Custom HVAC Upgrade for a 1964 EH Holden Station Wagon

At Andris Automotive, we love seeing classic Aussie on the road, but the Australian summer can make driving these icons a bit of a sweatbox. We recently had this 1964 EH Holden station wagon in the Brookvale mechanic workshop for a full vintage-style HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) installation to bring some modern climate control to this classic cruiser.

For this build, we decided to deviate from the traditional engine-driven setup. We opted for a vintage retro HVAC system paired with an electric air compressor. Choosing an electric compressor over a belt-driven unit offers several advantages: it’s more compact, places no mechanical load on the engine, and eliminates the need for an idle-up circuit. It’s also incredibly quiet and efficient at maintaining pressure.

To house the new hardware, we fabricated a custom battery box and compressor mount from 3mm aluminium. The compressor now sits where the battery was originally located, with the battery shifted back towards the cabin. We also mounted the receiver drier to the rear of this new box for a clean, integrated look.

The cooling side features a condenser mounted in front of the radiator, paired with a 10-inch thermo fan. This is controlled by a trinary switch and wired through a relay for reliable operation. For those chilly mornings, the heating system is managed by an electric hot water valve mounted on the driver’s side of the engine bay.

Inside the cabin, the craftsmanship continued with a custom-fabricated dash fascia and a centre console featuring two cup holders, all shaped from 3mm aluminium. We integrated USB ports for modern device charging and a VDO vintage analogue clock to maintain that period-correct aesthetic.

Quality control is paramount with air conditioning. All wiring, battery cables, and AC hoses were cut, crimped, and soldered in-house to ensure a perfect fit. We also fabricated custom high and low blocks where the hoses pass through the firewall.

Before gassing the system, we performed a nitrogen pressure test at 170psi for 24 hours to ensure zero leaks. After a one-hour vacuum, the system was charged. The results speak for themselves: on a 27-degree day, we achieved a vent temperature of just 6.5 degrees, with stable pressures across the board.

This EH is now ready for year-round cruising in absolute comfort. If your classic needs a modern touch, get in touch with us.