![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 10-Uh-See
Posts: 5,609
|
Best aftermarket A/C
I know this has been asked before, but a search didn't come up with anything. What kind of aftermarket A/C systems have you guys used? How easy was the installation? How was it priced? What kind of quality? How well do you like what you have? I'm in the process of getting ready to buy my A/C but I would like opinions while I shop around.
__________________
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2006
Location: at work
Posts: 2,552
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
IMHO you can't go wrong with either oldairproducts.com or vintage air.com...(+) great tech depts. Just bought a gen IV from vintage air but it hasn't been installed yet.
__________________
R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 504
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Avoid Hot Rod Air, Wayne is a good guy but he is overworked and understaffed, and typically the only one one the phones, and doing the RA's. We talk so much we are on a first name basis, talked to him this morning actually... My units all arrived wrapped in a trash bag
![]() For quality of products and service I would stick with the larger guys like Old Air and Vintage Air. All my units were under dash "knee knockers" The two that go in the center I didn't really care for and the one I got finally to goes across the whole dash is great, blows my hair back... The installation was easy, the only surprize with this unit was that the site says you have to slightly modify your glove box. This isn't true, you have to cut your metal heater duct! I pondered for a while before deciding to do it. They give you a cheap sticky pad to cover the hole and since it was 100 outside, I just did it. I am going to go back in the fall and fiberglass it.
__________________
_______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club Last edited by 2bits; 08-14-2007 at 03:10 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 504
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
The first A/C (Didn't fit right, blew straight up, leaked and blocked the heater):
![]() The Second A/C came in D.O.A., The third one looked just like this, and I sold it to my friend: ![]() The fourth A/C is the one I wanted in the first place but didn't find it until someone posted it here, so I bought it! ALL The blower sections were exactly the same. Didn't matter what model or what company. Here's the one that is in there now and working good... ![]() And the hole they required to be cut for blower clearance: ![]()
__________________
_______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cheboygan, MI
Posts: 998
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
So is that last one from Nostalgic air? What's it look like under the hood?
Cool...
__________________
Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer -- |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 3,071
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
This has been debated numerous times. If I am not mistaken...most will say Vintage Air, and then Old Air always has a few that love their units too.
__________________
Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
This is where I bought my stuff and I couldn't be more pleased with it. R-134A gets to 46 degree on a 102 degree day. I didn't buy the whole kit because I had factory air already but I would if I ever need to later.
http://www.classicair.com/CPickup6772.asp Here is a post I did on the install of everything I bought. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=253275
__________________
1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
My vote goes for vintage air, very well packaged kit, but $$$.
ALSO! I highly recommend a: 1. Tranny cooler if you have an automatic 2. 4 Core radiator 3. Possibly electric fans if you have additional cooling problems. The 3 things above can jump your cost up QUICK!
__________________
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! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 504
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Yeah, that last one is from Nostalgic air, I couldn't find any other companies who carried the long one like that. My friend had one in his truck so that's what inspired me. I only like Old Air because they are a larger company, have a good 6 Cyl bracket, and more importantly, they are in my area, so I can just go there, I have no experience with them tho.
Here are some pics! Under the hood changed a couple of times... Brackets: First the Hot Rod Air bracket that blocked the heater hose ![]() ![]() Then the new bracket that is a homemade bracket that happened to come with my old engine. In a perfect world (full of money ![]() ![]() A/C lines: First, they went into some holes that happened to already be drilled in the firewall for the center mount unit, (you can barely see them on the lower firewall passenger side): ![]() I decided to re-route the A/C lines the way they suggested up by the blower for this unit, and so I didn't have to make new, longer hoses. ![]() For detail, more pics and the "story" click on my signature link, I haven't updated it for the most recent stuff tho ![]()
__________________
_______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 504
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
I've got a four core radiator and the compressor head pressure was climbing like crazy and I put a shroud on it and it is all good now. I installed an electric fan which helped too, but I have it unplugged right now and it runs at 195 in the heat of the day with a 190 thermostat.
Here's a question that is related to this topic... The engine runs one for a full second after I turn the key off when I have the electric fan hooked up. This exact same thing happened on my Monte Carlo also too. When I say runs on, I don't mean dieseling, I mean like normal, it just keeps running, but just for a sec ond then it shuts off like normal. The fans were both plugged into an IGN port on the fuse box that kills power when the key is turned off. The only thing I can think of is that they draw so much juice that when I kill it, the circut needs a second to "drain" off the rest of the juice.. any ideas of how to address this?
__________________
_______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Worthless
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LaFayette, GA
Posts: 199
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
I have helped install 3 vintage air sur fit kits,and they come with easy to follow
instructions,I myself got a bad compressor the first time, but they worked it out quickly and smooth.All three were for non factory air trucks but with a hole saw and dremel,in about 6 hours you can have one put in!!I think they are very clean and neat!!Only thing you will have to buy besides the kit will be air controls and a bracket that will allow you to mount it to the dash!! You are also going to have to buy belts pulleys and your cold beverage of choice!! ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: KINGSPORT,TN.
Posts: 3,035
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
190 Degree Thermostat Is Way Too Hot For A I-6 Engine. Your Going To Crack A Head Promiss. A 160 In The Summer Is Plenty. The Rear Cylinders Run Far Hotter Than The Rest.. I,ve Run The I-6,s For 25 Years. Also At Least A 3 Core Rad. Is Very Important. I,d Go With A 4 Core With A/c.
Jmo Bob
__________________
I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,477
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Hopefully 4 next year
![]()
__________________
Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 504
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
I've got a 4 core radiator. I just put in the thermostat that is the OEM temp, which is actually 195, not 190 so I guess it is running right where the thermostat is set, but if I'm gonna crack a head, why is that the factory temp? I'm not doubting your experience, I'm just wondering. I am going to go down to 180 at least tonight tho...
__________________
_______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
WTB this ad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 5,074
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
I am a firm advocate of the vintage air surefit systems. If you go that route you are going to want the system that uses the factory air controls. I have also done my part in installing a handful of these and would be more than happy to help you out Craig!!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Worthless
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LaFayette, GA
Posts: 199
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Quote:
What thermostat are you running? What fan are you using? Stock, electric, something else? Are any of the trucks autos, and if so, are you using an additional tranny cooler? Thanks ![]()
__________________
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! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 08-14-2007 at 07:12 PM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
WTB this ad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 5,074
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Both the trucks are running 180 thermostats. One is an auto and the other is a straight shift. Both are running dual electric fans. I am also using the stock tranny cooler on the auto. I checked the temp of the coolant entering and leaving the radiator of my brother in laws Z (4 core) and my C10 (3 core). There was no significant difference in the temps. I did this using an infrared thermometer. Both were dropping the temps by about 40* or so. I don't know if the temp difference would have been higher while the trucks were rolling.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
My 71 has the 700-R4 in it. Trans cooler from Advance in line with the radiator. I have the 4 core and never had any issues with over heating. The factory fan shroud shouldn't cover the fan blades completely, there should be a 3/4" of fan out side the shrould for best cooling. I also closed up the area between my radiator support and back side of the outter grille to force more air through the shroud.
You can see the lines for the cooler between the condensor & radiator sticking up.
__________________
1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 10-Uh-See
Posts: 5,609
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Asa, did your kit come with that nifty glove box or was it extra. Also, what kind of money are we talking about? I can get an OldAir kit with EVERYTHING to install it with the factory style vents and A/C controls for $1400. I checked on a Vintage Air "Sure Fit" kit today and they said $1050, but they didn't say exactly what came with it. I already have a compressor bracket, so that's the only thing I don't need in the kit.
__________________
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 547
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Are these aftermarket systems really that much better than replacing my old stock stuff with new ones?
Also, I plan on a serpentine setup from GM and it comes with newer model compressor. Will it fit the rest of my stock A/C equipment (that I plan to replace with new stuff)?
__________________
Maj USAF 71 K5 Blazer CST 72 K20 HT383 NV4500 Mass-Flo EFI 71 K10 LWB 52 Dodge Power Wagon 67 Dodge WM300 Power Wagon 48 Dodge WDX Power Wagon My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=239487 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
WTB this ad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 5,074
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
You are still going to have to come up with a set of factory air controls as well as the bracket that lets you screw them to the dash. You can buy the controls other places that will be cheaper than VA. Some places don't include the fan speed switch with the factory ac controls. Make sure you ask about this before ordering, it's a bummer having a couple $ part holding you back. The bracket for the controls can be bought from VA. I'm not aware of anyone else who sells the bracket new. You don't want the surefit system that is going to use your factory non-air controls. As best as I can recall that's all your going to need aside from your pulleys and belt. And yes the glovebox liner came with the system.
Last edited by see ten; 08-14-2007 at 11:45 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 306
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Where can I get some compressor brackets on the cheap? It's a 508 compressor , looking to mount to a SBC upper driver side.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
If you have the factory A/C I wouldn't do nothing but rebuild it. That's what I did and it works great. Here is a link for you.
http://www.classicair.com/CPickup6772.asp $1199.00 for everything inside and out or just buy what you need like I did.
__________________
1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Studio City, Calif.
Posts: 2,873
|
Re: Best aftermarket A/C
Here's the one I've finally decided on. Cheapest one I could find.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/S...1&sku=dash+fan
__________________
'69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|