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My 73 had A/C from the factory. The compressor was removed and it appears that a lot of the duct work is also missing. The blower motor feels weak and I am not sure the controls work. This is a street car, big motor, so staying stock isn’t a concern. What are your recommendations/thoughts on stock or Vintage Air?
Vintage Air Gen IV. The defrost cycle turns the compressor on to dehumidify the air so works so much better that the OE system. AC also can work with heat on to dehumidify. The Sanden style compressors are also a lot more efficient, and far quieter.
Vintage A/C is what I purchased for my 73 big block.
It seems like the go to replacement and upgrade from the original system.
I haven't installed mine yet, but I am looking forward to it.
Vintage A/C is what I purchased for my 73 big block.
It seems like the go to replacement and upgrade from the original system.
I haven't installed mine yet, but I am looking forward to it.
Please post pictures and progress reports when you get going. A VA system is slated for the future in my BB 73 also and I’d be interested to see your install.
I just went through my AC system on my 73. I bought the car under the pretext that the air ran cold. Not hardly.....
Anyway, I pieces/parts to keep the OE as much as possible. When it was all said and done, I could have gone with a complete Vintage Air system for what it cost me to rework the OE system. Either way, I have air now. And it works fairly good, not real strong but usable.
My only issue with the Vintage Air system is how much it impacts the interior of the car. It's very visible under the passenger compartment. The stock one takes up more room underhood but it leaves way more space inside.
My only issue with the Vintage Air system is how much it impacts the interior of the car. It's very visible under the passenger compartment. The stock one takes up more room underhood but it leaves way more space inside.
Vintage Air 964173 is a "sure fit" system for factory AC cars.
My only issue with the Vintage Air system is how much it impacts the interior of the car. It's very visible under the passenger compartment. The stock one takes up more room underhood but it leaves way more space inside.
Any pictures? I was under the impression that the VA system was completely hidden behind the dash. But if not, I guess I need to rethink my plans...
Any pictures? I was under the impression that the VA system was completely hidden behind the dash. But if not, I guess I need to rethink my plans...
On my VA install, I covered the exposed part of the housing with some matching carpet. Looks much better that way. If not carpet, it wouldn't be too difficult to fab up some kind of shield to hide everything.
No such issue with my '64 TBird build. I called VA and ax'd for advice, and they told me to buy the kit for a '64 Pontiac GTO. I had to make my own hoses.
Also just finished installing VA kit into my 71 big block car. Original A/C car so removing old HVAC box was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle with engine in.
My main complaint is where all duct hoses exit from evap case is right behind center gauge cluster. I also installed a Classic Audio head unit and reinstalling center housing was way more difficult than it should be.
I recommend installing heat and sound deadening.
Good luck with it and it's definitely worth it.
If you want pics I took lots.
73 A/C question
