Got aftermarket air?...step inside, let's talk
 

I'm about 1 month away from ordering aftermarket air conditioning, so I'm looking around real close at my options.

What brand do you have?

Do you have any gripes about it?

How well does it cool:
(a) okay
(b) real well
(c) scrotum shrinking cold?

Would you buy it again for your next truck, or would you try another brand?

Please be honest about your opinions and give me the straight skinny, because if I bought a system and it was dissapointing, I would tell everyone about it, to try and save some other poor sap wasting his money.

Per she ate it,
Kevin

A/c
 

I've got Vintage air and love it. It was easy to install and works great. I have a very good friend that owns an AC - radiator shop and is a dealer for all aftermarket AC units and he told me to go with Vintage air. And it does blow cold.

I put Vintage Air in my truck a year or two ago. I swear by it. I can frost the vents on the dash if I want to. That was the second unit I've bought, first was for my 56 Studebaker wagon, and since the truck, I put it in my 66 Chevelle. Love all 3 systems. You may find something a little cheaper, but I doubt you'll find anything better. It was a snap to install in my AC cab. One day and off to the shop to have it evac'd and charged. 1.8 lbs to freezing!

I also have a vintage air unit. I've had it now for about year and a half. The install is very easy, but time consuming. The only problem I had was mounting the sanden comp using there a/c bracket. It wouldn't work if your using headers. You do lose some glove box space though,but you gain engine compartment space. Now your evaporator and heater core is inside the cab. You use all your existing vents if it is an a/c cab. It has a fairly neat appearance once installed. Passenger side gains leg room also. Also the company has been around for awhile so if you need replacement parts for it down the road they'll still be around. I've used vintage air kits in 4 other cars and no problems yet. Knock on wood. Hope this helps

Also it does freeze your nads in Florida weather. R134

I'm not running headers, so that wasn't a problem, but it's a lot easier to change plugs in my 402 now. I've got headers on the Chevelle, and I told them that when I ordered the kit. The bracket worked great. I powder coated it first.

Not to hi-jack your thread but are there any "Old Ar" fans out there?

Does vintage air have a setup for those of us not wanting to cut the dash? I don't have a/c and I don't want to cut holes in my dash to put a/c in.

Fellows, I appreciate your input so far. I too, would like to hear from Old Aire users. They are about 20 miles from my house, so I could probably buy it in person.

Tx Firefighter,
looks like you only have 4 responses regarding Vintage Air. I also will be putting in a unit in about a month and I have heard Old Air is a good choice.Of course being located Texas well you know..............its got to be good.
The reason I want to consider Old Air is the ease of installation that they claim.
Anyone else????
Chris

I haven't ordered a setup yet but I have contacted Vintage and Old Air via email since I just had a few questions. Old Air gave me a great detailed response and Vintage seemed to care less. I know that doesn't help with the quality of the products the companies sell but for my brief one time customer service attempt, I was leaning towards buying Old Air.

Can the Vintage Air units be mounted in a 69 C20 with factory air? At some point in history, some jackass removed the factory air conditioning from the truck with a hacksaw.

Thanks
Ogier

Okay Ill speak for OLD AIR. Mine has been in for 6 yrs with no probs. We get quite a few 100 plus days in the summer here. Gets as cold as my new cars, but I use r12 and cant speak for 134 units. Last year I put the factory outlets in the dash,and they are more efficient than than under dash ones. Hope this helps. Also I have installed 4 O/A units and after the first one recieved $100 off on the next ones John

I installed Vintage Air and freeze the nads off at idle, let alone cruise speed. Great system, and shiping was only 45 bucks. Don't let shipping cost be a major concern.

I think GMC Paul has tried/tested both units, and he now only sells one, but I cant remember which !?!?! Just check his web site, see which one it his,,for another opinion......

GMCPaul carries OldAir. I just wish I could find a unit as good as the one that was in my Nissan pickup. On a 100+ day I could get it down to 50 in the cab. I think that qualified as cold enough to frost your balls! :eek:

Toddtheodd, they have a universal unit that fits under dash. Had one in the Studebaker. Very slimline, looked good. worked great

can you guys post pictures of youre a/c units both models?

Tx
There was a thread a while back and someone stated that there was a shop in Hurst in the Newell Business park just off of 820 that did their own version of a/c conversion. It kind of sounded like some of the same components that V/A and O/A were using and some added extra's.
If I remember correctly the shop did a complete installation for about the same as a kit. Seems as if it was between $1000 and $1200.
The owner was very familiar with these trucks.
Just another to consider.
Maybe you could get a discount for some advertisement.

I don't remember the name but if you are in that neighborhood you could ask around.

I have Old Air system that was installed by p/o in '99. No probs. I've been to the Old Air factory twice (once to ask questions, and once to buy the single inlet inner center vent). I thought they were very customer service oriented. The tech guys in the back were very friendly and willing to share their knowledge.
I just dont hear a lot of difference between Old Air and Vintage Air. We need to find someone that has had both systems, that can compare them. They both seem like great systems.

I have an Old Air unit and had to order a high mount bracket when I installed the v-8. I've been very happy with mine, never a moments trouble. I am going to order the under dash center vent this weekend. Just my opinion. Oh, by the way, I have the r 134 system in mine. Good luck and keep on truckin'......Jerry

We need input from member "70 six pack bee" or something like that. He had one, and hated it so much, he removed it and installed the other.

I'm hoping he'll poke in here with his experience.

TTT
Anybody have pictures of the "under dash" variety?

Excellent post!! I am planning the same upgrade on my Son's truck. Think I will go with the Vintage Air unit. Appears that everyone that has installed one is pleased with it.

ttt

Take this to the tippy top for another run.

I want to hear more about Old Air systems.

*****UPDATED*****

I first bought my Old Air unit from GMC Pauls (those are the ones he sells) and kept it in for about a year. I was not happy with the way it worked. The evaporator is pretty puny for the work it is trying to do. When I was going down to Corpus Christi two years ago I might as well have had the windows down and turned it off. It collected so much condensate it would sling it around the squirrel-cage fan and blow it on my wifes feet. I had SOME restriction in the drain line but still had enough t be able to allow it to drain. The evaporator would freeze up and I had to back the temp control down so it would not. The temperature swing from the mechanical cap-tube switch was about 17 degrees. Going through Quartzite AZ @ 2 PM when it was 117 outside the cab was 102 inside...the cab is shaded by the cabover camper!and Arizona is very dry. Lets just say I have learned alot and maybe I had a lemon from them. They were helpful, yes, but if you go into their website in the forums you will no longer see the posts I had regarding my experience with this system. I NEVER said it was a POS but anything contrary to the wording contained in the post of anything shy of "extrodinary" or "exceptional" it won't be there. They don't like the negative publicity or the "honest" remarks about thier product. This is why I personally WOULD NOT recommend thier system. :banghead: I can take some of the credit for installation woes but they sent it to me with a broken drain nipple which I had to glue back on (probably UPS's fault) and they sent me the wrong brackets-even though I specified BIG BLOCK and they had it the same on their invoice. I needed another idler pulley, asked for it, said "they are drop shipping it from the vendor" well, after a month, I gave up and got one from a local source. Everyone else uses the latest technology in parrallel-flow condensers. Old Air uses a modified OEM design-a piccolo style which is better(they were called tube and fin) but not as efficient as the PF design. 134A WILL work as well as R12 AS LONG AS YOU HAVE THE CORRECT COMPONENTS! I finally went with a "King Kool" unit from air-tique.com and it was considerably more work than the "made to fit" units but I think it is demonstrably better. It is a larger evaporator than the Old Air unit had. It is a "blow-through" design like the Vintage Air units employ. I made custom controls for it usig a unit from a Chrysler 5th ave. I also have a P.I.D. electronic process controller to sense the evaporator core temperature and accurately monitor the temp to eliminate the possibility of freezing. I have several pics of the install that I can post for those who want them. I have extensive knowledge in these types of systems so e-mail me if y'all need help. I gotta go but I will be back. BTW, I am headin' out to TX, there, Mr. Firefighter so I will let y'all know how it works in San Antone! Another MUST...good insulation and a tight cab works wonders!
Later

Please post what you have.

I'm going to be dropping a thousand bucks here, and I want to know the whole score.

This is probably what you were referring to.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=65161
another,
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=64314
:confused: :)
I found these old posts, Hope they help you.

Well, it's official...

I have heard people who say they have both Vintage and others with Old Air who say they suck and hate them.

I have heard people who have each and say they will freeze you out of the truck, and are all smiles about their system.

Very confused now.....

I must say that the Old Air unit work adequately for me. That was before the compressor seized. :( Even though the instructions say you can mount it straight up or 90 degrees, I would mount it straight up to avoid my problem. Here is a link to a FAQ I did on an Old Air unit installation in my 1969 C20. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=61340 I had some discussions with 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee and I will agree that the evap is not sized properly to freeze your nuts off in some circumstances. I will also say that if you don't mind the factory evap on the firewall I would use the factory evap, readjust the POA for R-134A, and put in a new condenser and drier/receiver and replace the hoses. Slap on a new compressor and be done with it. I know that sounds like a bunch of work. It's just after I did all the work on installing the aftermarket unit I found out how I could have made most of my original system work. The original evap is considerably larger than the Old Air unit. It's capable of greater heat transfer due to the area of heat transfer surface available. Utilizing the factory setup keeps all the controls factory also. No mods needed. Well I guess that is it for now. Good luck from someone who has been there. If you need more info on the POA adjustment let me know. I have an evap with the POA and TXV attached if your interested in going that route. I don't have any of the other stuff. It was tossed. Don Smith

Here is a link to the previous post about my install sans latest addition pics. I will snap some pics with the ETR-3400 temp. controller in place. I have 3 thermoucouples and can switch operation between actual evaporator core temp, vent discharge temp or actual cabin temp. I can program the hysterysis (compressor on/off differential) anywhere I want. I have it programmed right now with a 5-degree temp swing. I can also bypass this unit and go back to the Ranco mechanical defrost switch that I have mounted on the Chrysler temperature control. I was going to use the total electronic unit but that would take considerable work since I would have to install thermistor sensors in the cabin, outside the truck (for ambient and another for a humidistat--RH%) and another on the evaporator and then I would have to build a converter system since those were originally designed to operate with a "negative" switching circuit as employed through an ECM. Too much to do and not enough ambition. I have spoken extensively with ol' DD Smith and he and I have been sharing info on these systems. I do agree with him as far as the retaining & getting the factory system to operate. If you can keep it, do it. They do make POA valve retrofit kits for these trucks. You can get and internally equalized evaporator core also to work with an aftermarket TXV-type system that will suffice. Make sure you have, at a very minimum, a condenser core with a surface area of 300 sq/in especially if using 134A. MAKE SURE it is at least a "Piccolo" style or the newer parrallel flow type. Use a good thermostatically-controlled clutch fan with shroud and an electric "pusher" mounted on the condenser is a bonus. I have mine run through a relay circuit that goes on and off with the compressor clutch. It is optimal to use a fan employed by virtue of a "tri-nary" switch that is, it comes on when the system pressure gets above 250 PSI or thereabouts. Anyway the main thing is condenser size and efficiency and evaporator size and it's ability to remove the latent heat. These two items alone will make or break your A/C operability and your level of comfort in your truck. Make sure that cab is tight and insulated as best as you can. Another thing when considering retaining the factory system; you get the added benefit of "fresh" air with it as opposed to just a totally recirculating system with the aftermarket boys. These will work but be prepared to play with them a little to optimize their capability.
Good luck!

Mixup - I just moved to Las Vegas last week.. I need A/C ... my girlfriend doest want to ride in it otherwise ... and I can't really blame her ... I also need to tint the windows ... in any case... give me a call when you can .. I only have a cell till the home phone is setup. 917-685-8783 ... I live up in north west LV at Ann Road off 95 ... but have been spending most of my time in Home Depot and Lowes ....

Which Vintage Air system are you guys using? I'm thinking of putting one of the newer space saver units in the wife's 63. They make a custem fit model that uses the stock controls, but the 30 plus year old controls are toast. Plus I think electric servos would be more reliable over the long run than vacum controls. Any opinions?

I have had vintage air in mine for about 3 years and love it...mine had factory air that never cooled worth a crap no matter how much money I threw at it. My only complaint is the fan is quite noisey when it is on high speed [because it is in the cab] but that doesn't matter much because your'e not going to leave it on high long...without wearing a parka...good luck

:confused: I'm with you, Tex, Seems like they're either orgasmic or they're dung! Let me know what you do. I'm saving the dough for the money pie it takes to install one of these too. I pretty sure that's Rick's uses Old Air- That's a pretty good endorsment for me.

I have posted this a couple of times but I'll add another kudoes for V.A. ; mine is a "shure fit" unit and about a year and a half later it does still blow cold. I usually run it on low and only occasionally on high (usually when I first get in the truck). I THINK both V.A and Old air are recirculating type units so, if your truck is very leaky, you will not get AS cold as a truck that is "tighter". I thinkI have some pics of the under hood and inside if you would lik to see them. BTW, I used to live in Houston area (mega humid), and now am in the Texas hill country, it's hot in either place.
Complaints: Only complaint is with heater portion. I doesn't seem to blow hot out the regular vents as well as I would think, (defroster vents work well, though), I may not have one of the diverter doors adjusted right or something????
I'd buy it again.........V.A. is in San Antonio I think
Mike

Here is a link to a few pics if you haven't seen them yet:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=61810

I'm going to tell you again that my sure fit from vintage Air is awesome. It's 100 degrees down here in Houston and I use the low setting on my air conditioner. I've included some pics. The install was a breeze and I haven't had any problems at all!!
Shawn

BTW, yes both systems are recirc. systems. The Old air is a "suck through" design wheras the VA is a "blow through" type. Also,
I'm headin for the hill country myself this next week. Going to see the folks and hopefully seal a deal on a house in Concan.
Later.