Kensmith

I have been on both web sites for Vintage Air and Classic Air. I have used Vintage Air before so I am familiar with them. But most guys on the forum like Classic Air. I reviewed the installation instructions on both for a 1965 Coupe with non-factory air. Both look pretty straight forward. The few things that are leaning me toward Vintage Air is the hose routing around the battery and entering the firewall from the side VS straight in. This solves the battery relocate problem. Also, Vintage does not require modification to the control ***** or console. Both are "sure fit" made for my car so I think either are well made units. Any experience with issues of either including problems installing? I am leaning toward the Vintage Air for the above reasons.

Thanks

ctjackster

very detailed comparisons and install how-tos exist among the posts on this forum, such as when member Subfixer was considering which way to go (he chose CA over VA).

ok, did some research for you:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ge+air+classic

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ge+air+classic

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ge+air+classic

here's the good how-to CA install thread, with posts from Roy and Paul:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...assic+auto+air

CaveCreekChump

I did the same kind of research, drove myself nuts reading all of the posts and did a detailed camparison of the installation instructions for FIVE companies.

It came down to Vintage Air for me. Two reasons (aside from the conversations I had with two Corvette restorers who use VA exclusively): 1. No reduction in glove box size and 2. Price (I arranged for a friend to become a VA dealer so I got my unit wholesale).

I put Classic Auto Air in my '67 GTO. Enjoyed working with them and had a very nice result. However, I just picked up the Vintage Air unit for my '65 roadster this AM and can't wait to get started.

Kensmith

If you post pics and thoughts as you install I am sure other forum member would really appreciate it including myself. That will be my next project as my 65 coupe with no a/c in 100*+ temps is not much fun to drive.

CaveCreekChump

I'll be happy to do that, although some people find my innermost thoughts somewhat disturbing.

First, though, I'll be going to Arizona until the end of July. That will give me an even greater appreciation of AC!

Kensmith

I think my main issue is the battery access. I don't really want to move the battery to the driver side unless both Vintage and Classic forces this due to hose locations. I saw on Vintage Air's web site they have what appears to be side mounted bulkheads for the hoses that will be out of the way VS over the top of the battery. Don't know what is worse, move the battery or ??? I think the Vintage Air now has adjustable louvered vents for the center console so you can direct the airflow. I did like the photos on Classic's web sight though. Nicely done.

vetzs

I had elbows installed on the hoses to be able to direct them towards the wheel well giving me clearance for the battery. Mine was a CA install, they did give me hoses that were of sufficient length to create slack in them for easy battery removal. I liked CA's A/C and Alt mounting brackets plus the supplied fans. Very good people to work with, they want you to be satisfied.