I have just purchased a 66 FHC which I am restoring from the ground up. I want to put air conditioning in the car but don't want to spoil the classic looks of the Series 1 by putting the ugly air vent system Jaguar created for late Series 1 and the Series 2 cars. Does anyone make an installation which is really discreet or, even better, almost invisible? I am thinking that something like the small round vents that old Sting Rays had could be integrated very well.

Submitted by cordag@aol.com on Fri, 09/08/2006 - 21:19

My technician here in Florida custom made one for a Series II FHC that's quite nice. He also did a discreet job of putting AC in my 66 Austin Healey BJ8. Write me offlist and I'll give you the contact info and you can inquire.

Ginger
1971 E-Type FHC
1966 E-Type OTS

Submitted by jscassano@aol.com on Wed, 09/06/2006 - 15:38

Thanks for the encouragement Bill. I know that if it were common, everyone would know about it. I will remain optimistic that it can be done until it is proven otherwise. None-the-less, I appreciate the comments from the knowledgeable people who have provided their thoughts and expressed their doubts.

Submitted by jscassano@aol.com on Wed, 09/06/2006 - 15:37

Thanks for the encouragement Bill. I know that if it were common, everyone would know about it. I will remain optimistic that it can be done until it is proven otherwise. None-the-less, I appreciate the comments from the knowledgeable people who have provided their thoughts and expressed their doubts.

Submitted by cebotech1@yahoo.com on Wed, 09/06/2006 - 15:11

Jim,

Informed, uninformed, sceptic or optimistic. I think it is worht while checking with the companies that produce AC systems for the street rod segment. They are always developing better and smaller systems. Years ago I purchased a TVR Vixen that had one of these aftermarket AC units. It worked well and it used the internal vents from the heater. In the engine compartment, the evaporator with integral heater was installed where the original squirl fan was. Unfortunatelly, I do not have any info as to the brand of the system. This TVR installation is what makes me think that this is a worth while search. So, good luck and let us all know your findings. My 68FHC came with AC, but it is always a good idea to have options.

Bill Berman.
1968 FHC.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 09/06/2006 - 14:11

Well Jim good luck. You call them sceptics but looking at who replied I call them informed. I have been messing with Es for 35 years and have all of the development drawings from day one. The problem then as now is there is little room. The air system Jaguar approved (US made) was and is the best solution---why? It used the only space available. Units were made that went under the bonnet but a lot of metal has to move--never a good idea in an E. But best wishes!!!! George Camp

Submitted by jscassano@aol.com on Wed, 09/06/2006 - 09:12

Despite the sceptics, I think something can be done. One of the interesting potentials is Old Air Products which makes a very small, highly efficient unit 8.5"D x 11.5"W x 11.5"H that can be mounted in a variety of places inside or under the bonnet and offers the kind of small round vents that I mentioned in an earlier part of this thread (on page 10 of their online catalog for those interested in seeing it). I am in the process of contacting them. Air conditioning units have come a long way since 1966 and the US is actually leading the way in small units because of the need for them in custom built cars.

Submitted by SE57-14317J on Tue, 09/05/2006 - 17:23

Hi Jim,
I know for a fact that Vintage Air does not make one for the E-type. I have worked with them on the Ford GT program and asked that very question of them. They had a design that looked like the Series II A/C system but never produced it. There competitors only make a system simular to the Series II system.
I have thought about designing a system for my FHC but I have a few questions for you.
1) What are you looking for out of the system?
2) How do you want it to look? Where do the vents/registers go?
3) What are you willing to give up? glove box, radio, some passenger foot/leg room, under hood (bonnet) above the passenger's pedal block-off plates?
4) and the big one how much are you willing to pay?
Cheers,
Bob S.

Submitted by cebotech1@yahoo.com on Tue, 09/05/2006 - 15:35

Hello Jim,
You may want to take a look at the site for Vintage Air at www.vintageair.com. This is a company that works primarely with Street Rods and muscle cars but they have made systems for sports cars. There are a couple other companies that do the same thing (you can search yahoo or google). I am sure that one of them can help you with your AC wishes.
Bill Berman.
1968 FHC.

Submitted by jscassano@aol.com on Tue, 09/05/2006 - 15:16

I will let you know what I find out. I know that there are several companies that make small units and small outlets for custom built cars and hot rods, so I am hopeful that someone did one for the e-type. I also have a referral from Jaguar World in the UK that I am pursuing.

Submitted by john.walker@sh… on Tue, 09/05/2006 - 09:19

One could argue that any deviation from factory stock would be ugly but that is a topic for a different discussion. ;-)

To answer your question, I know of no kits that would satisfy your requirements. You would have to have something fabricated essentially from scratch. And the Series II AC units are situated as they are because there is virtually no room under or behind the dash for any other type of system.

Good luck with it.

Best Regards, John