Amidst the haze of my engine rebuild project for my 63 Dart wagon, I've also got to get the A/C working.

My Dart was not originally ordered with the factory-supplied/dealer-installed MoPar Cool Aire for 63, but somewhere in it's life previous to my ownership, someone installed aftermarket A/C, with the York/Tecumseh brick-style compressor, a traditional type condenser, a vertical drier, all the hoses and electrical connections. I yanked the compressor and bracket off when I pulled the engine apart.

I've got a choice in front of me to rehab this system: I could go with what's there, and put it all back just as it was. OR, I could go with a factory-original Chrysler V2 compressor setup that I bought years ago and have been holding onto. The V2 needs minor repairs (the outlet pipe on the top in the middle is bent and leaking oil, so it would need to be straightened and brazed). I don't know the internal condition of the York compressor, but visually I see nothing amiss. It's certainly lighter than the V2. I am not planning on upgrading to the Sanden compressor on this car, though regardless of which setup I'm going with, I AM planning on purchasing a parallel-flow condenser to improve efficiency. I should do this now, but I may do it later.

Do people have an opinion about which compressor is a better durable, working design between the V2 and the York/Tecumseh? Six of one, 1/2 doz. of the other?

Since I've painted the entire engine, I'll be cleaning up the compressors and brackets and painting them too, what color should I paint them to be nitpicky-period correct? Engine red or gloss black? I think I've seen a post on here showing the York/Tecumseh that someone painted blue. Maybe for a later car than mine. The York/Tecumseh on mine has traces of red/orange paint on the compressor. I think the V2 is black.

Pictures below:



What I'm working with on the V2 - must be repaired



What came on the car



Don't have any idea what kind of a bracket this is. Came with the V2 when I bought it but isn't for it. Maybe for a different compressor?