Experience with A//C install....57 3100

[Dan87GT]

Hello...I have relocated to Texas and want to install A/C in my 57 3100.....any experience out there with companies, different options.....tips, etc.....

thank you....Dan

[dyno]

Subscribed. Was going to post same thread for my '58.

[dwcsr]

You have a choice of several. Vintage Air, Old Air and a few others. I have installed both vintage and old air and prefer Old air.
With an insulated cab both will work very well here in Houston.

Vintage and Old-air are in Texas
Old air lets you use a stock compressor if you already have it. Vintage you have to use their compressor.
Old air is real easy to install. Vintage is a little harder.
Vintage has a little better controls
Old air seems to have a better support team
price is about the same
Neither has fresh air feed so fogging may some times be an issue here.
Both have brackets for just about any engine but if your going to use an LS engine I suggest using the Holley brackets. Much nicer and about the same cost as vintages brackets.
Instructions on Old air are better. Vintage needs to update theirs but don't seem to care about that. Neither are great instructions

They both have the evaporator and heater core in the same case so you must keep 50/50 antifreeze in the engine or you will bust the core.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

They both have the evaporator and heater core in the same case so you must keep 50/50 antifreeze in the engine or you will bust the core.

Are you saying the AC evaporator could freeze the heater core? Up here we always run 50/50 never know when a cold snap will set in.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Are you saying the AC evaporator could freeze the heater core? Up here we always run 50/50 never know when a cold snap will set in.

Yes. It states that in the instructions. They combine them in the same air box to make the unit compact.

[OrrieG]

Thanks, never would have crossed my mind, and do not recall seeing it in the instructions.

[roger55]

I put the Vintage Air GenIV in my '57 3200.
I upgraded to their billet louver bezels.

[_Ogre]

i have vintage air in my 58, it is a hybrid package
i didn't like the look of all the plastic dash pieces in the surefit package
i also liked the electronic servo motor controls of the genII compact system
va let me combine the surefit condenser/dryer with the genII compact dash unit and controls
i can also tell you that even at 104* temps it will freeze you out of the cab on high

you can't beat va for tech support, it was 6 years from the time i installed the system until i had truk running
rob at va worked with me to get everything working and hooked up, even swapped out 6 yr old fittings
i recommend vintage air based on his service/tech support

[michaelt55]

support of a product, especially with the extended build times of these trucks mean alot to me. If Vintage Air is as good with support as this, then I will probably purchase their product unless its just too over priced....but you get what you pay for!

ok,off the soapbox...

[tmoble]

no soapbox, that's just the way it is with this stuff. Companies earn their reputation and have to live with what they earn.

I'm a mod/admin on another forum or two, 15 years and 22,000 posts later I've learned that what really counts is support after the sale. cheap prices usually mean you're on your own after they've got your money.

You get what you pay for, if you do your homework and get lucky. Something as complex as add-on A/C, service after the sale is all that matters.

[da-burb]

I sell the system from Classic Auto Air. Great system! link to the 55-59 perfect fit system. http://www.classicautoair.com/55_59_..._Chevy_AC.html

[BIGglaSS]

I am interested in restomodair.com. They have a compact unit that looks smaller than the Vintage Air unit. Does anyone here have experience with them?