In my constant search for a new C3, I see a ton of cars without AC and some without powersteering. I know that vintage air makes kits for older vettes, but anyone know if one can be retrofit into a C3? How about powersteering?

Thanks for the info.

 

Power steering is easy to retro-fit. Vette Brakes sales a kit that contains all the parts needed. A/C is another issue. Vintage Air does not make anything for the C3. Don't know about other a/c companies.

tom...

 

Vintage Air does not make a direct fit unit.

However, the Vintage Air Super Cooler II (compact) will fit.

They don't offer a "direct fit" for a couple of reasons. The C3 Firewall is integrated with the heater box and blower. There is no where to "add on" A/C. If you remove the heater box, it leaves an ugly hole in the firewall.

You have quite a bit of custom work to fill and cover these areas that is best done with the engine removed, or a nice piece of aluminum or stainless.

You have to remove the i/p and dash to install the unit on the inside.

The good news is, if you are committed to doing all the above, it fits.

Most folks are not up to that kind of challenge.

Power steering is nothing but getting all the parts and pieces from a power steering car, or buying one already assembled from Vette Brakes or others.

There is a company developing a rack and pinion for the C3. That should be exciting when it is finished. I think it will sell for around $1,000. They call it Steeroids. Very appropriate.

There are too many C3 people with the word "can't" stuck on the brain. I spend a lot of time in the Street Rod world. Street Rodders dream it and do it. There is nothing taboo to them about cutting holes, filling things in, chopping, adding, subtracting, grafting parts from one to another. The ultimate goal is much like yours. Take a 1920, 1930 or so vehicle and make ride and drive like a modern sports car with ice cold air and plenty of loud tunes.

There are some C3 people that don't know when to say "stop". These are the guys that customize just for the sake of customizing. In the end, the car does not ride or drive any better, but is every color or the rainbow with 200 extra pounds of fiberglass and crushed velvet.

We need to get somewhere inbetween the two. I think you are on the right track.

The funny thing is, the muscle car crowd has been calling it Pro Touring for some time now. The scary thing is, it is nothing for a 1971 Camaro that has been built for Pro Touring to out handle, out run, and out drive our beloved Sharks.

 

Thanks for the info. And vote of confidence.

I'm not afraid of doing anything... well maybe putting it back together. However, I did tear apart my 76 interior and dash completely down to the harness, so I think that with a little help I should be able to do it.

The first thing will probably have to be power steering since I don't think that I could get into my garage (hard 5 point turn with power steering :( )
It looks like for about 2,000 I could do both AC and power steering. :yesnod:

This makes me happy

 

Eckler's offers an AC kit for C3s, BB 68-74 and SB 68-82. Part numbers 26688 and 26689, page 146 of the current catalog. Price is $1100 and $1000. Not sure what it looks like installed. They may have more info.

 

Phoenix,
Give Gary Gruhala a call. He can probably set you up with a complete power steering setup for well under $1000. He can also get you the same kit that Eckler's sell for a discount. He can probably tell you more about the kit than Eckler's can. His phone number is 636-586-3909
his email address is gruhala@jcn1.com. Website is Gruhala Enterprises
He is a super nice guy and will point you in the right direction on both projects.

 

Phoenix
Remember when you convirt over to the power steering to put the tie rod ends to the quick steer settings at the wheels. There are 2 holes there for the tie rod ends one for manual steering and the inside hole for the power steering setting. You will have to have the front end realigned after that but makes the world of difference.
JoeB