What a/c system to buy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

55cruiser · 01-10-2016, 04:48 PM

Hi: Not sure if this has been kicked around before, i have 55.2 sb,ss and want to install heat & a/c. I have had vintage air in another project and had no issues with that unit.

When i start looking for a/c now i see southern air for $850.00 old air for $1,250.00 and vintage air for $1,450.00. That is quite a price spread when the units all do the same thing, right !

Any comments pro or con an any of these units, would be appreciated. Just trying to get the best bang for my buck.

Thanks

solidaxel · 01-10-2016, 06:01 PM

Everything in the engine compartment will be the same (R134) so just look for something you can live with in the cab
I think the hang on units may be ugly but for the price you can't beat them
Do you have a local shop that sells A/C parts, check with them for hoses fittings and a compressor and a pump and brackets.
For brackets I like Bills Hot Rod shop for SBC
Do you really need A/C in Ontario?

iowaboynca · 01-10-2016, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Do you really need A/C in Ontario?

Just as much as you'd need A/C in Boston in the summer...they're about the same lattitude...

Granted its no AZ!

dwcsr · 01-10-2016, 06:39 PM

old air has the manual controls, vintage no longer uses manual and only uses electronic, don't know about southern air.

Old air seems to install a little easier than vintage. Old air you can use a stock GM compressor, Vintage uses a low pressure system that's not compatible with a LS variable compressor (depending on who you talk to at vintage).

As far as cooling the cab , both are about the same, both cool very well.
Both need to have antifreeze in the heater core prior to charging the system with Freon. If you use just water it can freeze and crack the heater core.

Both may have an issue with after market wipers but check with them.

chevyguyase · 01-10-2016, 06:57 PM

Check out Nostalgic Ac on line. They treated me great. I used an Isuzu ( which looks like it is an S10) condenser & fan unit and their compressor, lines and inside unit. It sat around the shop for at least 2 years before I got around to installing it. I found out after I installed it, that it would not call for AC clutch engagement. I called them and they said they would send me a new unit. I ended up fixing a loose wire in the unit but that is a class act outfit if you ask me.

IndyBowtie · 01-10-2016, 08:02 PM

I am extremely satisfied with my Old Air unit. I just don't like the looks of these big plastic aftermarket plenums hanging under the dash, and Old Air tucks ups nicely. It allows you to retain a fairly vintage look , even using the choke and throttle knobs . I think it was $1200 -ish.

55cruiser · 01-10-2016, 11:06 PM

Yes i think a/c is necessary in ontario, my home has had it for the last 40 years and my cars have had air for the last 35- 40 years. Typically in the sumer months june to august we see temps around 35 celcius. You would probably know that as 95 farenheit. Thanks for everyones input as to what they are using

roger55 · 01-10-2016, 11:51 PM

When I bought my '57 it already had an Old Air products unit installed but it was never hooked up. I hated the controls (so stiff they hardly worked) and the small tubing it used for the vents.

I pulled it out, sold it on ebay and bought a GenIV Vintage Air setup with electronic controls.

I bought the optional billet side vents from them for it. They fit perfect and blow hard. Expensive but worth every penny.

Team24 · 01-11-2016, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyguyase

Check out Nostalgic Ac on line. They treated me great. I used an Isuzu ( which looks like it is an S10) condenser & fan unit and their compressor, lines and inside unit. It sat around the shop for at least 2 years before I got around to installing it. I found out after I installed it, that it would not call for AC clutch engagement. I called them and they said they would send me a new unit. I ended up fixing a loose wire in the unit but that is a class act outfit if you ask me.

Chevyuyase which Nostalgic AC in dash evaporator did you use? They don't list a unit for the 55-59 Chevy Truck but when I talked to Nostalgic air they said I could use either universal in dash evaporator. Can you post pictures of your AC install. I attached pictures of the two different evaporator units that they thought might work for 55-59 truck. Nostalgic AC Part #ID200HC or Part #ID260. Thanks

dwcsr · 01-11-2016, 06:15 AM

I just finished a nostalgic air install in a 55.2. the customer got the 47-55.1 kit. It was a PIA to get the parts to make it all work. The owner of Nostalgic was very helpful but it was still a PIA. It used cables as well, no electronic controls.

oilslicktg · 01-11-2016, 12:19 PM

If cost is a issue with you, this is what I did, I called the manufacturers and got their prices, which was too fat for my wallet. I also called suppliers for vintage, still too fat for my wallet. I choose Vintage, so I shopped on ebay, found the inside unit for a 1952 chevy at a great price (heat /AC & defrost)$ 589.00, along with a condenser, $ 69.00, Sanden compressor (Chrome), $129.00 and dryer, $39.00 , and only bought the items if the had Free shipping, they all did. I built my own bracket for the compressor. I'll still need the hoses. Yes it was a PI A$$ and took a couple of day, but I saved $475.00.
This was three years ago. I'm so tight with money, my wife once said if she were to shove a lump of coal up my a$$, in a few seconds she could have a 5 ct diamond. AOl

chevyguyase · 01-13-2016, 02:40 AM

I used an underdash unit. #ud180 with heat and defrost. I put my truck up for the winter or I'd send you a picture. My truck, a '54 Chevrolet 3100, is still a 6 with a 5 speed stick. I made my own bracket kit for the 6 cyl engine. The control cables are mounted in the old choke and throttle holes in the dash. The unit is only 5" tall at it's largest point. I use to install AC for the JC Penney co. back when they had auto centers. They are all a PIA. Make sure a local guy can crimp ac hoses if you get a universal hose kit, they are different crimps than other hoses. Also get the better compressor, it is not that much more. I hope you can use some of this information even though you are using an in dash model. My 3rd year with the unit and it still blows cold air. Good luck.

67 chevelle · 01-15-2016, 04:50 PM

another happy nostalgia air guy here , I have bought 3 systems form them , great people , great product

55cruiser · 01-19-2016, 05:14 PM

Chevyguyase i took your lead and ordered a underdash heat a/c unit kit off e-bay. $518.00 need your own compressor mount and heater hoses. Should fit my needs ! Thanks

lynx5653 · 01-19-2016, 07:40 PM

Do you have to hook up the ac on any of these units, all I want is heat and defrost. I have looked and dont see any just heat and defrost units for a 58.

_Ogre · 01-19-2016, 08:45 PM

lots of aftermarket heaters available for cheap
vintage air has one but it is way overpriced for just a heat
why not use the stock heater?

55dude · 01-20-2016, 01:40 AM

check out a rear unit from a mini van or suv! bunch cheaper!

chevyguyase · 01-20-2016, 01:56 PM

lynx5653, check out nostalgic air, they have a heat/defrost system in dash unit that mounts in any position for 199.00. I think it's part #ID365. Look under Hot Rod heaters on their web site. It may be what your looking for. I probably sounds like I work for them, but I'm just a retired auto mechanic.

01-10-2016, 04:48 PM	#1
55cruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: london ON Posts: 31	What a/c system to buy Hi: Not sure if this has been kicked around before, i have 55.2 sb,ss and want to install heat & a/c. I have had vintage air in another project and had no issues with that unit. When i start looking for a/c now i see southern air for $850.00 old air for $1,250.00 and vintage air for $1,450.00. That is quite a price spread when the units all do the same thing, right ! Any comments pro or con an any of these units, would be appreciated. Just trying to get the best bang for my buck. Thanks

01-10-2016, 06:01 PM	#2
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: What a/c system to buy Everything in the engine compartment will be the same (R134) so just look for something you can live with in the cab I think the hang on units may be ugly but for the price you can't beat them Do you have a local shop that sells A/C parts, check with them for hoses fittings and a compressor and a pump and brackets. For brackets I like Bills Hot Rod shop for SBC Do you really need A/C in Ontario? __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

01-10-2016, 06:39 PM	#4
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: What a/c system to buy old air has the manual controls, vintage no longer uses manual and only uses electronic, don't know about southern air. Old air seems to install a little easier than vintage. Old air you can use a stock GM compressor, Vintage uses a low pressure system that's not compatible with a LS variable compressor (depending on who you talk to at vintage). As far as cooling the cab , both are about the same, both cool very well. Both need to have antifreeze in the heater core prior to charging the system with Freon. If you use just water it can freeze and crack the heater core. Both may have an issue with after market wipers but check with them.

01-10-2016, 06:57 PM	#5
chevyguyase Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: st charles missouri Posts: 220	Re: What a/c system to buy Check out Nostalgic Ac on line. They treated me great. I used an Isuzu ( which looks like it is an S10) condenser & fan unit and their compressor, lines and inside unit. It sat around the shop for at least 2 years before I got around to installing it. I found out after I installed it, that it would not call for AC clutch engagement. I called them and they said they would send me a new unit. I ended up fixing a loose wire in the unit but that is a class act outfit if you ask me.

01-10-2016, 08:02 PM	#6
IndyBowtie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Greenwood Indiana Posts: 95	Re: What a/c system to buy I am extremely satisfied with my Old Air unit. I just don't like the looks of these big plastic aftermarket plenums hanging under the dash, and Old Air tucks ups nicely. It allows you to retain a fairly vintage look , even using the choke and throttle knobs . I think it was $1200 -ish. Attached Images

01-10-2016, 11:06 PM	#7
55cruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: london ON Posts: 31	Re: What a/c system to buy Yes i think a/c is necessary in ontario, my home has had it for the last 40 years and my cars have had air for the last 35- 40 years. Typically in the sumer months june to august we see temps around 35 celcius. You would probably know that as 95 farenheit. Thanks for everyones input as to what they are using

01-10-2016, 11:51 PM	#8
roger55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Angelo, Tx Posts: 1,068	Re: What a/c system to buy When I bought my '57 it already had an Old Air products unit installed but it was never hooked up. I hated the controls (so stiff they hardly worked) and the small tubing it used for the vents. I pulled it out, sold it on ebay and bought a GenIV Vintage Air setup with electronic controls. I bought the optional billet side vents from them for it. They fit perfect and blow hard. Expensive but worth every penny. __________________ *'57 3200 Build Thread* *My Gas Station Themed Workshop*

01-11-2016, 06:15 AM	#10
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: What a/c system to buy I just finished a nostalgic air install in a 55.2. the customer got the 47-55.1 kit. It was a PIA to get the parts to make it all work. The owner of Nostalgic was very helpful but it was still a PIA. It used cables as well, no electronic controls.

01-11-2016, 12:19 PM	#11
oilslicktg Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Richmond Tx Posts: 36	Re: What a/c system to buy If cost is a issue with you, this is what I did, I called the manufacturers and got their prices, which was too fat for my wallet. I also called suppliers for vintage, still too fat for my wallet. I choose Vintage, so I shopped on ebay, found the inside unit for a 1952 chevy at a great price (heat /AC & defrost)$ 589.00, along with a condenser, $ 69.00, Sanden compressor (Chrome), $129.00 and dryer, $39.00 , and only bought the items if the had Free shipping, they all did. I built my own bracket for the compressor. I'll still need the hoses. Yes it was a PI A$$ and took a couple of day, but I saved $475.00. This was three years ago. I'm so tight with money, my wife once said if she were to shove a lump of coal up my a$$, in a few seconds she could have a 5 ct diamond. AOl

01-13-2016, 02:40 AM	#12
chevyguyase Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: st charles missouri Posts: 220	Re: What a/c system to buy I used an underdash unit. #ud180 with heat and defrost. I put my truck up for the winter or I'd send you a picture. My truck, a '54 Chevrolet 3100, is still a 6 with a 5 speed stick. I made my own bracket kit for the 6 cyl engine. The control cables are mounted in the old choke and throttle holes in the dash. The unit is only 5" tall at it's largest point. I use to install AC for the JC Penney co. back when they had auto centers. They are all a PIA. Make sure a local guy can crimp ac hoses if you get a universal hose kit, they are different crimps than other hoses. Also get the better compressor, it is not that much more. I hope you can use some of this information even though you are using an in dash model. My 3rd year with the unit and it still blows cold air. Good luck.

01-15-2016, 04:50 PM	#13
67 chevelle Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA Posts: 1,174	Re: What a/c system to buy another happy nostalgia air guy here , I have bought 3 systems form them , great people , great product __________________ 68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive

01-19-2016, 05:14 PM	#14
55cruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: london ON Posts: 31	Re: What a/c system to buy Chevyguyase i took your lead and ordered a underdash heat a/c unit kit off e-bay. $518.00 need your own compressor mount and heater hoses. Should fit my needs ! Thanks

01-19-2016, 07:40 PM	#15
lynx5653 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lagrange,ME Posts: 349	Re: What a/c system to buy Do you have to hook up the ac on any of these units, all I want is heat and defrost. I have looked and dont see any just heat and defrost units for a 58. __________________ 1955 2nd on 86 chassis Daily driver

01-19-2016, 08:45 PM	#16
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: What a/c system to buy lots of aftermarket heaters available for cheap vintage air has one but it is way overpriced for just a heat why not use the stock heater? __________________ 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

01-20-2016, 01:40 AM	#17
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: What a/c system to buy check out a rear unit from a mini van or suv! bunch cheaper!



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01-20-2016, 01:56 PM	#18
chevyguyase Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: st charles missouri Posts: 220	Re: What a/c system to buy lynx5653, check out nostalgic air, they have a heat/defrost system in dash unit that mounts in any position for 199.00. I think it's part #ID365. Look under Hot Rod heaters on their web site. It may be what your looking for. I probably sounds like I work for them, but I'm just a retired auto mechanic.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.