Afternarket A/C units - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mocwon · 06-09-2003, 05:04 PM

After researching the various brands of aftermarket A/C units I am down to what I think are the two of the best brands; Old Air and Vintage Air. Can anyone provide any first hand information about which brand may be better and why? Thanks

NPilot1975 · 06-09-2003, 05:51 PM

I just ordered a Vintage Air system for my truck. It should be here in the next couple of days. I will post what I find out about it when it gets here and I start installing it. I will take as many pictures as I can.

Mike Culpepper · 06-09-2003, 05:52 PM

I am about 80% through installing a vintage air system right now. I can't speak about performance yet other than to say most if not all have had good things to say about both systems.
If you haven't already done a search here, there is alot of info about both systems if you plug in "vintage air" in the search box.
I went with installing the system myself to save $750, and so far it's been pretty easy. My dealer has been extremely helpfull answering questions(I hear most are this way too), and V.A.'s customer service has been very eager to help as well when I couldn't reach the dealer. I would call around and get quotes from different dealers(I found about $250 difference between some dealers and the one I went with) and IF POSSIBLE buy from a dealer that installs the units themselves--I spoke with one dealer that didn't install the systems, and he didn't seem as knowlegeable as the one I went with. I personally think you will be happy with either system.

Holler if you decide to go with V.A. and install it yourself, I made alot of "rookie " mistakes that I can steer you around, hopefully.
Mike

NPilot1975 · 06-09-2003, 06:02 PM

Mike,

I am getting my system this week. It is Vintage Air. What kind of mistakes did you make? Thanx for any help you can give.

Jamison

Mike C · 06-09-2003, 06:34 PM

Hey mocwon, I have a dealer installed AC setup in my 72 parts suburban. I'd sell it for $100, but it would take me a month or so to get it from the farm. It is one that goes under the dash and uses a York compressor. Don't know if you would be interested in that or not. Not near as neat and tidy as the newer ones.

Mike Culpepper · 06-09-2003, 06:46 PM

Mainly ones that cost a few hours time here and there. For example I have a '72 Cheyenne, and in order to get the condenser in I had to drill out the existing lower condenser mounting holes. You can't do this with the grill intact, so thought I would just pull the center grill(egg crate). I took all those little screws out only to find that the plastic fasteners had to be pushed out also, and was afarid I'd break something. So I loosened the grill and had to tilt the grill outward at the top and use a 90deg. drill chuck (BE SURE YOU PUT A 1X3 PIECE BEHIND THIS HOLE SO YOU DON'T DRILL A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR). I got the holes drilled out and the condenser in and grill put back in only to discover you can't get the hard lines through the rad support with out the grill tilted out. Dough!!!!
Also even though I didn't have any problems here I was going to skip the section where they tell you to "bench test" the system figuring that it's new it has to work.....but my dealer said DO IT. He has had 1/2 a hand full over the years that DID have problems, and the time to find that out is BEFORE you get every thing hooked up and in the truck. Also when you are at this stage, double check that the thermostat that is "preset" at the factory is in fact turned all the way counter clockwise(that is how it is supposed to be from the factory). You'll know what I'm talking about when you get to that place in the install.
Having an extra hand is a good idea if possible, just to hold things while you get the screw in........THe systems are pretty slick and they use existing firewall holes if you have an A/C cab.
Let me know if there are any problems you are having durring the install and I'll see if I've "been there -done that".
Mike

**MikeB** · 06-09-2003, 07:19 PM

Vintage Air's base kit for non-factory air trucks requires you to use the 3-lever heater/defrost control panel. I would highly recommend upgrading to the factory A/C control panel. I had all kinds of issues with mine (not self-inflicted) when I installed it in 1998, but Jack Chisenhal, the owner, personally helped me out. Fortunately, I was able to drive to San Antonio where his R&D guys made some upgrades and got everything working. Jack mentioned that he thought he might start including the factory A/C control panel in all kits - with or without factory air. After 5 years, it's still blowing 40 degree air. Last year I noticed my heater valve would not completely close. Their telephone tech support guys sent me a new one at no charge. Support is great!

ddsmith · 06-09-2003, 09:30 PM

I just ordered the Old Air unit from GMCPauls. When I install it I will take as many pictures as I can and hopefully keep a writeup of problems encountered during the installation or helpful tips I learn. If anyone else has installed one of these Old Air units lets hear some feedback.

69sixpackbee · 06-10-2003, 12:44 AM

I have the Old Air unit..fits like a glove, easy to install and blows like the North Pole in January!!

Jemost 72 · 06-10-2003, 03:37 AM

Ditto with Six Pack^ on the Old Air..

tom hand · 06-10-2003, 08:45 AM

I have Vintage Air and love it. I would never go back to stock. The only problem I had with it was getting the defrost cable adjusted. The air was leaking thru the defrost vents and causing the windshield to fog up on 95 degree days...lol...this thing blows cold

GREEN70-72 · 06-10-2003, 08:56 AM

Any one know if you can buy the vintage ac without the compressor. I am wanting to run it with a latemodel (95 pickup) serpeintine(sp?) set up. so I need the later model ac. but still want vintage air. or do i just update what i got?

Capitol68 · 06-10-2003, 09:16 AM

Mike C
pm sent...dont want to step on toes,but i might would be interested
Mark

**MikeB** · 06-10-2003, 09:34 AM

A few more things about my Vintage Air unit -- The cables were a pain to adjust. And I have never been able to totally close off the air flow from the dash vents and put it only on the floor or windshied. I think it's because the "door" doesn't seal snugly against the housing when closed and the air wants to come out of the blower unit and keep going straight (instead of turning up or down). This means, no matter where you want the airflow, at least 30% of it will be out of the dash vents. Another thing -- it will be a major nightmare if I ever have to replace a heater hose. The heater hose clamps are hidden under the dash. If I could do it again, I'd extend the hose nipples out into the engine compartment. I see where they make a vacuum-controlled unit (no cables) for hot rods. It would be interesting to try to adapt this unit to our trucks. Finally -- get the optional condensor! If it were up to their tech guys, they'd push it all the time.

Mike C · 06-10-2003, 09:44 AM

PM'd you back Capitol68, mocwon wasn't interested.

Frank_Zeller · 06-10-2003, 10:07 AM

Pics of Old Air Install.
http://community.webshots.com/user/frazel

L@@K in "AC Install" folder

Had problems with the unit freezing up on the highway at first. Converted to an electronic evaporator temp cycle switch and no more freeze up. You need to fix all the air leaks first. Not to impressed with Old Air Tech support. But they now have question and answer section on their web site. Would like to buy there new dual electric fan set up. The old Air set up uses a much larger front condenser. The old air evaportator is a suck though design vs vintage air blow though design.

Since there is no fresh air intake you have to run the ac in the winter with the heater on or the truck will fog up.

If I had to do it over I would used the factory ac cab stuff with Old Air condenser and compressor.

With 134A you need to block above and below the front condenser so the fan pulls all the air thought the condenser.

http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/

06-09-2003, 05:04 PM	#1
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	Afternarket A/C units After researching the various brands of aftermarket A/C units I am down to what I think are the two of the best brands; Old Air and Vintage Air. Can anyone provide any first hand information about which brand may be better and why? Thanks __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

06-09-2003, 05:51 PM	#2
NPilot1975 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 891	I just ordered a Vintage Air system for my truck. It should be here in the next couple of days. I will post what I find out about it when it gets here and I start installing it. I will take as many pictures as I can. __________________ 1972 Blazer body...need to get a thread started for the rest of the story

06-09-2003, 05:52 PM	#3
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	I am about 80% through installing a vintage air system right now. I can't speak about performance yet other than to say most if not all have had good things to say about both systems. If you haven't already done a search here, there is alot of info about both systems if you plug in "vintage air" in the search box. I went with installing the system myself to save $750, and so far it's been pretty easy. My dealer has been extremely helpfull answering questions(I hear most are this way too), and V.A.'s customer service has been very eager to help as well when I couldn't reach the dealer. I would call around and get quotes from different dealers(I found about $250 difference between some dealers and the one I went with) and IF POSSIBLE buy from a dealer that installs the units themselves--I spoke with one dealer that didn't install the systems, and he didn't seem as knowlegeable as the one I went with. I personally think you will be happy with either system. Holler if you decide to go with V.A. and install it yourself, I made alot of "rookie " mistakes that I can steer you around, hopefully. Mike __________________ '72 Cheyenne LWB 350/350 "The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time." - Catfish Hunter (commenting on why he was not able to pitch another perfect game).

06-09-2003, 06:02 PM	#4
NPilot1975 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 891	Mike, I am getting my system this week. It is Vintage Air. What kind of mistakes did you make? Thanx for any help you can give. Jamison __________________ 1972 Blazer body...need to get a thread started for the rest of the story

06-09-2003, 06:34 PM	#5
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Hey mocwon, I have a dealer installed AC setup in my 72 parts suburban. I'd sell it for $100, but it would take me a month or so to get it from the farm. It is one that goes under the dash and uses a York compressor. Don't know if you would be interested in that or not. Not near as neat and tidy as the newer ones. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

06-09-2003, 06:46 PM	#6
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	Mainly ones that cost a few hours time here and there. For example I have a '72 Cheyenne, and in order to get the condenser in I had to drill out the existing lower condenser mounting holes. You can't do this with the grill intact, so thought I would just pull the center grill(egg crate). I took all those little screws out only to find that the plastic fasteners had to be pushed out also, and was afarid I'd break something. So I loosened the grill and had to tilt the grill outward at the top and use a 90deg. drill chuck (BE SURE YOU PUT A 1X3 PIECE BEHIND THIS HOLE SO YOU DON'T DRILL A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR). I got the holes drilled out and the condenser in and grill put back in only to discover you can't get the hard lines through the rad support with out the grill tilted out. Dough!!!! Also even though I didn't have any problems here I was going to skip the section where they tell you to "bench test" the system figuring that it's new it has to work.....but my dealer said DO IT. He has had 1/2 a hand full over the years that DID have problems, and the time to find that out is BEFORE you get every thing hooked up and in the truck. Also when you are at this stage, double check that the thermostat that is "preset" at the factory is in fact turned all the way counter clockwise(that is how it is supposed to be from the factory). You'll know what I'm talking about when you get to that place in the install. Having an extra hand is a good idea if possible, just to hold things while you get the screw in........THe systems are pretty slick and they use existing firewall holes if you have an A/C cab. Let me know if there are any problems you are having durring the install and I'll see if I've "been there -done that". Mike __________________ '72 Cheyenne LWB 350/350 "The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time." - Catfish Hunter (commenting on why he was not able to pitch another perfect game).

06-09-2003, 07:19 PM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Vintage Air's base kit for non-factory air trucks requires you to use the 3-lever heater/defrost control panel. I would highly recommend upgrading to the factory A/C control panel. I had all kinds of issues with mine (not self-inflicted) when I installed it in 1998, but Jack Chisenhal, the owner, personally helped me out. Fortunately, I was able to drive to San Antonio where his R&D guys made some upgrades and got everything working. Jack mentioned that he thought he might start including the factory A/C control panel in all kits - with or without factory air. After 5 years, it's still blowing 40 degree air. Last year I noticed my heater valve would not completely close. Their telephone tech support guys sent me a new one at no charge. Support is great! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 06-10-2003 at 09:37 AM.

06-09-2003, 09:30 PM	#8
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	I just ordered the Old Air unit from GMCPauls. When I install it I will take as many pictures as I can and hopefully keep a writeup of problems encountered during the installation or helpful tips I learn. If anyone else has installed one of these Old Air units lets hear some feedback. __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

06-10-2003, 12:44 AM	#9
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	I have the Old Air unit..fits like a glove, easy to install and blows like the North Pole in January!!

06-10-2003, 03:37 AM	#10
Jemost 72 Southern Bowties Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 240	Ditto with Six Pack^ on the Old Air.. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne 350/350

06-10-2003, 08:45 AM	#11
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I have Vintage Air and love it. I would never go back to stock. The only problem I had with it was getting the defrost cable adjusted. The air was leaking thru the defrost vents and causing the windshield to fog up on 95 degree days...lol...this thing blows cold __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-10-2003, 08:56 AM	#12
GREEN70-72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: CRESTVIEW,FL,US Posts: 355	Any one know if you can buy the vintage ac without the compressor. I am wanting to run it with a latemodel (95 pickup) serpeintine(sp?) set up. so I need the later model ac. but still want vintage air. or do i just update what i got? __________________ 70 SWB, 4/6" DROP,20X8 & 20X9.5. BOYD TIMELESS 5,93 BURB POWER SEATS, BILLET SPECIALTIES STEERING WHEELS. SOON TO BE VOTECH AND TBI POWERED. O YEA AND WAL-MART IS THE DEVIL!!!

06-10-2003, 09:16 AM	#13
Capitol68 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin,Tx Posts: 327	Mike C pm sent...dont want to step on toes,but i might would be interested Mark __________________ '68 Fleet LWB orig 307 .030 over GM Hei/w Accel Super coil orig. stock TH 400. _______________________ “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pine English author d.1851

06-10-2003, 09:34 AM	#14
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	A few more things about my Vintage Air unit -- The cables were a pain to adjust. And I have never been able to totally close off the air flow from the dash vents and put it only on the floor or windshied. I think it's because the "door" doesn't seal snugly against the housing when closed and the air wants to come out of the blower unit and keep going straight (instead of turning up or down). This means, no matter where you want the airflow, at least 30% of it will be out of the dash vents. Another thing -- it will be a major nightmare if I ever have to replace a heater hose. The heater hose clamps are hidden under the dash. If I could do it again, I'd extend the hose nipples out into the engine compartment. I see where they make a vacuum-controlled unit (no cables) for hot rods. It would be interesting to try to adapt this unit to our trucks. Finally -- get the optional condensor! If it were up to their tech guys, they'd push it all the time. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

06-10-2003, 09:44 AM	#15
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	PM'd you back Capitol68, mocwon wasn't interested. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax



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06-10-2003, 10:07 AM	#16
Frank_Zeller Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 796	Pics of Old Air Install. http://community.webshots.com/user/frazel L@@K in "AC Install" folder Had problems with the unit freezing up on the highway at first. Converted to an electronic evaporator temp cycle switch and no more freeze up. You need to fix all the air leaks first. Not to impressed with Old Air Tech support. But they now have question and answer section on their web site. Would like to buy there new dual electric fan set up. The old Air set up uses a much larger front condenser. The old air evaportator is a suck though design vs vintage air blow though design. Since there is no fresh air intake you have to run the ac in the winter with the heater on or the truck will fog up. If I had to do it over I would used the factory ac cab stuff with Old Air condenser and compressor. With 134A you need to block above and below the front condenser so the fan pulls all the air thought the condenser. http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/ __________________ 69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas Last edited by Frank_Zeller; 06-10-2003 at 12:58 PM.

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