Question about Air Conditioning
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
Question about Air Conditioning
I have a stock 79 LS-48 with no air conditioning. It never had it. I live in Ohio and it can get pretty sticky sitting in traffic and it can get noisy on the highway with the windows down. Bottom line is I'm considering installing an a/c system.
Before I decide, I wanted to see if anyone else has tried this. I realize it isn't trivial, but I wanted to know if it was just a matter of installing the missing parts, or if there are holes that need to be drilled or other minor machine work that may have to be done.
I've done a little research and am surprised by the lack of some parts. Specifically, I cannot seem to find a vendor that sells the a/c box. There are entire kits out there, but they stop at 1976. I suppose most 'vettes from then on came with a/c, so the market for the kits isn't there. Any advice, help with parts, etc. is appreciated. Thanks.
Dan
Before I decide, I wanted to see if anyone else has tried this. I realize it isn't trivial, but I wanted to know if it was just a matter of installing the missing parts, or if there are holes that need to be drilled or other minor machine work that may have to be done.
I've done a little research and am surprised by the lack of some parts. Specifically, I cannot seem to find a vendor that sells the a/c box. There are entire kits out there, but they stop at 1976. I suppose most 'vettes from then on came with a/c, so the market for the kits isn't there. Any advice, help with parts, etc. is appreciated. Thanks.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I purchased a system from Classic Air for a 74 I had- Getting ready to install it and got a better offer for the car so it went away. Ended up putting it in a 77. Control head is entirely different. Had to rethink the control cable install and do some modification, but it did go in and worked perfectly. The guy I sold it to says it's still just fine.
I was trying to stay with the original control, so I went with the Classic system. I've heard they are no longer in business, (don't know). I think Vintage Air uses all electric controls and may fit. Check with them and ask if their underdash stuff will fit and go from there. Other than that, maybe you can find all the components from someone that's parting one out or just removing the A/C
I was trying to stay with the original control, so I went with the Classic system. I've heard they are no longer in business, (don't know). I think Vintage Air uses all electric controls and may fit. Check with them and ask if their underdash stuff will fit and go from there. Other than that, maybe you can find all the components from someone that's parting one out or just removing the A/C
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 437
Likes: 3
From: Alvin Texas
My vote is Vintage Air, I have installed several from a '52 chevy to 'several SS Chevelles . The installation is easy and have great support. Have not installed any in Corvettes yet. The control matches the factory quite well. No warranty issues, no complaints or issues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I've installed the perfect fit VA system in mny 68 vette, very happy with it. But when it came to my 72 cutlass, there was no system made for it. I went with the classic auto air universal system. I figured the simple cable operated system would be easier to modify. It was and worked great. Classic Auto's vette system is similar to the universal. Contact them, I'm sure they can help.
