Air Condition Opions Needed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 12
From: Ocala, Florida
Air Condition Opions Needed
I have a 1979 the heat and ac do not work. I was looking a kit from Hot Rod Air has anyone installed this kit in a 79 or 80. How dificult was the install, did it cool the car, did the heat work. Any suggestions would help. Thanx in advance JAY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
So, rather than spend lots of cash on a whole new system that you will probably have to adjust and modify to some extent, why not fix the system that you have that originally heated and cooled just fine when new? If you have the knowledge and skill to install a new system, you certainly can handle the repairs of the original system. And if you ever have to do a repair to the car's heat/ac, you'll be able to go to a parts store and get what you need, instead of having to order parts from the place that made your replacement system and then having to wait for delivery. Whatever you choose, good luck! 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Nothing to add to that statement. Scrapping an entire system of components because of a lack of understanding, and purchasing another entire system for that same reason make absolutely no sense...unless the existing system has been thoroughly analyzed and it is determined to be totally defunct. My advice would be to spend $50 on some good documentation on the GM A/C system [the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual has to be the single best document in that regard], read the applicable material enough times so that you have a decent understanding of the various parts of the system (electrical, vacuum, hydraulic (refrigerant), and mechanical), and assess your system...or have someone else who is compentent in such matters do so...then decide what is the best direction to go. You can certainly just throw money at the problem, ditch your present system, and install an aftermarket A/C system. Or you might be able to repair what you have with some 'elbow grease' and a small amount of money {if you are lucky}. Either way, it's better to know what to do than to just replace a major system in the car...which will still take a lot of money and a lot of work to do.
{Although, blindly replacing the A/C system isn't much different than getting a car with an operating L-82 engine and pulling it to stick in a 'generic' 350 crate engine...}
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I have to agree with both statements above! You have all most the items to make the factory system work.. in the long run this is always better. The parts are available and you'll probably spend about the same amount as getting the replacement bolt on kit.
I've installed HR air and the kit worked great, installation was a challenge!
However, I will N E V E R purchase 1 item from this company again!
Caveat emptor! This is all I'll say on that subject! I would hope coming from me it would carry some weight!
Ernie
I've installed HR air and the kit worked great, installation was a challenge!
However, I will N E V E R purchase 1 item from this company again!
Caveat emptor! This is all I'll say on that subject! I would hope coming from me it would carry some weight!
Ernie
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
First, do not buy from Hot Rod Air. I believe they are out of business...at least they do not answer the phone or complete orders already paid for. I will tell you more if you need to know.
I did install HR Air in my '70 coupe when the factory unit died several years ago. The aftermarket units push much more air, take up much less space in the engine compartment and cool better than my factory unit ever did. The install is not easy but not a PITA either. There are other suppliers that make a Corvette specific replacement. Classic Auto Air and Vintage to name a few. I do see that they stop at 1976 for C3's. You could call and ask why.
I did install HR Air in my '70 coupe when the factory unit died several years ago. The aftermarket units push much more air, take up much less space in the engine compartment and cool better than my factory unit ever did. The install is not easy but not a PITA either. There are other suppliers that make a Corvette specific replacement. Classic Auto Air and Vintage to name a few. I do see that they stop at 1976 for C3's. You could call and ask why.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
Fix what you have!My 79 air never worked when I bought the project (but it had all the pieces there), but got it working - much less $$ than buying a new aftermarket kit. I went the r134a route and the vents are super cold too. Bought some manifold gages from Harbor freight ($30), a good vacuumn pump off ebay ($90), a new compressor for ~$130, redid all the air/vent seals/gaskets, and some new orings and r134a and no doubt it is the best 'mod' to enjoying driving the 79 (the 6 speed stick is a close second).
ToolMan
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
The 79 system is a cycling system and IMHO better than the earlier systems. I would put in another vote for fix what you have. If you want to improve it, you could get a Sanden style compressor. They are more efficient than the original R4.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 269
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
On my 77, I bought a new compressor, accumulator and a blue
Ford orifice tube. I also flushed the condenser, evaporator & hoses.
Put in a C4 blower motor to get some more air flow.
I get 40 degree temperature blowing out of the vents for less
than $500.
Ford orifice tube. I also flushed the condenser, evaporator & hoses.
Put in a C4 blower motor to get some more air flow.
I get 40 degree temperature blowing out of the vents for less
than $500.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Vintage Air.....
PROS:
High 30s-low 40*s on a 95* day, much more air volume into the cabin(ie. Blows much harder)....doesn't drag the engine down near as
much as the stock AC...better MPGs. No engine heat bleeding into the HVAC system through the evaporator box and into the cabin when the AC is off....Much more room in the engine compartment. Always works, ducts always change over, heater always works.....basically it kicks ***. Spend $1500 ONCE and be done with it.
CONS:
Doesn't look completely stock/hurts originality, installation is kind of a
PITA. Center vent ducting doesn't fit well..(too tight in there)
Basically, unless your stock AC just needs a quick fix and generally everything else works on it, the move to VA....you will be way better off in the long run....
PROS:
High 30s-low 40*s on a 95* day, much more air volume into the cabin(ie. Blows much harder)....doesn't drag the engine down near as
much as the stock AC...better MPGs. No engine heat bleeding into the HVAC system through the evaporator box and into the cabin when the AC is off....Much more room in the engine compartment. Always works, ducts always change over, heater always works.....basically it kicks ***. Spend $1500 ONCE and be done with it.
CONS:
Doesn't look completely stock/hurts originality, installation is kind of a
PITA. Center vent ducting doesn't fit well..(too tight in there)
Basically, unless your stock AC just needs a quick fix and generally everything else works on it, the move to VA....you will be way better off in the long run....