Anybody heard of Equip Aire? Like Cool Pack?

['63GENIII]

In an attempt to keep cool this summer, I've been looking for a Cool Pack underdash ac unit to put into the '63. All that I'm really looking for is a somewhat period correct underdash unit like the Coolpack that I just missed on C.L. for $150. Then just yesterday I found an Equip Aire unit out of a '63 Impala that comes with the condensor, evap, pump (although I'm gonna run a newer Delphi pump) and dryer for 250. I was wondering if anyone here has ever heard of Equip Aire and if so, how does it compare to a Cool pack unit? Also do the underdash units do well in general or is it a waste of time? I really don't have the scratch to drop on a vintage air unit but this thing gets pretty hot (as I'm sure you all know) in the summer and I'm thinking I like the knee freezer idea. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome (about the ac that is!) Thanks, Chris

['63GENIII]

Anyone? Just trying to see if the knee freezer is a waste of time. I may be driving an 1 1/2 hours to check one out on Sat. Anyone here ever run one?

[raycow]

Equip-Aire was one of several aftermarket brands that sold moderately well back in the day. There was enough demand for these things that most cities had shops that specialized in installing them. They sold because the price to the car owner was quite a bit less than factory or even dealer installed units. Also, they could be installed on car/engine combinations that weren't offered with factory air.

Almost all of these used York or Tecumseh compressors. They cooled well enough, but a lot of people didn't care for them because of their "afterthought" looks or the loss of legroom under the dash.

Ray

['63GENIII]

Thanks raycow. I'm not too worried about the loss of legroom at this point and I think the thing looks kinda cool. For ac under 200 bucks, it looks even better right now. I could always go to vintage air later when money allows. BTW where abouts in the City are you? I'm originally from the Sunset. Cheers

['63GENIII]

I forgot to add that it comes with a York compressor. Since I'm using the Delphi unit from the 454, I'll probably build an onboard air unit with the York.

[raycow]

I'm near the mint on Hermann St. This is an apartment with no parking, so I had to rent garage space in the east bay to store/work on my projects.

Ray

[aerotruk63]

Had a guy measure up a 61-62 cadillac condenser. Same width but taller than the opening we have. Talked to a local condenser rebuilder, he says he could modify the caddy condenser to fit my opening. He also says he has material to custom make one to match, we'll see!