A/C Opinions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
A/C Opinions
Hi all,
I am looking at installing A/C in my car and looking for some opinions from the forum. The car is a 75, A/C from factory. At some point in its life, the compressor was removed. The condenser is still there, as are the hoses and VIR assembly and all of the interior ducting. So, my question is this. Would it be a worthwhile exercise to attempt to resurrect the factory system, or would it just be better to go the Vintage Air route? I am leaning toward VA just because I'm not sure of the value in putting in a lot of effort for 1970's tech. With that said, I admittedly don't have a full understanding of all that would be involved in resurrecting the system. My thoughts could definitely be changed on the matter. Any thoughts/opinions/education you all can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bryan
I am looking at installing A/C in my car and looking for some opinions from the forum. The car is a 75, A/C from factory. At some point in its life, the compressor was removed. The condenser is still there, as are the hoses and VIR assembly and all of the interior ducting. So, my question is this. Would it be a worthwhile exercise to attempt to resurrect the factory system, or would it just be better to go the Vintage Air route? I am leaning toward VA just because I'm not sure of the value in putting in a lot of effort for 1970's tech. With that said, I admittedly don't have a full understanding of all that would be involved in resurrecting the system. My thoughts could definitely be changed on the matter. Any thoughts/opinions/education you all can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bryan
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 65
I just finished building my 454, and trans. If I had to do it all over again, while the motor and trans were out, I'd do the Vintage Air. It's clean, takes the big cumbersome box out of the engine compartment, and simple to service. That's not anywhere close to NCRS standards, but....
I do have an original compressor off of my 69 A/C car. I used the March serpentine system, and it has a small Sanden compressor.
I do have an original compressor off of my 69 A/C car. I used the March serpentine system, and it has a small Sanden compressor.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
I just finished building my 454, and trans. If I had to do it all over again, while the motor and trans were out, I'd do the Vintage Air. It's clean, takes the big cumbersome box out of the engine compartment, and simple to service. That's not anywhere close to NCRS standards, but....
I do have an original compressor off of my 69 A/C car. I used the March serpentine system, and it has a small Sanden compressor.
I do have an original compressor off of my 69 A/C car. I used the March serpentine system, and it has a small Sanden compressor.
Taking the big box out of the engine compartment is definitely a positive for the VA. I am not at all concerned about originality though. My biggest concern with trying to resurrect the factory system is the unknown unknowns. I don't know enough about the unexpected pitfalls that I may encounter if I go that route.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW take you car to any automotive AC shop, tell them what you want to do, and get their advice. Getting the factory air running could be considerably cheaper than adding aftermarket air.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Vintage Air
Vintage Air and Do it yourself. If I had to do it all over again ,I'd still go with vintage Air. Took the car for a ride this past Saturday and I was Amazed how many times I had to keep turning the system down. That's a issue I never had with the original system . Even after resurrecting it a few times over the years. BTW 1974 A/C car with small block.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 65
Taking the big box out of the engine compartment is definitely a positive for the VA. I am not at all concerned about originality though. My biggest concern with trying to resurrect the factory system is the unknown unknowns. I don't know enough about the unexpected pitfalls that I may encounter if I go that route.
It can be costly, and very time consuming. If I were to resurrect an original system, I think I'd replace all the components at once. Or have them completely tested, at least.
