEALER INSTALLED. Actual INTEGRAL AC was not introduced until the 1955 MODEL RUN.

The interesting thing on the 1954 FORD is that the outlet tubes coming from the package tray did not extend into the headliner containing registers as did LINC-MERC. They discharged at the headliner supposedly.

Can you provide a photo of the tubes and how/where they terminate?

You're the test mule here -

 

[Brian54]

The air conditioning tube pictures have been added ; thanks to all !

 

[KULTULZ]

The air conditioning tube pictures have been added (POST #19) ; thanks to all !

I was waiting on the photos on the above post. YOU TRICKED ME!

GREATLY APPRECIATED BRYAN!

 

[rotorwrench]

From my experiences with polycarbonate plastics, parts in that condition are very rare for their age. The car must have been stored well. That plastic doesn't do well in the sun for long periods. A lot of the trunk mounted AC systems have the ducts in the headliner,. Cadillac cars so equipped had them up there too.

Ford used the underdash add ons for some time. They were good units and can still be found in restorable condition. They are a lot easier to maintain than trunk mounts but a pita to work around.