Mounting Vintage Air Unit Higher Under Dash......

[spudder]

The Gen IV Vintage Air unit is probably the best unit out there. I intend on using one in our current build. My only complaint, is how low it sits on the firewall. After viewing many pictures of installed units, I think that a unit could be mounted higher which would make for a cleaner look. I know the opening for the AC and heater lines would have to be made larger, but I don't know of anything else that would prevent mounting the unit as much as 2 inches higher.
What are your thoughts on this idea?
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[The Rocknrod]

I never use the manufacturers suggestions on mounting it. If you fill all the holes first you can start from scratch.

[LVPhotos]

Check out Restomod versions. Not sure it moves up, but they use a cover that may do it. Only seen on Cuttless at shop. Just tossing it out there.
https://www.restomodair.com/product-...RoCKywQAvD_BwE

[roll_the_dice]

I just installed mine recently. I am not a huge fan of how it hangs down in the cab, but I didn't want to mess with the firewall to have the opening differently or to reroute the plumbing to come out differently.

Probably could come up 1 1/2" to 2"....or you could do a builders series A/C and make it even a smaller footprint. This is my Gen IV installed under the dash.

[Blue666(2)]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I just installed mine recently. I am not a huge fan of how it hangs down in the cab, but I didn't want to mess with the firewall to have the opening differently or to reroute the plumbing to come out differently.

Probably could come up 1 1/2" to 2"....or you could do a builders series A/C and make it even a smaller footprint. This is my Gen IV installed under the dash.

Does the blower moter rest right against the cover on the vent? and do you think moving this up higher or using the builder unit would allow the vent to be used?

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Blue666(2)

Does the blower moter rest right against the cover on the vent? and do you think moving this up higher or using the builder unit would allow the vent to be used?

It is not right next to the vent cover, but not sure how far away it is. I looked at the dimensions of some of the builder units and they were up to 2" in height shorter and 2" in length shorter.

I "think" if you rerouted the plumbing on the Gen IV or welded the opening shut and made new holes it could be moved up maybe 2". Without measuring I am not sure how close the servos are to the underside of the cowl...that is the determining factor of moving the Gen IV up, IMO. I can get some measurements tomorrow if you want.

[Blue666(2)]

roll_the_dice, More pictures are always good. Thanks.

[The Sub]

Mounted my Vintage Air as high as I could.

Jim

[spudder]

Originally Posted by spudder

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Thanks, I'd really like to see some more pictures. I like the idea of raising the unit higher.
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[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by The Sub

Mounted my Vintage Air as high as I could.

Jim

Is that the Gen IV? Also hard to tell, but did you move it over more to the center of the dash? Can you show pictures from the firewall side?

[roll_the_dice]

Here are some pictures I just took with the Gen IV in the OEM location.

The fresh air vent is approximately 2" from the side of the unit. So It may be able to be cracked, but not opened. Also, to the right of the unit where the underside of the cowl rolls down to the side panel, there is about 1 1/2" before it would hit plumbing that is a hard line on the unit.

I think to move the Gen IV up a maximum of about 1 3/4" or more, it would have to be moved siginificantly away from the OEM location and plumbing rerouted or at least get creative.

[forestb]

I lightened the photo so you can see it better. I know there in a detailed thread on here where someone did this.

[norcalcap]

Originally Posted by Blue666(2)

Does the blower moter rest right against the cover on the vent? and do you think moving this up higher or using the builder unit would allow the vent to be used?

FWIW, I mounted mine as VA recommends and was able to flip the control lever on the pass. side air vent flap still allowing for full operation of the fresh air intake. I also built a cover for the unit as it is quite visually unappealing. The cover helps a little, not completely satisfied, but.....

[AcampoDave]

I like that cover and have previously considered something similar. Let me ask you, does it impede the air flow to the fan? Also, does it help muffle the noise of the fan? I think they are kinda loud.

[norcalcap]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

I like that cover and have previously considered something similar. Let me ask you, does it impede the air flow to the fan? Also, does it help muffle the noise of the fan? I think they are kinda loud.

I don't think airflow is compromised. The back of the cover is open and it has about an inch between the front of the cover and the fan housing. It was may bc of the noise and it has made a huge improvement. I'd definitely recommend one if yours is loud. I used construction paper to mock up then used foam board for final. That made it firm enough but still light weight.

[roll_the_dice]

The optical illusion makes it blend into the firewall well in the picture. Is the cover 3 panels...left, right and center?

[norcalcap]

Yes. Front, left, right, plus the lower all extend toward the firewall and terminate just short of covering the entire unit.

[AcampoDave]

Foam board for hobbies or for home construction? Also please, did you just glue the carpet to it with spray adhesive and did you attach the whole works to the A/C unit with studs and washers? I hope you don't mind me stealing your design. I won't however, steal the credit for it when people ask about it.

[The Sub]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Is that the Gen IV? Also hard to tell, but did you move it over more to the center of the dash? Can you show pictures from the firewall side?

It's a Gen ll Super Cool. I centered it and had to move the radio here's a more pic's

Jim

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by The Sub

It's a Gen ll Super Cool. I centered it and had to move the radio here's a more pic's

Jim Attachment 2023598

Attachment 2023599

Wow Sub - Your throwing down like a Mo-Town clown with that bad boy.

[norcalcap]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Foam board for hobbies or for home construction? Also please, did you just glue the carpet to it with spray adhesive and did you attach the whole works to the A/C unit with studs and washers? I hope you don't mind me stealing your design. I won't however, steal the credit for it when people ask about it.

Sent you a PM

[Robert Haas]

We are right in the middle of this on our build. Mounted it as high as it will go. With our added under dash panel we built it hides it pretty well.