AC experience/input welcome

[Nitis]

Ok so dad was trying to figure out a way to jimmy up some heat to drive his 72 around dome this winter. Half to 3/4 of the hvac is torn out. I think I have him convinced to go ahead and install a vintage air or like product. I told him he is going to do it eventually so lets just do it.

He has a 72 GMC factory air truck

I am actively using the search on the site but it is a lot to wade through so I am hoping some one may have some specific threads in mind that could help us make a decision on which unit to go with and also hopefully some install threads.

Would like to get something that would also be similar to what I am going to use later on my non ac 72 as far as install is concerned. Only difference with mine is I am contemplating using a 90s compressor as I have a serp system I will install.

Also Cable or electric actuated?

[Elliot949]

I have researched this extensively for my two trucks... EVERYTIME it comes back to Vintage Air is the way to go... It seems to be the Rolls Royce of the Aftermarket air units while the rest seem to come in as Yugos...

It seems that VA is specifically designed and uses parts designed specifically for the 134A Freon so it cools better and has pretty much a zero failure rate... ALL others are a compilation of parts even using R12 parts and "convert" the units to 134... The Failure rates seem to be pretty high on those units and the "cooling is less than desirable on a good hot day...

This is just what my research has shown so I have ordered 2 Vintage Air systems for my trucks...

I hope this helps you....

[ole dollor]

Originally Posted by Elliot949

I have researched this extensively for my two trucks... EVERYTIME it comes back to Vintage Air is the way to go... It seems to be the Rolls Royce of the Aftermarket air units while the rest seem to come in as Yugos...

It seems that VA is specifically designed and uses parts designed specifically for the 134A Freon so it cools better and has pretty much a zero failure rate... ALL others are a compilation of parts even using R12 parts and "convert" the units to 134... The Failure rates seem to be pretty high on those units and the "cooling is less than desirable on a good hot day...

This is just what my research has shown so I have ordered 2 Vintage Air systems for my trucks...

I hope this helps you....

I think he is right .....x2

[RMBLFSH]

I installed a VA kit 2-years ago. Works great.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I put a Vintage -Air in my 56 last year. It works good.

[TexasLS1]

I was considering going with Classic Air to retrofit my under dash Harrison unit when I'm able to get to it. This thread is making me reconsider and possibly go with Vintage Air (I just want to be able to keep my under dash unit). Does anyone have any bad experiences with Classic Air? Surely VA could provide a kit with what I need too, I'll have to give them a call when I'm ready...

[F.A.A.benny]

Originally Posted by TexasLS1

I was considering going with Classic Air to retrofit my under dash Harrison unit when I'm able to get to it. This thread is making me reconsider and possibly go with Vintage Air (I just want to be able to keep my under dash unit). Does anyone have any bad experiences with Classic Air? Surely VA could provide a kit with what I need too, I'll have to give them a call when I'm ready...

You need not worry about going with CAA. They are every bit as good as vintage. Check out the pictures of their parts. Pretty much the same thing. Classic even has their custom but expensive line called restomod air. I used to work for classic and I remember guys calling in complainin about their vintage air kits.

[hugger6933]

if your needing something to "get by" until you do go with a unit go get an electric heater to plug into the dash or fuse block on the truck until he makes up his mind to do what he wants. You can get those electric heater pretty cheap and they will warm up a truck cab just fine.

[TexasLS1]

Originally Posted by F.A.A.benny

You need not worry about going with CAA. They are every bit as good as vintage. Check out the pictures of their parts. Pretty much the same thing. Classic even has their custom but expensive line called restomod air. I used to work for classic and I remember guys calling in complainin about their vintage air kits.

Cool that's good to hear! I was impressed with their help when I spoke with them before, and their stuff looked quality. Thanks for your feedback!

[57larry]

I've put Vintage Air in 4 vehicles. it's the only way to go

[Elliot949]

I know 3 guys,that had CAA in their cars and 2 with Old Air... they are all now running Vintage Air...

[Nitis]

anyone got any build threads that cover any details on installation or any videos you know of?

[leddzepp]

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

[Elliot949]

This was posted on facebook...https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

[Nitis]

So is that just a teaser Elliot?

Leaning toward Old Air as of right now. First price point is right and second of it was no good gmc Paul wouldn't carry it.

So what's the gig with the defrosters not working as well? It seems to be a common theme amongst all of them and has something to do with the design of how they operate

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by Nitis

So is that just a teaser Elliot?

Leaning toward Old Air as of right now. First price point is right and second of it was no good gmc Paul wouldn't carry it.

So what's the gig with the defrosters not working as well? It seems to be a common theme amongst all of them and has something to do with the design of how they operate

sorry the link didn't work... lets try this... You DO NOT want Old Air...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

[Nitis]

What's wrong with old air?

And I can't open that link even if I'm logged into facebook

[Guardrail]

I used to work for a shop that was a VA dealer. This was 15 years ago, but at that time the Vintage Air stuff was superior to the competitors. Also their phone support was excellent!

[kwmech]

Why not just use what the factory provided and convert to 134 and orifice tube

[Nitis]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Why not just use what the factory provided and convert to 134 and orifice tube

Too many missing pieces now it wouldn't be cost effective.

I am still very torn on this subject. Old air has a better price point and I like that GMC Paul carries it that in itself should say something that it at least is as good as vintage and just a better price point. I mean they are using the same technology right?

One thing I have yet to see mentioned in regards to vintage air is the addition of an electric fan. Anyone care to comment on that?

[69chevy4wheel]

Just finished a va kit in my 69 bb c10. Very simple install. Va did their homework with the sure fit kits.