Which AC for my C3?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wellington New Zealand
Which AC for my C3?
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
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.
Last edited by redcruz1120; Jun 25, 2017 at 11:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 184
From: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
. . . . . . . . . .and a black knit hat?
Last edited by Z06LMB; Jun 26, 2017 at 12:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wellington New Zealand
Thanks for that What do you mean by "It freezes me out constantly". Does it stop working or works too hard?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
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...
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...
Last edited by The13Bats; Jun 26, 2017 at 09:48 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I run the AC blower speed mostly on Medium setting! If I run it on high , it gets uncomfortably chilly after a while.
Last edited by redcruz1120; Jun 26, 2017 at 11:48 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wellington New Zealand
Lovely looking car
thanks
thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 552
From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
CI 4-5-7-9-10-11 Car Show Winner
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10-11 Vet
Work good as best I can tell
George
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
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.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wellington New Zealand
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?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 126
Likes: 5
AC opinion
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
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
see what it would cost to fix what you have then decide if you want aftermarket.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 406
Likes: 22
From: Lyons Colorado
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.
with an upgraded condenser. Guess what it has that VA doesn't? VA only recirculates, no outside fresh air vent incorporated into it.