Another VintageAir install question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Russell Ashley · 09-22-2012, 04:31 PM

My truck was originally a six cylinder but now has a 350 with the radiator support in the original six cylinder position. My VA condensor and hose kit is designed for a TF with this configuration. Did anyone who has installed this setup have a problem with the condensor fitting per the instructions? If so, how did you resolve it? Did you remove the X brace from the radiator support?

I called VA tech support but they are closed on Saturday so I thought I'd try here since seveal folks here on the forum have VA installs.

oldcouple · 09-22-2012, 10:46 PM

Yes I cut out the xbrace. I had to bend the mounting tabs a few times, seems like I even made a couple of new ones. It was a long time ago. My body guy made the lower brace removable as it was welded in. I think you can see it here.

fdwrench · 09-22-2012, 11:46 PM

I am in the middle of installing one.
I drilled the rivets and spaced the Xbrace forward about 1/4 inch.

parkwood · 09-23-2012, 02:35 AM

This how i did it on a '56, cut the x-brace out and mounted it on the bolts holding the rad. in..

Russell Ashley · 09-23-2012, 07:20 AM

Thanks Guys for confirming what I thought. The brace has to go, or at least move forward some. I also think I will need to modify my hood latch slightly to use the mounting brackets that came with the condenser. I guess I'll need to remove my grill also that I was trying to avoid.

_Ogre · 09-23-2012, 01:32 PM

not the best pic but you can see i left mine in place.
i figured the whole front end sheet metal depends on that brace to keep it together
i was able to use one formed tube, but had to make a hose for the other

Russell Ashley · 09-23-2012, 01:46 PM

Ogre, were you able to use the mounting hardware that came with the condensor? It looks like the top of your condensor is farther down than the brackets place mine.

The first step in the instructions is to cut two 1 1/4th inch holes in the core support. I drilled the pilot holes but didn't cut the big holes yet, and now I'm glad I didn't. I'll do that after I get the condensor mounted so I can put them where they need to be to allow me to use the formed aluminum lines that came with the kit.

09-22-2012, 04:31 PM	#1
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,641	Another VintageAir install question. My truck was originally a six cylinder but now has a 350 with the radiator support in the original six cylinder position. My VA condensor and hose kit is designed for a TF with this configuration. Did anyone who has installed this setup have a problem with the condensor fitting per the instructions? If so, how did you resolve it? Did you remove the X brace from the radiator support? I called VA tech support but they are closed on Saturday so I thought I'd try here since seveal folks here on the forum have VA installs.

09-22-2012, 10:46 PM	#2
oldcouple Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Winlock Wa Posts: 584	Re: Another VintageAir install question. Yes I cut out the xbrace. I had to bend the mounting tabs a few times, seems like I even made a couple of new ones. It was a long time ago. My body guy made the lower brace removable as it was welded in. I think you can see it here. Attached Images __________________ Retired and too busy to work.

09-22-2012, 11:46 PM	#3
fdwrench Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sacramento Ca Posts: 25	Re: Another VintageAir install question. I am in the middle of installing one. I drilled the rivets and spaced the Xbrace forward about 1/4 inch.

09-23-2012, 02:35 AM	#4
parkwood Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: shingle springs, calif Posts: 771	Re: Another VintageAir install question. This how i did it on a '56, cut the x-brace out and mounted it on the bolts holding the rad. in.. Attached Images

09-23-2012, 07:20 AM	#5
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,641	Re: Another VintageAir install question. Thanks Guys for confirming what I thought. The brace has to go, or at least move forward some. I also think I will need to modify my hood latch slightly to use the mounting brackets that came with the condenser. I guess I'll need to remove my grill also that I was trying to avoid.

09-23-2012, 01:32 PM	#6
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: Another VintageAir install question. not the best pic but you can see i left mine in place. i figured the whole front end sheet metal depends on that brace to keep it together i was able to use one formed tube, but had to make a hose for the other __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

09-23-2012, 01:46 PM	#7
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,641	Re: Another VintageAir install question. Ogre, were you able to use the mounting hardware that came with the condensor? It looks like the top of your condensor is farther down than the brackets place mine. The first step in the instructions is to cut two 1 1/4th inch holes in the core support. I drilled the pilot holes but didn't cut the big holes yet, and now I'm glad I didn't. I'll do that after I get the condensor mounted so I can put them where they need to be to allow me to use the formed aluminum lines that came with the kit.



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