Aftermarket A/C who to use? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pat565 · 10-18-2011, 10:51 PM

Can I use a aftermarket A/C, like Old Air, without mods to my firewall?

My cab is back from paint, and now I'm thinking about adding the A/C.

So much for planning ahead!

Pat

Pkh66 · 10-18-2011, 11:03 PM

Vintage air hands down. Bolts in to firewall, easy install and will freeze you out. I even like the utilization of the factory controls for non air trucks works very well. Best add to my truck so far.
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big_al_71 · 10-19-2011, 07:14 AM

I went with Classic auto air we installed it three years ago and in the miami heat it blows 38 degrees all day long zero issues and it also uses the factory non air controls.

**FL71C10** · 10-19-2011, 02:13 PM

Al,

Is that the company it Tampa?

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

I went with Classic auto air we installed it three years ago and in the miami heat it blows 38 degrees all day long zero issues and it also uses the factory non air controls.

domeier · 10-19-2011, 11:38 AM

I'm just finishing the Old Air install. I wouldn't recommend it.

**NC67Chev** · 10-19-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

I'm just finishing the Old Air install. I wouldn't recommend it.

I haven't installed a/c yet, but I'm curious about your Old Air experience. Anything specific you don't care for?

domeier · 10-19-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

I haven't installed a/c yet, but I'm curious about your Old Air experience. Anything specific you don't care for?

1) The in-cab module that contains the blower, heater and evaporator cores is pretty cheesy and cheap. It's made of thin ABS plastic, and I'm dreading the day some passenger accidentally kicks it.

2) The amount of heat the unit provides seems to be about 50% of what my original Chevy heater put out, and the defrost is just pitiful. Have to drive with the wing vents open to keep from fogging the windshield. It's okay for California, but it wouldn't fly in a real winter.

I haven't charged it with r134, so can't comment on the air con yet. If it turns out anywhere near as underwhelming as the heater, I'll rip the whole thing out and put my stock heater back in.

Their customer service people treated me good, so I don't mean to bash up on 'em up too hard... but it's a system that I'd say belongs better in some torched-up custom hot rod than a daily driving vehicle. When I spend heavy cash to upgrade my Chevy truck, I expect the replacement system to be of about the same quality as the thing I'm replacing. This thing is basically a cheap toy.

Hope I'm not being too subtle!

big_al_71 · 10-19-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL71C10

Al,

Is that the company it Tampa?

yes!!!

gearys 5600 · 10-19-2011, 09:25 PM

I have used Vintage Air in a few different old cars & trucks that I have built with no issues on any of them. I will not use anything else.

jtp67-72 · 10-19-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

1) The in-cab module that contains the blower, heater and evaporator cores is pretty cheesy and cheap. It's made of thin ABS plastic, and I'm dreading the day some passenger accidentally kicks it.

2) The amount of heat the unit provides seems to be about 50% of what my original Chevy heater put out, and the defrost is just pitiful. Have to drive with the wing vents open to keep from fogging the windshield. It's okay for California, but it wouldn't fly in a real winter.

I haven't charged it with r134, so can't comment on the air con yet. If it turns out anywhere near as underwhelming as the heater, I'll rip the whole thing out and put my stock heater back in.

Their customer service people treated me good, so I don't mean to bash up on 'em up too hard... but it's a system that I'd say belongs better in some torched-up custom hot rod than a daily driving vehicle. When I spend heavy cash to upgrade my Chevy truck, I expect the replacement system to be of about the same quality as the thing I'm replacing. This thing is basically a cheap toy.

Hope I'm not being too subtle!

If u haven't charged system yet, that's why defrost is fogging--air is dehumidifyed by compressor engaged in defrost mode--won't help air flow though......jim

domeier · 10-19-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtp67-72

If u haven't charged system yet, that's why defrost is fogging--air is dehumidifyed by compressor engaged in defrost mode--won't help air flow though......jim

Right, but not on the no-ac trucks. My old no-ac defroster worked pretty good; the new one bites. And now that you mention it, I think the Old Air control for engaging the compressor is the cold side of the temp lever. It won't run the compressor if you have heat selected... if I remember right. Have to look at that tomorrow.

71meangreenc10 · 10-19-2011, 12:53 PM

Is your cab an AC cab now?

Smitty

pat565 · 10-19-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

Is your cab an AC cab now?

Smitty

Non Air cab

67ChevyRedneck · 10-19-2011, 02:36 PM

Been very happy with my Vintage Air kit. Just make sure to have good cooling for the engine, i had to step up to a 4 row radiator to keep my truck cool in traffic.

domeier · 10-19-2011, 10:52 PM

One more thing: The heat and air-con vents are shared underdash units, so when you're running heat, it blows at your belly with nothing going to the floor. I wish I'd noticed this *before* I plunked my money down.

Scottshotrods · 10-20-2011, 12:03 AM

VINTAGE AIR 100% they are a direct bolt for your year truck on 67-72 and the new genIV you cannot go wrong with it.It will freeze you in the summer and make you sweat in the cold winters.The best this thing about this we have some killer deals on these kits and we have sold several dozens of these kits to members on this site.

Does that sound like sales pitch Yes it does we want to take care of all members on this site.You are all chevy guys and gals

Justin

pat565 · 10-20-2011, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

VINTAGE AIR 100% they are a direct bolt for your year truck on 67-72 and the new genIV you cannot go wrong with it.It will freeze you in the summer and make you sweat in the cold winters.The best this thing about this we have some killer deals on these kits and we have sold several dozens of these kits to members on this site.

Does that sound like sales pitch Yes it does we want to take care of all members on this site.You are all chevy guys and gals

Justin

Send me a quote then!

Pkh66 · 10-20-2011, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

VINTAGE AIR 100% they are a direct bolt for your year truck on 67-72 and the new genIV you cannot go wrong with it.It will freeze you in the summer and make you sweat in the cold winters.The best this thing about this we have some killer deals on these kits and we have sold several dozens of these kits to members on this site.

Does that sound like sales pitch Yes it does we want to take care of all members on this site.You are all chevy guys and gals

Justin

Agreed, 100%. People are amazed how cold it is and I live in Dallas where it was over 100 degrees for 2 months. I don't even need tinted windows it's so cold inside.
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Scottshotrods · 10-20-2011, 11:20 PM

What motor are you running in yur truck ?

Is your truck a factory air truck ? yes or no

Do you have a factory controller for the air or heat

Are you running v-belts or serpitine belt

Let me know on these I will send you a p/m with the prices

Justin

pat565 · 10-21-2011, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

What motor are you running in yur truck ?

Is your truck a factory air truck ? yes or no

Do you have a factory controller for the air or heat

Are you running v-belts or serpitine belt

Let me know on these I will send you a p/m with the prices

Justin

5.3 L33 LS from a 2005 silverado

Not a factory air cab

Factory controller for heat, yes I have

Serpintine belt. I have the LS engine in the frame with the factory LS brackets and compressor still on the engine.

Scottshotrods · 10-21-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pat565

5.3 L33 LS from a 2005 silverado

Not a factory air cab

Factory controller for heat, yes I have

Serpintine belt. I have the LS engine in the frame with the factory LS brackets and compressor still on the engine.

P/m sent this morning

Justin

10-18-2011, 10:51 PM	#1
pat565 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Wembley, Ab Posts: 53	Aftermarket A/C who to use? Can I use a aftermarket A/C, like Old Air, without mods to my firewall? My cab is back from paint, and now I'm thinking about adding the A/C. So much for planning ahead! Pat

10-18-2011, 11:03 PM	#2
Pkh66 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dallas Posts: 94	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? Vintage air hands down. Bolts in to firewall, easy install and will freeze you out. I even like the utilization of the factory controls for non air trucks works very well. Best add to my truck so far. Posted via Mobile Device

10-19-2011, 07:14 AM	#3
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? I went with Classic auto air we installed it three years ago and in the miami heat it blows 38 degrees all day long zero issues and it also uses the factory non air controls. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

10-19-2011, 11:38 AM	#5
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? I'm just finishing the Old Air install. I wouldn't recommend it.

10-19-2011, 09:25 PM	#9
gearys 5600 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: tulsa,ok Posts: 1,085	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? I have used Vintage Air in a few different old cars & trucks that I have built with no issues on any of them. I will not use anything else. __________________ MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=423629 1969 custom/10 swb--SOLD 1968 swb 50th anniv.--SOLD 1967 camaro ss/rs..LS-6-speed, 16-year long project 1956 chevy nomad 1955 chevy 210 2-dr sedan 1978 el-camino ss 1-owner

10-19-2011, 12:53 PM	#12
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? Is your cab an AC cab now? Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

10-19-2011, 02:36 PM	#14
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? Been very happy with my Vintage Air kit. Just make sure to have good cooling for the engine, i had to step up to a 4 row radiator to keep my truck cool in traffic. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

10-19-2011, 10:52 PM	#15
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? One more thing: The heat and air-con vents are shared underdash units, so when you're running heat, it blows at your belly with nothing going to the floor. I wish I'd noticed this before I plunked my money down.

10-20-2011, 12:03 AM	#16
Scottshotrods Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: oxnard ca Posts: 2,201	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? VINTAGE AIR 100% they are a direct bolt for your year truck on 67-72 and the new genIV you cannot go wrong with it.It will freeze you in the summer and make you sweat in the cold winters.The best this thing about this we have some killer deals on these kits and we have sold several dozens of these kits to members on this site. Does that sound like sales pitch Yes it does we want to take care of all members on this site.You are all chevy guys and gals Justin Last edited by Scottshotrods; 10-20-2011 at 12:04 AM. Reason: added

10-20-2011, 11:20 PM	#19
Scottshotrods Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: oxnard ca Posts: 2,201	Re: Aftermarket A/C who to use? What motor are you running in yur truck ? Is your truck a factory air truck ? yes or no Do you have a factory controller for the air or heat Are you running v-belts or serpitine belt Let me know on these I will send you a p/m with the prices Justin



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