Vintage Air is the only way to go!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BraveDave · 03-09-2003, 02:57 AM

After a 6 day wait, I got my '72 back with a new Vintage Air unit mounted safely behind the dash. If you have any doubt about the usefulness, rest assured this is the only way to go. It is so much better than an underdash unit. don't let anyone fool you.

Brave Dave

72c10 · 03-09-2003, 08:52 AM

how does it look, like original? how much had to be modified or changed? and does it work with the original heater or did that have to be removed? iv only seen pics in parts catalogs nd they just show a pill of parts not what they looklike installed. im curious and thinking of putting it in mine when I get to thet point.

BraveDave · 03-09-2003, 09:13 AM

the sure-fit unit used on our trucks is actually less bulky than the original unit. there is much less showing under the dash. the original control panel and cables are used. you get a new center vent, also. the kick panel vent on the passenger side is now blocked off and the firewall is smooth, since the air box is now inside. the "low" setting is about like medium on a normal AC uniit. it works fantastic. i have all of my original parts left over and i am going to list them on ebay later tonight.

**70cst** · 03-09-2003, 09:28 AM

BraveDave
It sounds like you had a factory A/C truck and replaced it with Vintage air. Is that so? Does it use the same vents? From the outside does it look loike factory? Easy install?
Reason I ask is my factory A/C needs a complete overhaul and I was thinking it might be mre economical to go this route then recondition of the factory A/C system that I now have?
Pros/Cons?

72c10 · 03-09-2003, 09:37 AM

does vintage air have a web site? If so I take it I can go there and look up sure fit and see what you have

**Bowtie468** · 03-09-2003, 10:27 AM

Here ya go !! vintageair.com

sam's 72 · 03-09-2003, 10:44 AM

I have talked to the people at vintage air. You can use there sure fit system in a truck that came with factory AC, or you can use the sure fit system in a truck that has no factory ac, it is a nice system, with a clean in stall, if you have a truck that didn't come with factory ac, you just cut holes in the dash where the factory air register would be and hook up the duck hoses there, they even have the round ball type air registers, and the middle vent about the radio looks factory, the only draw back from the info that I got from them, is that you have to give up a little bit of glove box room, not all of it though, there is a board member that sent me pictures of his, I can't think of his name right off hand, hopefully he will see this post and post some pictures to show how it is installed, there is a shop here in the Houston area that will do a turm key job for $ 1500.00, now this price is for a truck that didn;t come with factory ac, I checked this all out when I was looking at a 72 step side that didn't have factory ac and I was thinking about buying the truck. For you guys that are looking to put ac in your non ac truck, this is the way to go in my opinion.
Sam

Blue Beard · 03-09-2003, 11:08 AM

Dave,

Can you post some images of this unit?

Both the interior and under the hood?

Hutch · 03-09-2003, 01:47 PM

Wise move my friend.
Now you are ready for the Blazin Texas summers for years to come.
This is one modification that clearly in my mind will add to the value of your truck.

Have fun

**Bowtie468** · 03-09-2003, 04:52 PM

I agree Hutch !! This is the way i'm going for sure. Over the years, i have seen numerous hot rods running vintage air setups and can truely say that these are the most sweetest, quietest, trick, performance a/c units available.

**Desert Rat** · 03-09-2003, 07:15 PM

im going to yank all the factory AC out and use Vintage,Ive rode in a truck with Vintage and its alot cooler,even over a recently serviced stock unit.AZ gets HOT down here,anyone need 2 AC systems-LOL

BraveDave · 03-10-2003, 09:09 AM

My truck was factory AC and yes, the original vents were used. As I said before, the kit even comes with a new center vent. The air flow is amazing. I will post a pic of what it now looks like under the hood. the interior isn't much to look at because almost all of the AC unit hidden. You do lose about half of the glove box space, but that's a small price to pay for what you get. If anyone wants the info, I can put you in touch with the shop who did mine. He's a great guy to work with, very knowledgeable and all he does is VintageAir. Let me know!

Brave Dave

keenee · 03-10-2003, 05:22 PM

Dave Thank You for this information, it is very helpfull! And do please post an under hood picture.

tom hand · 03-10-2003, 06:46 PM

FYI...yes you do lose about half the depth of the glove box BUT you get a nice plastic glovebox to replace the cheezy cardboard one

72c10 · 03-10-2003, 08:25 PM

good info thanks guys

hobby67stepside · 03-10-2003, 10:07 PM

I've been checking with a couple dealers on the Vintage Air and one of them recommends the Sure-fit and the other the Gen II Compact model. From what I can understand the Sure-fit has hard lines that protrude thru the firewall and if you don't use their plastic firewall cover you would have to be very precise in drilling holes for those lines. I should mention I have filled in all the stock holes in my firewall for the original heater connponents. My PU did not have factory air. And the Sure-fit does use the stock heater controls. The other outfit that is recommending the Gen II Compact model says soft lines run thru the firewall so drilling would not have to be as precise, but I would have to use Vintage Air controls. I could fab them into the dash, but it would be easier to use the stock controls. Am I missing anything I should know?? Sorry for the long post but I would like to get this understood completley before I order a unit. I have also called Vintage air and talked to a tech guy but they are so familiar with the product I get lost when they breeze thru the info. Thanks for any help.

minibike · 03-10-2003, 10:48 PM

I put a Hot Rod Air unit in mine. Haven't tested it yet, however.

www.hotrodair.com

chucks70 · 03-10-2003, 11:07 PM

If you have an August 2001 "Truckin'" magazine it has a Tech article on installation of a Vintage Air Sure-fit A/C system. Not one of our trucks but looks straight forward. Starts on page 314.

bigvinnie · 03-11-2003, 12:44 AM

I installed a Vintage Air sure-fit system in my non-ac cab a few years ago, instructions were all I needed to do it myself...

bigvinnie · 03-11-2003, 12:49 AM

The kit allows you to use the stock non-ac heater control panel, and comes with paper templates for the dash holes... here's a pic of the firewall side...

hobby67stepside · 03-11-2003, 12:59 AM

bigvinnie, if I remember right you posted firewall pics, too, a little while back and didn't you use Vintage Air's plastic type firewall cover device? Could you have done the installation all right if your firewall was all welded in and smoothed? I may not be remembering right, however. Did the stock heater controls work out all right? Is your Sure-Fit upgraded to Gen II type electric control components, or do you have a cable control in the engine bay for hot water control?

hobby67stepside · 03-11-2003, 01:01 AM

big vinnie, I think we were posting at exactly the same time. Any way when my post came up there was your firewall pic.

bigvinnie · 03-11-2003, 01:48 AM

My system pre-dates the Gen II components, stock heater controls are working fine, never a problem with the entire system after 4 years...

the cable control for the heater operates a micro switch on the unit under the dash, which then uses vacuum to open/close the water valve...

03-09-2003, 02:57 AM	#1
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	Vintage Air is the only way to go!!! After a 6 day wait, I got my '72 back with a new Vintage Air unit mounted safely behind the dash. If you have any doubt about the usefulness, rest assured this is the only way to go. It is so much better than an underdash unit. don't let anyone fool you. Brave Dave __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

03-09-2003, 09:13 AM	#3
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	the sure-fit unit used on our trucks is actually less bulky than the original unit. there is much less showing under the dash. the original control panel and cables are used. you get a new center vent, also. the kick panel vent on the passenger side is now blocked off and the firewall is smooth, since the air box is now inside. the "low" setting is about like medium on a normal AC uniit. it works fantastic. i have all of my original parts left over and i am going to list them on ebay later tonight. __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

03-09-2003, 10:27 AM	#6
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	Here ya go !! vintageair.com __________________ Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide

03-09-2003, 10:44 AM	#7
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	I have talked to the people at vintage air. You can use there sure fit system in a truck that came with factory AC, or you can use the sure fit system in a truck that has no factory ac, it is a nice system, with a clean in stall, if you have a truck that didn't come with factory ac, you just cut holes in the dash where the factory air register would be and hook up the duck hoses there, they even have the round ball type air registers, and the middle vent about the radio looks factory, the only draw back from the info that I got from them, is that you have to give up a little bit of glove box room, not all of it though, there is a board member that sent me pictures of his, I can't think of his name right off hand, hopefully he will see this post and post some pictures to show how it is installed, there is a shop here in the Houston area that will do a turm key job for $ 1500.00, now this price is for a truck that didn;t come with factory ac, I checked this all out when I was looking at a 72 step side that didn't have factory ac and I was thinking about buying the truck. For you guys that are looking to put ac in your non ac truck, this is the way to go in my opinion. Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-09-2003, 11:08 AM	#8
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Dave, Can you post some images of this unit? Both the interior and under the hood? __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

03-09-2003, 08:52 AM	#2
72c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: burlington KY Posts: 175	how does it look, like original? how much had to be modified or changed? and does it work with the original heater or did that have to be removed? iv only seen pics in parts catalogs nd they just show a pill of parts not what they looklike installed. im curious and thinking of putting it in mine when I get to thet point.

03-09-2003, 09:28 AM	#4
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	BraveDave It sounds like you had a factory A/C truck and replaced it with Vintage air. Is that so? Does it use the same vents? From the outside does it look loike factory? Easy install? Reason I ask is my factory A/C needs a complete overhaul and I was thinking it might be mre economical to go this route then recondition of the factory A/C system that I now have? Pros/Cons?

03-09-2003, 09:37 AM	#5
72c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: burlington KY Posts: 175	does vintage air have a web site? If so I take it I can go there and look up sure fit and see what you have

03-09-2003, 01:47 PM	#9
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Wise move my friend. Now you are ready for the Blazin Texas summers for years to come. This is one modification that clearly in my mind will add to the value of your truck. Have fun __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

03-09-2003, 04:52 PM	#10
Bowtie468 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Cecilia, Louisiana Posts: 1,638	I agree Hutch !! This is the way i'm going for sure. Over the years, i have seen numerous hot rods running vintage air setups and can truely say that these are the most sweetest, quietest, trick, performance a/c units available. __________________ Chris click here to see my buildpage http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=394656 ---------------------------------- 1979 C10 Silverado Big10 SWB Factory 454/400 Cardinal Red/Santa Fe Tan (original paint) 1969 Camaro X44 LS swap 1968 C10 SWB Fleetside (SOLD) 468BBC MultiPort TPI / Dynamic EFI P4 Black/Black 1963 Nova SS convertible (SOLD) 194 I6/ PowerGlide

03-09-2003, 07:15 PM	#11
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	im going to yank all the factory AC out and use Vintage,Ive rode in a truck with Vintage and its alot cooler,even over a recently serviced stock unit.AZ gets HOT down here,anyone need 2 AC systems-LOL

03-10-2003, 09:09 AM	#12
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	My truck was factory AC and yes, the original vents were used. As I said before, the kit even comes with a new center vent. The air flow is amazing. I will post a pic of what it now looks like under the hood. the interior isn't much to look at because almost all of the AC unit hidden. You do lose about half of the glove box space, but that's a small price to pay for what you get. If anyone wants the info, I can put you in touch with the shop who did mine. He's a great guy to work with, very knowledgeable and all he does is VintageAir. Let me know! Brave Dave __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

03-10-2003, 05:22 PM	#13
keenee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houston, Pennsylvania Posts: 231	Dave Thank You for this information, it is very helpfull! And do please post an under hood picture. __________________ '96 GMC Suburban 6.5t '99 F**d Windstar '07 SON '09 DAUGHTER XOXOXO Wife

03-10-2003, 06:46 PM	#14
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	FYI...yes you do lose about half the depth of the glove box BUT you get a nice plastic glovebox to replace the cheezy cardboard one __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

03-10-2003, 08:25 PM	#15
72c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: burlington KY Posts: 175	good info thanks guys



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03-10-2003, 10:07 PM	#16
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	I've been checking with a couple dealers on the Vintage Air and one of them recommends the Sure-fit and the other the Gen II Compact model. From what I can understand the Sure-fit has hard lines that protrude thru the firewall and if you don't use their plastic firewall cover you would have to be very precise in drilling holes for those lines. I should mention I have filled in all the stock holes in my firewall for the original heater connponents. My PU did not have factory air. And the Sure-fit does use the stock heater controls. The other outfit that is recommending the Gen II Compact model says soft lines run thru the firewall so drilling would not have to be as precise, but I would have to use Vintage Air controls. I could fab them into the dash, but it would be easier to use the stock controls. Am I missing anything I should know?? Sorry for the long post but I would like to get this understood completley before I order a unit. I have also called Vintage air and talked to a tech guy but they are so familiar with the product I get lost when they breeze thru the info. Thanks for any help. __________________ '05 2500 HD Silverado 6.0 liter '97 2500 4X4 454 eng '92 2500 4X4 350 eng '78 K20 4X4 400 eng '70 Boss 302 (owner for 27 years) '57 Ford shortbox 383 stroker TH350 tranny '23 T-bucket (built in '78) '02 Explorer '67 C-10 short step NW Iowa

03-10-2003, 10:48 PM	#17
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	I put a Hot Rod Air unit in mine. Haven't tested it yet, however. www.hotrodair.com __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

03-10-2003, 11:07 PM	#18
chucks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cadiz, OH Posts: 628	If you have an August 2001 "Truckin'" magazine it has a Tech article on installation of a Vintage Air Sure-fit A/C system. Not one of our trucks but looks straight forward. Starts on page 314. __________________ 68 1 ton dually 292, 2001 Sebring, 2004 Trailblazer, 11 Camaro Convertible.

03-11-2003, 12:44 AM	#19
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	I installed a Vintage Air sure-fit system in my non-ac cab a few years ago, instructions were all I needed to do it myself... Attached Images __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

03-11-2003, 12:49 AM	#20
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	The kit allows you to use the stock non-ac heater control panel, and comes with paper templates for the dash holes... here's a pic of the firewall side... Attached Images __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

03-11-2003, 12:59 AM	#21
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	bigvinnie, if I remember right you posted firewall pics, too, a little while back and didn't you use Vintage Air's plastic type firewall cover device? Could you have done the installation all right if your firewall was all welded in and smoothed? I may not be remembering right, however. Did the stock heater controls work out all right? Is your Sure-Fit upgraded to Gen II type electric control components, or do you have a cable control in the engine bay for hot water control?

03-11-2003, 01:01 AM	#22
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	big vinnie, I think we were posting at exactly the same time. Any way when my post came up there was your firewall pic. Last edited by hobby67stepside; 03-11-2003 at 01:03 AM.

03-11-2003, 01:48 AM	#23
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	My system pre-dates the Gen II components, stock heater controls are working fine, never a problem with the entire system after 4 years... the cable control for the heater operates a micro switch on the unit under the dash, which then uses vacuum to open/close the water valve... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

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