59BlueSilver

I burned up last summer and swore I wasn't going to go thru another summer w/o A/C. Now that I've bought my system I'm having second thoughts. Maybe this is common, I don't know. I had to cutout the radiator cross braces today to make room for the condensor and just didn't feel good about it. I still have a long way to go and a lot of revisions to make, just wonder if I'm doing the right thing.
For those that added A/C to their C1, are you glad you did it and would you do it again?

mrg

Smallish cockpits that they are in C1-C2 cars if an unsolicited opinion from a C2 guy might count, you made a good choice. Like you I got tired of roasting in the cabin on hot days. Top down or windows open wasn't cutting it.

Adding AC was the only real solution, especially on long distance drives. The VA installation was a PITA. Everything was a tight fit. All said and done (along with the cuts and bruises) adding AC was well worth the effort to install. It's all about the comfort now.
​​​​​​​John

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Tampa Jerry

Repost this in July when the system is in and functionally correctly and let us know how you feel. Seriously, once in, you will wonder why you waited so long to install. Good luck. Jerry

webfiero

After years of living with being too hot on long drives, I installed A/C in my C2. I know you're dealing with your C1 so what I am passing along may not be exactly what you are doing. But during my installation, I made the decision to NOT cut the cross brace out. I made the assumption that if the A/C performance was not up to standard, I could always go back and cut it out and reinstall the condenser. I did hedge my bet by installing a 12" pusher fan in front of the condenser. It's going on two years since I did this and I am happy with how everything is working. I should point out that when I open my hood the front lip almost touches the condenser. Which ever way you goes, I bet in the end you only wish you had done this sooner.

Loren Smith

Does anyone know if the condenser / hood will fit/clear if you don't cut out the radiator brace on a C1 install? I already bought the VA setup and I am now at the crossroads of installing it during my restoration. I would like to not cut the support out if at all possible.

Frankie the Fink

I'd test fit the condensor/drier and find out for yourself....

My "X" brace on the '63 was in the way (I thought) so off it came; I've seen other SWC's and C2s with added air that managed to keep it on the car. Maybe I wasn't patient enough...

mark6669

I have installed AC in many C1&C2s every owner tells me it was the best thing that they have ever done to their cars and can't believe they waited so long to pull the trigger. Most of them don't worry about devaluing their car because they enjoy driving it instead of just looking at it thinking it's to hot out to drive it.
Mark

59BlueSilver

I just installed the condensor this morning after cutting out the cross brace. Main reason I didn't want to do that was for originality, I think it provides little structural integrity over the condensor itself, but you couldn't see the cross brace at all anyway so I'm past that. Also, I used a very thin radiac wheel to cut the welds so if I ever wanted it back in, no problem.
If you left it in, it would butt right up to the condensor and damage the fins. There might be a way but you'd have to work with it. The hood is not an issue.

59BlueSilver

Thanks all for the positive reinforcement. I know I'll be glad I did it, but up till now I've been plagued with problems.

Robert61

Maybe you can answer a VA question for me. I have it in my 66 GTO. The compressor cycles too much. Like its low on freon. I had it charged according to the instructions and added more to see if would help. A friend with the same system said VA told him to pull the capillary tube out just a little on the bottom. I tried that as well.

Robert61

I had a few issues with mine as well. Their tech line was quite good at helping, but one guy was considerably better. After I got it installed the blend doors wouldn't change, upper, center, or lower. They had me check all of the voltages and sent another module to try. It turned out all of the doors were stuck. I had to take the end off and reach up inside to free them. they said too much torque installing it would twist the housing causing that. That wasn't it the doors have rubber edges on them and they were just stuck. I'll know to check that when I get around to installing it on my 61.

59BlueSilver

I'm doing electrical hookup to my alternator today since I had to move it to the left side. Thought I would run some of the VA wiring as well and since I'm planning on moving my battery to the trunk, there is a note that says to run white wire directly to battery ground. Is that really necessary? Don't think I want to run a wire all the way to the trunk.

Robert61

That was another of the things they pointed to as possibly causing my issues. I don't have mine direct to the battery but I do have a #8 wire for both pos and neg coming to my fuse boxes where the glove box once lived. I hooked the white wire there.

wmf62

I did NOT cut my X-brace and my hood works fine.... but then I am using a pusher fan.

Bill

59BlueSilver

Wow, 32 deg., didn't know that was possible! Is that a VA system, Bill?

Frankie the Fink

If you clear out your forum messages then somebody could PM you

wmf62

it is Hot Rod Air, and they are no longer in business. however, I reckon, VA is as good or better.

Bill

toms silver 60

Make sure your wipers are in tip top condition and/or upgrade. Also if your carpet is showing even a little wear or fading, change it out NOW!

Working on these items afterwards is about 20 times more difficult after the installation. You could pre trim your kickboards a little shorter to make life much easier if you later decided to change out carpet.

Back to original question- ABSOLUTELY WORTHWHILE!

59BlueSilver

I did, Frankie

59BlueSilver

Thanks, glad to hear it! My wipers are original and work fine and I just insulated and installed new carpet.