1967 Modified 122E Wagon

Shockingly, the complete AC unit I won on eBay finally showed up (more than a month late and after I had filed a claim against the seller).

My wagon started life with an AC but the original owner removed it after the belt broke back in the 1980s.

I had always wondered why he took it out, but now looking at the size of the replacement unit, I can see why he removed it.



I mounted the blower/evaporator using new mounting in the original location (this is a replacement dashboard), but my knee still hits the thing.

Even with a relocated ignition switch (I've got a 1969 type in there), I think starting the car around this thing would be a pain. Plus, I cannot imagine how one could shift the gearbox with the normal long shifter in place.

Here it is from the side


If I had paid the $350.00 that I've seen these things go for, I'd be suffering some very serious buyer's remorse right now.

I've seen these things mounted to the passengers side - I guess replacing the parcel shelf.

How have other people with vintage AC units coped with this problem?


---
BTW, that is an unmodified 1800E carpet set over a short-shifter installation using a 140 tunnel panel. I love it.