58 Imperial A/C myth

["Hugh & Therese" <hugtrees@xxxxxxxx>]

You wrote:


> Seems like we have misunderstood the hierarchy of A/C installations on
> these cars. Both of my acquisitions have front A/C only, leading me to
> believe that the rear A/C was the add on for the dual system.
>
> Ernie
> 58 Crown
> 58 LeBaron Southampton

It has been suggested that the standard way for these cars to have A/C was
rear only.  I think there are some folks out there whose cars are this way.
Many, more than you'd think, even in 'hot' states like California and Texas,
had no A/C at all.  According to the suggestion, one could upgrade the
system with the addition of front A/C.  My question to you is are both your
vehicles identically equipped?  There is always the question of dealer
installed systems being added later on.

It may be possible to determine the original equipment from the builders
plate, too, although I know very little about that.  The idea that rear only
A/C was the standard way for these cars to be fitted with A/C does seem
strange.

My own car has both front and rear A/C, although neither works.  I am
reminded of the quote regarding its efficacy by the always humorous Tom
McCahill.  "It would blue the lips of an Eskimo blubber collector parked
inside a blast furnace."

Hugh