Jim Downey

I have just purchased a 1969 C3 it was originally an AC car but it has long since not worked.

What is the best retrofit AC to reinstall into the car. I have seen two so far that use the existing controls one is the vintage air Gen iv which looks like a good option. Similarly Classic Auto Air looks good also.

Both ar around the same price. Is there a difference in performance between the two? reliability? ease of installation? etc.

All input appreciated.

Dean_Fuller

I put a Vintage Air kit on my 72...is not finished yet but the kit was reasonably priced, has good instructions and looks to fit nicely. Really cleans up the motor bay too.

Jim Downey

Thanks I like the look of the vintage air system over the other one.

redcruz1120

Vintage Air works for me. The biggest hassle is that it freezes me out constantly. The installation was a piece of cake. The hardest part was taking the old system out.

Z06LMB

You're not one of these old men you see wearing long pants and a coat all summer long?

. . . . . . . . . .and a black knit hat?

Jim Downey

Thanks for that What do you mean by "It freezes me out constantly". Does it stop working or works too hard?

The13Bats

My plan after reading all over the net was vintage air,
Do the install then have an ac guy i trust check my work pull it down and fill it up,
Tina wants me to have the whole job done,
We will see...

redcruz1120

Need I say More..? ..and thats on the driveway.

redcruz1120

Works GREAT, in this Texas Weather. I run the AC blower speed mostly on Medium setting! If I run it on high , it gets uncomfortably chilly after a while.

Black_Magic

I used VA -- here is some info ===>> Click Here

Jim Downey

Lovely looking car

thanks

Jim Downey

One could say it does its job then.....

maj75

Why did you use the A6 compressor? None of the vintage air suppliers use that compressor as part of their systems. They all supply Sanden or similar mini compressors. The A6 supposedly doesn't work all that well with 134.

Black_Magic

If you read my write-up you will see that I'm using R12 and I also like the looks of the BIG stock looking A6.

Work good as best I can tell

George

maj75

Thanks, I checked out your build. I want to get the stock AC system in my 69 working, but the two Vette specialty shops discouraged me and suggested I replace the entire system with a new Vintage Air kit. My system is complete and sealed, but has no R12. I'm hoping to get the system checked for leaks and go from there getting it up and running.

Jim Downey

Hi I like the stock look, can you post more pictures showing the full set up? Mine has quite a few of the original components missing. Where would you suggest the best place to purchase is?

Richard Daugird

That is good to see, it is HOT down here!

fever1

I just completed restoring my 69 BB coupe with factory original AC, I replaced the original POA valve with the up graded 134 valve unit that has the pressure switch, replaced the expansion valve, the receiver dryer, condenser, stayed with the Old style long compressor, evacuated the system added the Pag oil and 134 and it works great if you have an original system and hasn't been chopped up that's what I'd stay with, just my opinion. Good luck

terry82

see what it would cost to fix what you have then decide if you want aftermarket.

Illegal Vette

Another vote for the original AC setup, it's plenty robust especially
with an upgraded condenser. Guess what it has that VA doesn't? VA only recirculates, no outside fresh air vent incorporated into it.