AC options. Looking for the best operation AC unit.

[Big Block]

Looking at different options. Have factory AC that hasn't worked for over 20 years. The system is intact. I'm not sure if it's worth the time and money to try to get the old system up and running. We're having one of those summers. Super high humility and temps in the high 90's every day. Don't want to drive anything that doesn't have AC. I was talking to a co-worker who said beware of the gen 4 Vintage Air unit. He said they're having trouble with electronic solenoid. Has anyone experienced that with a gen 4 Vintage Air unit? That's why I have been looking at other options. The stock cables and factory style site glass would seem more reliable than electronics. But like I said this is all new to me.*The Old Air Hurricane unit uses factory AC controls and uses the original ductwork, also has the site glass. Any help is appreciated. Just weighing my options. I don't want to waste time and money on a AC unit that's not going to work in high humility and temps. Thanks

[72MARIO]

I used the old air kit. It is the worst thing I have ever done to my suburban.

If you turn the heat on after the ac has been on the entire inside of the suburban fills with condensation. I have talked with tech support and never got any further than its not draining.. I have confirmed the drain tube is clear and had good slope to drain.

The other thing you may not realize is with factory heat and ac you can run down the road on a cool morning with the heat lever over at hot and the cab gets warn without fan speed. all the new under dash units eliminate the fresh air intake and require fan speed to heat/cool cab.

I have well over $1500 Canadian into my ac if it costed $2500 for factory I wish I would have fixed it.

[RMBLFSH]

I am very happy with my VA unit. Straight forward install and cold air. No problems thus far.
(Two Arizona summers)

[MARKDTN]

If it was me, I would fix what you have and use R12.

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by Big Block

Looking at different options. Have factory AC that hasn't worked for over 20 years. The system is intact. I'm not sure if it's worth the time and money to try to get the old system up and running. We're having one of those summers. Super high humility and temps in the high 90's every day. Don't want to drive anything that doesn't have AC. I was talking to a co-worker who said beware of the gen 4 Vintage Air unit. He said they're having trouble with electronic solenoid. Has anyone experienced that with a gen 4 Vintage Air unit? That's why I have been looking at other options. The stock cables and factory style site glass would seem more reliable than electronics. But like I said this is all new to me.*The Old Air Hurricane unit uses factory AC controls and uses the original ductwork, also has the site glass. Any help is appreciated. Just weighing my options. I don't want to waste time and money on a AC unit that's not going to work in high humility and temps. Thanks

If everything is there stick with it. Use it. It will be way cheaper than buy all new stuff. Just take it to a good AC guy and he should have it going in no time with either freon you choose.

[Big Block]

Thanks guys for the advice. I think I'll replace some of the obvious parts that need to be changed. Dryer, compressor and POA for sure. I already have a compressor and condenser coil that a friend didn't end up using in his project. So I'm going to flush out the evaporator coil and the rest of the lines. Pull a vacuum and see what happens. If anyone can think of anything else don't hesitate to chime in. This is going to be my first attempt at AC work.

[hdff]

Originally Posted by Big Block

Thanks guys for the advice. I think I'll replace some of the obvious parts that need to be changed. Dryer, compressor and POA for sure. I already have a compressor and condenser coil that a friend didn't end up using in his project. So I'm going to flush out the evaporator coil and the rest of the lines. Pull a vacuum and see what happens. If anyone can think of anything else don't hesitate to chime in. This is going to be my first attempt at AC work.

I did my 1st attempt ac work last year, refurbished my factory and had good results, F.A.A Benny has good info and can help you out. He refurbished my evaporator box and it looks great. Here's a before and after pic. Be sure the compressor is good. Mine held a vacuum but it isn't cooling like it should and the front seal is slinging oil now..It was a refurbished a6. I kept putting it off thinking I was probably gonna get in over my head but when it was all complete I kicked myself in the ass for waiting so long. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.....

[Big Block]

Originally Posted by hdff

I did my 1st attempt ac work last year, refurbished my factory and had good results, F.A.A Benny has good info and can help you out. He refurbished my evaporator box and it looks great. Here's a before and after pic. Be sure the compressor is good. Mine held a vacuum but it isn't cooling like it should and the front seal is slinging oil now..It was a refurbished a6. I kept putting it off thinking I was probably gonna get in over my head but when it was all complete I kicked myself in the ass for waiting so long. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.....

Thanks for the reply. Under the hood looks great.
Did you upgrade the POA valve to 134 or did you stay with R12?

[hdff]

Originally Posted by Big Block

Thanks for the reply. Under the hood looks great.
Did you upgrade the POA valve to 134 or did you stay with R12?

I stayed with r12. faa benny can help you out if you wanna change the poa to 134

[Z10]

Using Vintage Air in my 72. Here's a recent screen shot of my phone, which tells the story. The temp at the center vent was 42 degrees and I was cool.