Classic/Antique Car Repair: a/c, air leaks, dash unit

Question
I have a 65 mustang, 260 v/8 with an under dash unit that says ford on it..not sure if it's orig or aftermarket..NOT BLOWING COLD ENOUGH..been to my mech 3 times..holding it's freon fine..he says it needs a radiator shroud, an elec fan on the a/c radiator (condenser?), also need to seal up the openings between the radiator and the condenser...does all this make sence to you? hate to buy all the parts, have him install and still not cool properly...thanks, Mark

Answer
His suggestions are probably worthwhile, but if it holds the Freon OK, it should still blow very cold air even if you don't do the upgrades he recommends.  Make sure you take it to a qualified AC guy - these things are tricky. It sounds to me like you may have a restricted evaporator valve.

Your unit is the original unit - and those were very good at cooling - I think there is more wrong than the shroud, and the air leaks around the radiator and condensor, although those do have SOME effect on how well it cools on a very hot day.  The car doesn't need an electric fan - the original factory fan was adequate, but do make sure it is the right one for a car with AC - they were different.

I'm assuming your car is a coupe, not a convertible.  If it is a convertible, the AC unit isn't really up to the heat load on a really hot humid day, but it is better than nothing.

Dick