Site Vendor for "Vintage Air" ? - Need to Purchase System

[Rack Man]

Not sure if there is a site vendor on here who is a Vintage Air dealer and who is hopefully very knowledgable about the systems....I'm about ready to order a complete system for my build and need to make sure I'm getting everything I need but not getting those items I do not need....Also, have some related questions regarding the system.

Just thought I would give someone from the board a chance to help me out and sell me the system before looking elsewhere!

Thanks,
Dan

[PanelDeland]

I'm not sure but I do know Tim Christian at Christians Classics sells and aftermarket A/C system.I believe one brand he sells is "Old Air" but he may also sell the Vintage air.You can check his website or call him.Just look him up in the members or Vendors list.He should actually be at his store on sat am,unless he's at a swap meet.

[gcburdic]

Hey Rackman,

67ChevyRedneck did a great writeup on the install of his VA system....maybe read through this for info too before you buy??

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

Good luck, and your truck is looking amazing!

[Rack Man]

Originally Posted by gcburdic

Hey Rackman,

67ChevyRedneck did a great writeup on the install of his VA system....maybe read through this for info too before you buy??

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

Good luck, and your truck is looking amazing!

Thanks !...I actually have that thread saved in my favorites.

Now I just need someone that can help me get everything ordered correctly....When I called Vintage Air direct, I just got a CSR who didn't seem to know too much and couldn't help me select the correct components for my application....Even though my truck was originally a non AC truck, its now pretty much set up as if it were one, so there are some accessories I do not need.....I also am getting ready to buy a new wiring harness and am wondering if I should indeed buy an "AC Harness" or not.....

I have heard nothing but good things about Vintage Air, so I really don't want to look at other brands, unless someone has something so convincing that would get me to switch!

[Rack Man]

One bump for a Site Vendor ?

[67ChevyRedneck]

I found that it's cheapest to order directly from VA, especially if you don't live in the same state

You want to order the Sure Fit for the 67-72 Chevy trucks. You want the kit for a NON AIR TRUCK WITH FACTORY CONTROLS!!!

What this does is gives you the correct cowl cover plate for a non air cab (which is what you have, correct?) Then the "factory controls" part means that you'll use the A/C dash unit, which is what you want because using the "heater dash unit" provides much less control over the A/C system.

The only thing the kit didn't come with that I needed was the factory A/C controler, but I knew that and rebuilt one before hand. The only thing "extra" the kit will have if you already have is the a/c balls and center vent, but they're part of the kit so I don't think they would delete them.

If your truck is an automatic possibly plan on upgrading to a 4 row radiator, unless you have a 3 row with some really good electric fans. I had a couple year old 3 row and it overheated in the city every time.

VA kit comes with all the wiring you will need to make it run.

With shipping it cost me $1150 two years ago. The price may have gone up since then.

Edit:

What else do you have that you think you won't need?

[Rack Man]

Thanks you covered quite a bit....I guess I was hoping that I wouldn't need to purchase the Vents, adapter for center vent, controls and possibly the wiring....?....But it looks like the controls are not included in the kit and I will need to buy everything that is included in the accessory kit even If I already have it.

I also need to purchase a new wiring harness and was wondering if it would be better to buy the underdash AC harness or not ?...I know the wiring comes with the system....but if I buy a new underdash harness w/ A/C and it has the correct wiring for the V.A. system then I wouldn't need to purchase the wiring from V.A. that would save me a few bucks too....

I also heard that I may need compressor brackets that are not included in the kit?....

I guess I'm just trying to make it as economical as possible and not double buy stuff!....I was also hoping that a site vendor may be able to get me a deal on the system itself ?

[rodstored-72]

rackman,
go up to so-cal speed shop (McDowell rd & 32nd St). they are a dealer for VA & talk to dave. he will atleast tell you & show you all that you need. you can price shop as well. i bought most of my stuff from them & i feel i got a good deal & some great install info as well. i did a custom setup, but if you just want to add A.C. to the truck & not concerned about looks then i for sure would go with the VA "sure-fit" system. i beleive it is roughly around $1100...shoot me a pm & i will try to answer any questions as well...

good luck!!

[67ChevyRedneck]

I don't think the VA kit uses any of the factory wiring... the fan control switch, etc. is all included in the harness they give you. Again not 100% on that but pretty sure.

Yes, the compressor brackets are absolutely included... but you NEED TO TELL THEM WHAT YOU HAVE! "Factory" for these trucks is the short water pump set up with the alternator on DS and AC compressor on PS. Some people do have "newer" engines that have long water pumps and PS alternators, etc. and I believe VA will get you the correct brackets as long as you know what you have.

I had a 73+ long water pump style set up in my truck, but I wanted a factory look so I spent a lot of $ to go back to a more factory look with a short water pump, moved my alternator back to the DS, and bought the correct pulleys. Because I did that, I can now add the power steering off of the 72 I pirated it from without issues (other than dimpling my damn 67 frame!!!)