DRIGUY

I have a 66 roadster big block non a/c and desire to add a/c. The decision is which shop to go with. My car is a really nice driver, but not a numbers matching high dollar car so i'm more concerned with functionality than exact originality.

Shop 1 recommends Gen IV kit as it comes. These folks do a lot of custom installation.

Shop 2 recommends Gen IV interior components and according to them more advanced components under the hood, with as much hand line connections as possible; a hybrid system. The owner believes his suggested hybrid system performs better in hot/humid Florida weather and uses more current technology. In this case the owners does all the vintage installations.

The costs are basically the same. Both are well respected shop with good reputations and in business over 20 years; are Vintage Air dealers/installers; and have significant experience with C2 corvette a/c (original and aftermarket), as well as, other vintage car and hot rods.

What's the opinion about a hybrid system vs a complete Gen IV system?

Technite73

Why not mention the shop's names and ask for feedback from members who have used these shops.

I personally know of at least 2 shops in Ft Lauderdale that do these installations.

DRIGUY

I'm in Tampa, the shops are Marks Air and Air Innovations.

SS409

If it were my car I'd go with shop one using the gen IV setup. I don't see any advantage in a hybrid system. The gen IV system works fine and you will not void out the warranty.
Just saying.......

CaveCreekChump

I would vote for shop #2, everything else being equal, because the Gen IV installation as designed by Vintage Air has one big drawback that I don't like: you lose the passenger side fresh air vent.

If the "hybrid" element planned by shop #2 consists of re-routing the refrigerant and heater hoses in order to retain that fresh air vent, that is the best possible scenario, in my opinion.

mark6669

I don't know what a Hybrid system is but I have now installed 3 standard Gen IV systems and 5 Gen IV systems with Vintage Air Front Runners and the side port compressor (3 are in my personal cars). All the systems work great. Every time someone asks this question the loss of the right fresh air vent comes up, the factory Air system also eliminated the right vent. I just don't know what the big deal is if its to hot in the car turn on the A/C that's why you installed it in the first place.
Mark

CaveCreekChump

The problem is the spousal unit. Her comfort can make or break a 2000 mile road trip.

I have the pre-Gen IV Vintage Air system that uses the factory stock slide cables. It is so cumbersome to use that I mostly either have full heat or full AC. That makes the fresh air vents important in my environmental comfort strategy.

I am giving serious consideration to getting the Gen IV evaporator unit and controls, bringing my system into the 21st century.

Of course, I will have to make up my own hoses in order to keep that fresh air vent functional.

csysman

I just had mine done by Bill Anderson in Pompano here in south Fl-( thanx to your recommendation)have enjoyed the VA Gen IV in 90+ heat and my wife says thank you to Ron

MarkC

Check out the Old Air a/c. You don't loose the vent or the glove box. You can get the old Delco compressor or the Sanden.

Tampa Jerry

I have the older Vintage Air system in my 66 coupe. The install was not to difficult. You can see my system and decide for yourself if it is something you want to tackle on your own. I have heard good things about Marks. I don't know if he has experience with C-2's though. Have you checked with Classic Auto Air in west Tampa? They used to do installs at their shop. I can also check with one of my friends that does work on my company cars. He has a few vettes and other classic cars. PM me for more info. Jerry