Anyone got an opinion on which a/c?

[Russell Ashley]

I will be wiring my truck soon and I plan on putting a/c in it. I've looked at Old Air, Antique Auto Air, and Classic Auto Air websites and they all offer a kit for TF trucks.
I'll probably be getting just the inside setup for now and Old Air has a kit that includes a repop of the deluxe controls that looks like it would be the least expensive overall. None of them are cheap so I'd like to get the right one the first time.

Any opinions on which one to use? Good/bad experiences? Other sources?

[magicoolbus]

This question does come up periodically and I am partial to the vintage air unit for no other reason that I have installed two of them. I have no experience with the other manufacturers. I rebuilt my factory heater controller and utilized VA's new switch and face plate. VA provides ABS vent holders for the side vents, I didn't like that look and I didn't mind cutting holes in the dash. I do think they look much better installed in dash rather than underneath. I do think that most manufacturers route the heater and ac lines to exit underneath the stock location of the battery tray. Most offer a bulkhead connection as an option, I did not go this route and just drilled holes and used grommets. Wiring was super simple and doesn't really need to be preplanned for. The main blower power comes right off the battery thru a supplied circuit protection. Relays are included in their harness as well. I wired mine at the same time I switched from Generator to Alternator. I used the kit that Mad Electronics sells. Works great.

I ran into a bit of a problem when I did the bench test (recommended in instructions), I could only get low and medium speeds, initially thought it was a switch problem. But found out that the switch needed to move a fraction of an inch more and the repop chrome bezel was preventing it. A bit of trimming and viola, three speeds.

Here is a picture of the center and side vents along with the controller. I elected to retain the controls to the lower kickpanel vents. VA does not really provide a means to do this, I just used a few rivnuts and they work like a dream.

[Russell Ashley]

Thanks for the info. I actually meant Vintage Air in my post instead of antique Auto Air.

[fredscarryall]

take a look at southern air. i know two people who have used there set ups and really like them. they are under $850 for a complete kits. but i dont think they make a model specific kit. i think there more of a custom kit, except for the 55 to 57 cars.

[Scottshotrods]

Vintage air 100% made in the USA and they have direct bolt in kits

Justin

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

Just finished installing an Old Air unit. I was sold on the vent system that uses the old speaker grill for 3/4 of the air and eliminates the long vent that runs on the bottom of the dash.

[Russell Ashley]

Thanks for the advice and comments everyone. I think I have sold myself on Old Air for now because their inside kit, at $680, is about $115 cheaper than Vintage Air. The difference is that the Old Air kit comes with a new deluxe style control, which is $169 extra with the Vintage Air unit. Southern Air was least expensive but they don't have a custom fit setup for a 57 truck.

[renegade6]

I am pretty happy with the Vintage Air unit that I put in my truck but, have only used it a few times. Didn't go with the direct fit but, wasn't too hard to put in, just needed a few extra fittings and small hands to connect everything.