Vintage Air vs Factory Air - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rhc10 · 10-30-2013, 09:38 PM

Going to be installing an AC in my non AC 72 next year before the summer. I was thinking of going with factory equipment instead on a VA unit to try and keep it factory. Just wandering what thoughts on going with factory equipment vs A VA unit. I haven't priced out the factory unit so that might make my decision if it's a lot more cash.
Thanks.

Andy4639 · 10-31-2013, 07:56 AM

I did a factory looking system that has been upgraded with 134 a freon and a small sanderson compressor. The condensor and stuff is all rated for 134 a.
The system works great and looks almost all factory. Most people want even notice it. On 80-90 degree days I'm running 45 degrees inside the truck.
My truck wasn't factory air when I bought it.

**RenoKeene** · 10-31-2013, 08:10 AM

I see its your first post so welcome from Central FL. I went back with stock as mine came with it and it works fine. The Vintage Air systems work a bit better but kinda hard to hide the new compressor if your going for the stock look.
Since yours didn't come with air you could go either way.

DT1 · 10-31-2013, 08:28 AM

I have factory air in my 71 and I'm running R134A with zero modification to the system. It has worked very well for the last five years. On the other hand, I installed a Vintage Air system in another car about ten years ago. In spite of changing out to a larger condenser and expansion valve rated for R134A, it has never performed very well.
I would consider it "Barely" adequate. I wouldn't say their systems are all that way. I bought mine when VA was still a fledgling company and I'm sure that since I put mine in, they have made a lot of improvements to their systems.

67ChevyRedneck · 10-31-2013, 08:39 AM

I have vintage air in my C10 and 65 mustang (6 years in C10, recent in mustang). Both systems will freeze you out of the vehicles even in 100*+ temps. I normally have to turn mine down to low fan speed after 15 to 20 minutes.

The biggest issue you'll have is that your cab was not made for the factory A/C box. You'll have to modify your cab so that the factory A/C box will work (see link). There aren't a whole lot of people removing working factory systems from their vehicles, so by the time you get everything needed and make the cab work, replace the condenser, likely compressor, and dryer, VA may be easier/about the same price.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419390

If you want to see what's involved in a VA install, look at the link in my signature.

cdowns · 10-31-2013, 10:04 AM

40year old ac systems work great if maintained but using up to date moder ones will get you a hole lot better fuel milage

rhc10 · 10-31-2013, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the imput everyone. I have some of the boxes from a donor and was planning on putting everything else new to avoid any issues. I'm not really looking to save money with this option, my thoughts were to try and keep it as factory as possible. Also to try to keep my engine bay as clean and neat as possible. It looks great now with out all the AC but just can't live with out the AC in the South Florida heat.

**Hart_Rod** · 10-31-2013, 10:59 AM

My Vintage Air setup...

rhc10 · 10-31-2013, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

My Vintage Air setup...

Very nice and clean, if mine looks like that when I'm done I will be a happy man.

**Hart_Rod** · 10-31-2013, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhc10

Very nice and clean, if mine looks like that when I'm done I will be a happy man.

, satin black hides a lot....

67ChevyRedneck · 10-31-2013, 02:01 PM

Yes it does, you can even spray the Sanden compressors to "look" more factory, like I did on my 65.

Big clunky HP robbing factory Mustang set up (the compressor and bracket were really heavy too) :

Vintage Air with painted compressor:

I caught hell for removing a factory air installed system on mustang forums, but meh, they made a bazillion of them. Fact was, it was going to cost me almost as much to fix and convert the old system as a VA system was new. It cleaned up the dash, I have heat now (pulled the heater box to find everything was original and trashed and needed to be replaced) and it got rid of the giant box thing that takes up the whole center of the dash.

Not done yet, but you get the idea:

leftybass209 · 10-31-2013, 03:12 PM

I've sat in trucks that have had both. It comes down to clutter IMO. The factory box fills the passenger side engine bay. Vintage air fills the glove box. They can both freeze you out of the cabin when functioning properly.

Andy4639 · 10-31-2013, 03:26 PM

My glove box is full of computer to run the 305 TPI!

Either system will work just fine as stated. Just depends on what look u want.

10-30-2013, 09:38 PM	#1
rhc10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 38	Vintage Air vs Factory Air Going to be installing an AC in my non AC 72 next year before the summer. I was thinking of going with factory equipment instead on a VA unit to try and keep it factory. Just wandering what thoughts on going with factory equipment vs A VA unit. I haven't priced out the factory unit so that might make my decision if it's a lot more cash. Thanks.

10-31-2013, 07:56 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air I did a factory looking system that has been upgraded with 134 a freon and a small sanderson compressor. The condensor and stuff is all rated for 134 a. The system works great and looks almost all factory. Most people want even notice it. On 80-90 degree days I'm running 45 degrees inside the truck. My truck wasn't factory air when I bought it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. Last edited by Andy4639; 10-31-2013 at 10:00 AM.

10-31-2013, 08:10 AM	#3
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,022	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air I see its your first post so welcome from Central FL. I went back with stock as mine came with it and it works fine. The Vintage Air systems work a bit better but kinda hard to hide the new compressor if your going for the stock look. Since yours didn't come with air you could go either way. Attached Images __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

10-31-2013, 08:28 AM	#4
DT1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardnerville Nv No Mo Cali!! Posts: 869	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air I have factory air in my 71 and I'm running R134A with zero modification to the system. It has worked very well for the last five years. On the other hand, I installed a Vintage Air system in another car about ten years ago. In spite of changing out to a larger condenser and expansion valve rated for R134A, it has never performed very well. I would consider it "Barely" adequate. I wouldn't say their systems are all that way. I bought mine when VA was still a fledgling company and I'm sure that since I put mine in, they have made a lot of improvements to their systems.

10-31-2013, 08:39 AM	#5
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air I have vintage air in my C10 and 65 mustang (6 years in C10, recent in mustang). Both systems will freeze you out of the vehicles even in 100*+ temps. I normally have to turn mine down to low fan speed after 15 to 20 minutes. The biggest issue you'll have is that your cab was not made for the factory A/C box. You'll have to modify your cab so that the factory A/C box will work (see link). There aren't a whole lot of people removing working factory systems from their vehicles, so by the time you get everything needed and make the cab work, replace the condenser, likely compressor, and dryer, VA may be easier/about the same price. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419390 If you want to see what's involved in a VA install, look at the link in my signature. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

10-31-2013, 10:04 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air 40year old ac systems work great if maintained but using up to date moder ones will get you a hole lot better fuel milage __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-31-2013, 10:57 AM	#7
rhc10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 38	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air Thanks for the imput everyone. I have some of the boxes from a donor and was planning on putting everything else new to avoid any issues. I'm not really looking to save money with this option, my thoughts were to try and keep it as factory as possible. Also to try to keep my engine bay as clean and neat as possible. It looks great now with out all the AC but just can't live with out the AC in the South Florida heat.

10-31-2013, 10:59 AM	#8
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,840	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air My Vintage Air setup... Attached Images __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

10-31-2013, 02:01 PM	#11
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air Yes it does, you can even spray the Sanden compressors to "look" more factory, like I did on my 65. Big clunky HP robbing factory Mustang set up (the compressor and bracket were really heavy too) : Vintage Air with painted compressor: I caught hell for removing a factory air installed system on mustang forums, but meh, they made a bazillion of them. Fact was, it was going to cost me almost as much to fix and convert the old system as a VA system was new. It cleaned up the dash, I have heat now (pulled the heater box to find everything was original and trashed and needed to be replaced) and it got rid of the giant box thing that takes up the whole center of the dash. Not done yet, but you get the idea: __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 10-31-2013 at 02:13 PM.

10-31-2013, 03:12 PM	#12
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,186	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air I've sat in trucks that have had both. It comes down to clutter IMO. The factory box fills the passenger side engine bay. Vintage air fills the glove box. They can both freeze you out of the cabin when functioning properly.

10-31-2013, 03:26 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Vintage Air vs Factory Air My glove box is full of computer to run the 305 TPI! Either system will work just fine as stated. Just depends on what look u want. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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