Looking for members that installed AC

[GTS61]

I would like to add AC to my 61 305 V6. Has anyone done this size of pickup? Can you offer any advice? Thanks

[Clyde65]

Vintage Air has a kit for you, they are the best, not cheap but the best.

[GTS61]

Thanks Clyde. I've been looking into Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air.

[Clyde65]

I have Old Air Products and it worka fine but the VA system IMO is superior to all.

[GTS61]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I have Old Air Products and it worka fine but the VA system IMO is superior to all.

Ok Clyde thanks. I'll talking to a salesman from VA now.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Chevy Fleetside]

After you are done talking to them, try calling Summit Racing They might be able to get it for you cheaper. It is just a phone call.

[GTS61]

Ok thanks!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[markeb01]

I agree. Vintage Air is the way to go. I currently have their under dash unit and it works fantastic. Years ago I installed the Old Air system and it never worked correctly. I finally pulled it out and threw it away. You can't go wrong with VA.

[GTS61]

Yea I've been hearing a lot of vintage air. Sounds like the winner. If you don't mind could I ask how much the under dash costs? I might end up installing that instead of complete system.
Posted via Mobile Device

[markeb01]

My Mark IV system cost $785 through forum vendor "laidbackcreations" complete. I was amazed how inexpensive it was. I did have to make several changes to my heater to retain the original in the cab. The details can be seen somewhere in my build thread.

[GTS61]

Wow great price!! I'm going to look into that.

[AcampoDave]

I did a V.A. sure-fit kit on my '66 Chevy. It did fit without any grief. However, although the kit was around 1600 bucks there are a few caveats to consider. You will need to source the pulleys for your water pump and/or crank to obtain the extra grove for the a/c belt (you will also need to buy the belt). My stock radiator was not sufficient to keep things cool with the a/c operating so I got a new one from speedcooling.com for a good price. I also had a lack of airflow at idle causing my a/c compressor to short cycle requiring a heavy duty clutch fan to remedy that problem. Also, I had to make some baffles between my radiator and a/c condenser to fill the space between the two. Doing so forced the fan to draw all its air thru the condenser as previously I had too much air sucked in around it from the space between. I also sealed my shroud to the radiator with rubber to prevent any air flow from bypassing the radiator. Now it works like a champ, but the grand total is more like 2k. Still, money well spent. Lastly, do not forget that crappy weather strips and unused holes in the firewall will severely diminish your results. Good luck and enjoy your "cool cab". Edit: I almost forgot, the rubber V.A. control knobs look like they came from an '80s econocar. They have upgraded units available which I bought, but again...more$$

[GTS61]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

I did a V.A. sure-fit kit on my '66 Chevy. It did fit without any grief. However, although the kit was around 1600 bucks there are a few caveats to consider. You will need to source the pulleys for your water pump and/or crank to obtain the extra grove for the a/c belt (you will also need to buy the belt). My stock radiator was not sufficient to keep things cool with the a/c operating so I got a new one from speedcooling.com. I also had a lack of airflow at idle causing my a/c compressor to short cycle requiring heavy duty clutch fan to remedy that problem. Also, I had to make some baffles between my radiator and a/c condenser to fill the space between the two. Doing so forced the fan to draw all its air thru the condenser as previously I had too much air sucked in around it from the space between. I also sealed my shroud to the radiator with rubber to prevent any air flow from bypassing the radiator. Now it works like a champ, but the grand total is more like 2k. Still, money well spent. Lastly, do not forget that crappy weather strips and unused holes in the firewall will severely diminish your results. Good luck and enjoy your "cool cab".

Wow!! That sounds promising!! I'm really looking forward of adding AC since I live in Florida. I sure appreciate your input and how you fixed all your troubles. Right now I'm in the process of painting it but still have to do some sanding. Did you install the AC yourself or hired it done? I already had to buy a new radiator.
Posted via Mobile Device

[AcampoDave]

I did it myself. The instructions were a bit weak, but the tech support made up for it.

[siggyfreud]

I too ordered my Vintage Air unit from laidbackrecreations. They had the best price I could find online, which was surprising since I had never heard of them before these forums. Order updates via the forum were prompt too. Good luck with whatever route you choose .

[earl84]

I installed the VA surefit kit. Did it in conjunction with Fatmat install everywhere I could in the cab, subwoofer install, new head unit and speakers, the center vent from corvettejim, and the air box from nsb29. It was a lot of work, I had to trade out my fittings for different angles with VA because I have a 454 installed. I also used their kit that allows you to use the deluxe heater controls. It all works great, and their customer service and technical assistance was excellent.

[GTS61]

I need to get me some insulation for my truck before installing AC. It sounds like you did a lot of work to get what you want!! I'm going to do the same. If I'm paying that much I want it done right. I have heard a lot of fatmat.

[nsb29]

Originally Posted by earl84

I installed the VA surefit kit. Did it in conjunction with Fatmat install everywhere I could in the cab, subwoofer install, new head unit and speakers, the center vent from corvettejim, and the air box from nsb29. It was a lot of work, I had to trade out my fittings for different angles with VA because I have a 454 installed. I also used their kit that allows you to use the deluxe heater controls. It all works great, and their customer service and technical assistance was excellent.

Thanks for the plug earl84