69 vette none a/c orginal car
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 55
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From: LAFAYETTE LA
69 vette none a/c orginal car
Hey guys and ladies I have a question for my 69 vette that I bought. I need to know from the experts how hard it is to install an aftermarket a/c system in a none a/c car? Thanks, Roberto
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,455
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Not a bad install at all be it Vintage or Hot Rod air. I much prefer Vintage air, they have a system that allows you to use your original A/C rollers. The system is very neat/compact and goes underneath your dash. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Pretty sure Hot Rod Air is out of business.
It was a pain to install mine and does not work very well. I think mine is a control issue, but since no more Hot Rod Air, no support.
It was a pain to install mine and does not work very well. I think mine is a control issue, but since no more Hot Rod Air, no support.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I installed a Classic Air system- works very well, reasonable install. Doing it again, I'd look at Vintage Air- I think I like the electric controls over the mechanical. If you order, be sure and tell them it's a Corvette- tell them more than one time- I got the kit and the compressor brackets were for a normal long water pump- not the Corvette water pump. Had to swap brackets- no big deal for me- the people that make the brackets are 50 miles away.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 55
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From: LAFAYETTE LA
Thanks very much. I want to express my appreciation to, Corvette Forum and it's members for being honest and reputable individuals that, c-3 lovers like myself can go to and not be mislead in anyway like all the other websites out there. Thanks!!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,435
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
I'm sort of half way through putting a Vintage Air AC in my 70. The 70 came with factory air. I converted over to get more engine compartment room. Also, the factory air is very inefficient with the evaporator cold air plenum just a few inches from the exhaust manifold. The Vintage Air is more eficient with the evaporator inside the passenger compartment.
So far, the Vintage Air install has been relatively easy. Everything fits. The passenger dash panel is a very close fit since there's almost interfence with the under dash AC Vintage Air evaportor/heater core/blower assembly. Havent installed the condensor yet. Vintage Air's tech help is very good. They want you to leave a voice mail, but they do call back pretty quickly.
Kind of felt guilty removing the factory air. It was like removing a century old Werlitzer pipe organ with all those pneumatic hoses and replacing it with an electronic keyboard. The stock factory air was a good design for it's time.
So far, the Vintage Air install has been relatively easy. Everything fits. The passenger dash panel is a very close fit since there's almost interfence with the under dash AC Vintage Air evaportor/heater core/blower assembly. Havent installed the condensor yet. Vintage Air's tech help is very good. They want you to leave a voice mail, but they do call back pretty quickly.
Kind of felt guilty removing the factory air. It was like removing a century old Werlitzer pipe organ with all those pneumatic hoses and replacing it with an electronic keyboard. The stock factory air was a good design for it's time.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Dec 3, 2010 at 11:54 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
I installed Hot Rod Air - works great
cools to 38°F; fit well. Pain to put in but it was all there....other than the ducting to center vents. BUT the folks on this forum figured out how to use flexible ducting to replace the contraption that was supposed to go back there. I did mine out of PVC but I'll be changing it to the flexible ducting when I get time.
<<<----Pics of my install off to the left under my corvette pics....
Here is the thread....ducting info towards the bottom:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-question.html
<<<----Pics of my install off to the left under my corvette pics....
Here is the thread....ducting info towards the bottom:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-question.html
