Aftermarket A/C for C3?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 28
From: Spring, Texas
Aftermarket A/C for C3?
I know a few companies offer aftermarket A/C systems for C1 and mid-year cars, but what about C3s? I have never seen any, but heard rumors of their existence.
PS - I'm considering another car, not doing this to my LT-1! :cheers:
Thanks!
[Modified by SharkAttack, 8:50 PM 8/12/2002]
PS - I'm considering another car, not doing this to my LT-1! :cheers:
Thanks!
[Modified by SharkAttack, 8:50 PM 8/12/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 16
From: Gainesville, Florida
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (SharkAttack)
groovyjay installed an A/C system using individual Vintage Air components...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=339626
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=339626
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
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From: Dandridge TN
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (SharkAttack)
I bought the Vintage air for mine for about $800. Complete kit including a control panel that fit almost perfectly where the original one would go. I don't have it installed yet, but checked this stuff before I bought it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (SharkAttack)
GWHITE75, installed a Vintage Air unit in his 75, I have seen pictures of how he did it, looks like it fits pretty good. The best part is the nice flat firewall you end up with and the kewl looking Sanden compressor!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (Smokehouse69)
I installed the VA system in my vette, real PITA no matter how I put it! I found about this company called hod rod air some time ago, they offer direct bolt on kit for C3s, which wasn't the case with VA stuff. Don't get me wrong, their service was superb and quality of all the stuff I got from them is A+. I'm just trying to give you an alternative... :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,147
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From: NM
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (groovyjay)
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 569
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From: Clever, Mo. USA
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (shamby)
I also went with the Vintage air like Jay in my 81. I bit the bullet and had it installed byAuto Air and Audio in Springfield, MO. It was expensive but I didnt want to leave anything to chance. The result? Ice freakin cold air and good flow to go with it. It is very near a new car. If the side vents were higher where the air could be directed better I'd as good as a new car. However I have driven it on several 90+ days and am very pleased. It turned a spring/fall car into a anytime driver. Well worth the investment in my opinion.
I forgot to mention the only negative. Because the evaporater is now inside the car I lost most of the glovebox area. I can probably cut down the box so as to have a small one, but have not as of yet.
Also below is a picture of how I sntalled the controls. If put close together the stock 81 cutout was a good fit.
Good Luck,
[Modified by dennisr, 3:47 PM 8/13/2002]
[Modified by dennisr, 3:48 PM 8/13/2002]
I forgot to mention the only negative. Because the evaporater is now inside the car I lost most of the glovebox area. I can probably cut down the box so as to have a small one, but have not as of yet.
Also below is a picture of how I sntalled the controls. If put close together the stock 81 cutout was a good fit.
Good Luck,
[Modified by dennisr, 3:47 PM 8/13/2002]
[Modified by dennisr, 3:48 PM 8/13/2002]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
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From: Blairsville Ga
Re: Aftermarket A/C for C3? (SharkAttack)
This is the info I recieved from HotROd AIr.
Thanks for your interest in Hot Rod Air's quality line of climate control and engine cooling products.
In regard to your 1977 Corvette, our system does eliminate the heater core box on the firewall. The kit comes with a replacement panel that covers that hole.
As for the controls, the system operates off of two rotary **** controls that mount under the dash out of view on the driver's side near the trip odometer cancellation button. The factory heater controls would not be functional at all.
The Complete Kit for 1968-82 Corvettes is $1050.00 plus UPS.
Thanks again for your interest in Hot Rod Air. If you have additional questions or would like to place an order, please contact me at 888-357-0040 or at whudson@hotrodair.com
Sincerely,
Walt Hudson
Hot Rod Air, Inc.
Thanks for your interest in Hot Rod Air's quality line of climate control and engine cooling products.
In regard to your 1977 Corvette, our system does eliminate the heater core box on the firewall. The kit comes with a replacement panel that covers that hole.
As for the controls, the system operates off of two rotary **** controls that mount under the dash out of view on the driver's side near the trip odometer cancellation button. The factory heater controls would not be functional at all.
The Complete Kit for 1968-82 Corvettes is $1050.00 plus UPS.
Thanks again for your interest in Hot Rod Air. If you have additional questions or would like to place an order, please contact me at 888-357-0040 or at whudson@hotrodair.com
Sincerely,
Walt Hudson
Hot Rod Air, Inc.
