Aftermarket A/C for a C3

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Jan 26, 2007 | 08:46 AM

gregc3

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Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 38

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From: troutville virginia

Aftermarket A/C for a C3

Does anyone have experience with installing aftermarket A/C systems in a C3. I have a '69 big block car that never had A/C but with the Virginia summers I thought it might make the cruises more pleasent. Any feedback appreciated
greg

Jan 26, 2007 | 09:01 AM

Jud Chapin

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 10,560

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Here's a couple of vendors that specialize in aftermarket a/c that you can talk to:

http://www.vintageair.com/

http://www.oldairproducts.com/shop/conditions.php

...and an a/c forum:

http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2

Jan 26, 2007 | 09:05 AM

jnb5101

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 8,117

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From: charlotte north carolina

i'm in the same boat. there have been several threads on this, but i think the results aren't in yet as to whether to go with classic air or vintage air.

Jan 26, 2007 | 09:05 AM

ratflinger

NCM Grand Opening Veteran

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 20,979

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From: South of giving a damn

St. Jude Donor '11, '17

I have a Hot Rod Air system & it uses your controller. It is a vacuum/electric system. Others are all electric, I don't have an opinion on which is best. The are all difficult to install with the dash in the car & you will have to source the center console exhausts. Price wise I believe they are all similar, around $1200. The compressor brackets were precision cut plate, adequate for the task, but they could have been powder coated. I had no trouble with missing parts nor did I have any fitment issues.

Jan 26, 2007 | 09:37 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

FWIW: Have you considered installing factory air? The AIM shows you what you'll need and how it was done at St. Louis. The parts are available and are likely to cost you less than an aftermarket system.

Jan 26, 2007 | 10:03 AM

Jud Chapin

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 10,560

Likes: 439

From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

Sounds like the ticket to me.

Jan 26, 2007 | 10:13 AM

Maco Shark

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 896

Likes: 1

From: Thomasville, home of the Big Chair NC

Afriend of mine has a new "in the box" hot rod air set up.
It includes everything inside the car. thats the hvac stuff.
Nothing under the hood is included, except the bulkhead fittings and the plate that covers the heater box area.
It was bought for a car and never installed. I believe it has one vac hose and the controller fits in the same place as your stock one.
It is everything, heat, A/C and defrost.
I have one too, but yet to install it as my car is still apart.
He said he wanted 700 bucks for the kit.
You can call him if you are interested.... Im just the messenger.
His name is Craig.... 336 475 4117.
Maybe this helps.

Jan 26, 2007 | 10:26 AM

Husband1166

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 25

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From: Toronto Ontario

I have a vintage air system in my C3 convertible. The mini gen 2 system does fit behind the dash but does show a little. I had vintage air send me both set of controls, rotary and slider which I then married up to the original non air controls to leave it looking stock. I put the rotary switch to run the air in my lighter socket. You can use the vintage air slider controls mounted on the shift console if you don't care about leaving things looking stock.

Last edited by Husband1166; Jan 26, 2007 at 10:28 AM.