Vintage Air
03-27-2015, 11:44 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Vintage Air
So the AC in my 76 has not been operational since 1989 (it was my brothers car who had it in storage and past away a few years ago) The question I have is the Vintage air system really worth it? Has anyone had any problems with it? I am not to concerned about originality, and I know that the cost to fix my current ac is almost as much as the Vintage Air.
The car is currently undergoing a complete frame off restoration by me in memory of him and I will never sell it as he was the original owner.
Thanks in advance, Tim
The car is currently undergoing a complete frame off restoration by me in memory of him and I will never sell it as he was the original owner.
Thanks in advance, Tim
03-27-2015, 12:02 PM
#2
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
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Royal Canadian Navy
You already have all the plumbing and fixtures for AC, I assume, so I would just just make any repairs, if any, to the original system. Take it to a shop and have it checked by a professional once the car is back on the road.
03-27-2015, 12:09 PM
#3
Racer
The question of worth is one only you can answer, because it's an opinion. That said, I don't think I have read a single account of someone not being happy with their Vintage Air system. Many like the fact that it gets rid of all the vacuum-operated devices in favor of electric solenoids, which are perceived as being more reliable. Some like the fact that it really cleans up the firewall and engine bay because the stock AC box is removed and discarded as part of the installation process. Some members have even reported that with proper insulation of the firewall and floorpans, a VintageAir system can get cold enough to freeze you out of the car. 
Some don't want it because they're trying to maintain originality (which you've said does not bother you), and at least 1 person didn't want to install one because he said it does not allow for a fresh air flow: it's either heat, or AC, no simple 'fresh air from outside' setting.
I don't have one in my car, so I can't comment from experience. However, based on what I have read from others and the fact that, like you, it'd cost as much to fix my stock AC as it would to convert to VintageAir, I plan on going that route in the future.
Some don't want it because they're trying to maintain originality (which you've said does not bother you), and at least 1 person didn't want to install one because he said it does not allow for a fresh air flow: it's either heat, or AC, no simple 'fresh air from outside' setting.
I don't have one in my car, so I can't comment from experience. However, based on what I have read from others and the fact that, like you, it'd cost as much to fix my stock AC as it would to convert to VintageAir, I plan on going that route in the future.
Last edited by Kris Tunetso; 03-27-2015 at 12:12 PM.
03-27-2015, 12:09 PM
#4
Race Director
Vintage Air cools better and is packaged better in your car than the original system. I would see if you can get an estimate to fix the one that's in your car now, get an estimate for purchasing the Vintage Air and then decide if the improved cooling and engine compartment clean up is worth it to you. I just had Vintage Air installed in my '72 Pontiac LeMans that was a non-AC car for $4,500. My installation cost a bit extra because they had to adapt a Chevelle kit. It works great.
03-28-2015, 12:16 AM
#5
Instructor
I put it in my 73 non A/C car and although it is not on the road yet it did really clean up the vacuum mess-I have vents that can be opened to bring in fresh air since my car was a non-a/c car
Some of the parts are cheesy, like the outlet in the center console but I guess it's OK
Some of the parts are cheesy, like the outlet in the center console but I guess it's OK
03-28-2015, 05:56 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Your 76 has a Valve In Receiver system (VIR). GM superceeded this system in latr 1977 with the current critice system. After first saying that 'anything can be done', I'd recommend that, costs being equal, you change to a modern system like Vintage Air or Classic Air (see write up by TimAT on the Forum). These systems are designed for modern, easily available refrigerants such as R134a and incorporate all of the knowledge and advances made in the last 40 years. Research the problems ownrs have had with their VUR systems ans sticking valves and add in the facts that any VIR part you put in will be a recycled, repaired older part originally designed for a different refrigerant and lubricant than is commonly available today, and make your decision.
03-28-2015, 08:55 AM
#7
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
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I installed my VintageAir system myself $1100 and a weekend 5 years ago!
I bought a real/genuine Sanden compressor (not a knock-off) after the GM "pancake style" compressor failed in two years.
On a 98*F day I've never turned it up more than the Medium settings!
I also installed a "pusher" electric fan to assist with cooling in heavy traffic.
There are other brands too.
I bought a real/genuine Sanden compressor (not a knock-off) after the GM "pancake style" compressor failed in two years.
On a 98*F day I've never turned it up more than the Medium settings!
I also installed a "pusher" electric fan to assist with cooling in heavy traffic.
There are other brands too.
03-29-2015, 12:54 AM
#10
Drifting
Member Since: Feb 2007
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St. Jude Donor '09
I installed my vintage air system in my 74 in a weekend. It came complete with a polished sanden compressor for about 1200.00 . My original system never worked as good as the vintage air .
03-29-2015, 11:00 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Not only is the Vintage Air system incredibly efficient, but it completely eliminates the evaporator box in the engine compartment freeing up lots of space and making for a very clean installation. While the remainder is virtually self contained under the dash. Their system is integrated well with the cars original HVAC controls.
The Sanden compressors are as modern and efficient as they get and weigh less than the original compressor. They have been installing them in a wide variety of cars (and aircraft) now for quite some time and while I wouldn't call the kit an easy installation by any means, with patience and the VA tech line on speed dial, just about anyone can do it. Just about any problem you might encounter has been seen and resolved over the years and the tech folks are very helpful and great to deal with.
The shop I use has installed a number of them in the past few years on a variety of muscle cars with excellent success. It is definitely worth consideration in my view. Needless-to-say, Vintage Air isn't the only vendor offering these type kits, and I'm sure others are as good, so give them a look before you strip the remainder of your system out.
Good luck... GUSTO
The Sanden compressors are as modern and efficient as they get and weigh less than the original compressor. They have been installing them in a wide variety of cars (and aircraft) now for quite some time and while I wouldn't call the kit an easy installation by any means, with patience and the VA tech line on speed dial, just about anyone can do it. Just about any problem you might encounter has been seen and resolved over the years and the tech folks are very helpful and great to deal with.
The shop I use has installed a number of them in the past few years on a variety of muscle cars with excellent success. It is definitely worth consideration in my view. Needless-to-say, Vintage Air isn't the only vendor offering these type kits, and I'm sure others are as good, so give them a look before you strip the remainder of your system out.
Good luck... GUSTO
03-30-2015, 01:10 PM
#12
Safety Car
You're quote of $1200.00 was it the kit for non A/C or existing A/C retrofit? The quotes I've been getting are around $1400.00 delivered for VINTAGE AIR SUREFIT GEN IV COMPLETE KIT SYSTEM 1968-76-CORVETTE W/O FACTORY A/C.
04-01-2015, 08:11 PM
#14
Drifting
I was strongly considering a Vintage Air system for my 71 vert. What ended up spooking me enough not to do it was the removing of the cowl bracing under the dash to make room. It might not make a difference with a coupe but a convertible maybe not.
03-27-2019, 07:30 PM
#19
