Vintage Air Systems ?
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 75
Likes: 11
From: Grayslake Illnions
Vintage Air Systems ?
I looking for input from people who have this system installed in there car how do they like it? Everything I have read on this system make it sound over rated I even looked on YouTube. So can some people please give me there thoughts on their systems in there cars after installation, from quality of parts how well it works with the new Freon R134. What I looking for are your thoughts what you think of it now that you had a chance to really use it. I posted earlier that I am looking to put this in my 69 convertible. I think I just went about asking the wrong questions. I am sorry far all these questions folks I am just looking for lack of better wording real people answers and not some YouTube shop.
Thank You
Coffee70
Thank You
Coffee70
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
I had Vintage Air installed on my 69 Convertible about a year ago. Works great in the Florida heat. Blows ice cold! Much better than the factory set up. Called them direct and discussed all the details about the exact kit that I needed. They provided the kit numbers and recommended that I order from Summit Racing. No taxes and free shipping. Had a local mechanic install the system. One thing to be aware of, if you have an original FM Stereo, the 69 has a huge amplifier and a heat sink under the passenger dash that has to be removed in order to make room for the Vintage Air Box. That will kill your radio. I replaced it with a Custom Auto Sound unit, that is half the size, half the weight and sounds better than the original unit anyway. If you're not concerned about keeping the car original, I highly recommend the Vintage Air System. The FED Ex guy "dropped" the compressor on my front porch and it crushed the connections caps causing the oil to leak into the shipping box . I called Vintage Air direct and texted them a picture of the damage. They shipped me a replacement that day, no questions asked. Great customer support!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Im not sure what you read on the system being overated. I replaced the factory ac system with a vintage air unit in my 72. No, R134 doesnt cool as well as R12, the operating pressures are higher than the old system. And the VA system installs behind the passenger dash, instead of jutting into the engine compt.
I think the VA system was a worthwhile upgrade. I pd around 1200.00 on a 15% discount thru zip. I installed it 2 yrs ago, and the system produces 50 deg air out of the center outlet. I live in Las Vegas and my car is black. Its hitting 100 deg regularly now, but my car is comfy inside. I think there were only 2 minor issues with the installation instruction. 1 was picking up a bolt hole for the unit installation, which wasnt really a big deal, it just varied from the instructions. The other was kind of a work around, my car has the resettable trip meter cable, and I had to modify the duct box for the drivers side part. Took a little head scratching but it worked out fine. Other than that, the system works very well. I recommend it.
I think the VA system was a worthwhile upgrade. I pd around 1200.00 on a 15% discount thru zip. I installed it 2 yrs ago, and the system produces 50 deg air out of the center outlet. I live in Las Vegas and my car is black. Its hitting 100 deg regularly now, but my car is comfy inside. I think there were only 2 minor issues with the installation instruction. 1 was picking up a bolt hole for the unit installation, which wasnt really a big deal, it just varied from the instructions. The other was kind of a work around, my car has the resettable trip meter cable, and I had to modify the duct box for the drivers side part. Took a little head scratching but it worked out fine. Other than that, the system works very well. I recommend it.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,597
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I installed a V.A. unit in my '34 street truck using a genuine Sanden compressor (beware: there are "knock-offs" that are poor quality). In Louisiana heat/humidity I never had to go above the "medium" setting to keep the cab cool (about the same cu. ft. as my Vette). It was a weekend project....(yes, I am slow 
)
)
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 373
Likes: 170
From: South Bend IN
It took me longer than a weekend, but I'm S-L-O-W.
Would I do it again? YES
First time out was Saturday. The Wife was real happy with the lack of heat on her toes.
Not sure she understood running the air, with the tops off, and the rear window out. Till I said ,"I CAN"
I would give Vintage Air, a completely satisfied endorsement.
Have a Great Day,
Bill
Would I do it again? YES
First time out was Saturday. The Wife was real happy with the lack of heat on her toes.
Not sure she understood running the air, with the tops off, and the rear window out. Till I said ,"I CAN"
I would give Vintage Air, a completely satisfied endorsement.
Have a Great Day,
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
2 thumbs up from me!
2 thumbs up from me!
I installed 2 different VA units in 2 different 68's roadsters and very happy with the results.
Follow the directions carefully and call VA if you need help. I did the whole nine yards both times myself including charging with HF equipment and it is quite doable. One piece of advice, getting the center console back in with a OEM radio was tight for me. It will work but very tight. Also be prepared to be innovative with ducting if you do not like VA's plan.
Hope this helps and good luck. The VA system is pricey but I figured by the time you bought OEM compressor, ect, ect. you would also spend a lot. So maybe more with the VA system but you know it will work and you get a warranty.
I installed 2 different VA units in 2 different 68's roadsters and very happy with the results.
Follow the directions carefully and call VA if you need help. I did the whole nine yards both times myself including charging with HF equipment and it is quite doable. One piece of advice, getting the center console back in with a OEM radio was tight for me. It will work but very tight. Also be prepared to be innovative with ducting if you do not like VA's plan.
Hope this helps and good luck. The VA system is pricey but I figured by the time you bought OEM compressor, ect, ect. you would also spend a lot. So maybe more with the VA system but you know it will work and you get a warranty.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
I'm also looking to get my AC working. '69 427 factory AC. All components present but has no freon. Options, go with stock components for original look, upgrade just the compressor, or go with the total Vintage system. Cost is not an issue. Car is really original, and part of me wants to keep the original look, but not if the other options will be better at keeping me cool. Looking for advice.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: Herndon VA
Installed the genIV system myself with no previous experience by just following the instructions. Did it in my garage over the winter with simple hand tools and took the lines to a shop to have the fittings crimped. Simple. I think I called their technical line once and the guy was great, knew exactly what I was talking about and gave me guidance from there.
Runs perfectly with no issues and is nice and cold. I don't know what you have seen online, but I am a satisfied customer.
Runs perfectly with no issues and is nice and cold. I don't know what you have seen online, but I am a satisfied customer.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 75
Likes: 11
From: Grayslake Illnions
Thank you all for your responses everything I was able to find on this was couple years old and had that O it's really great, just made me suspicious if you what I mean not ever hearing about this before. Now I feel confidant when I pull the trigger I be happy with the results thank you all again.