Question on A/C Kit
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Question on A/C Kit
Hi All,
I have a 1975 Corvette I'd like to drive more often, and a big thing is going to be putting air conditioning in it, but I admit I am totally at a loss at figuring out what I need to get for it. I'm hoping I can get some guidance for this (as far as which kit I need. I'll definitely have someone who knows what they're doing do the install).
Thanks!
I have a 1975 Corvette I'd like to drive more often, and a big thing is going to be putting air conditioning in it, but I admit I am totally at a loss at figuring out what I need to get for it. I'm hoping I can get some guidance for this (as far as which kit I need. I'll definitely have someone who knows what they're doing do the install).
Thanks!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
It has vents that blow air (it definitely has the vents on the sides of the dashboard, but I don't recall off the top of my head if there are vents above the center cluster), and it has a control panel above the shifter., but mine doesn't say A/C on it like I see in a picture on another thread (see La Mans Master's comment #6 at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html).
I hope that answers your question.
I can take some pictures when I get off from work too if that helps
I hope that answers your question.
I can take some pictures when I get off from work too if that helps
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1,165
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
To keep the interior cool with A/C in a C3 you'll also want to upgrade all the under carpet,, inner door panel,, and interior firewall Heat Barriers. These cars inherently leak in hot air everywhere. So don't be disappointed if the instalation of new A/C doesn't do the job. You'll find several threads here on how its done. It can be a do-it-yourself job,,, or pay the big $$$$ ca$h $$$$ to have it done.
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Maybe be happy with the top down,,, ot T-Tops off for a while....
.
Maybe be happy with the top down,,, ot T-Tops off for a while....
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 70
Likes: 33
From: Montana
IMHO a Vintage Air system is the way to go if your car does not have factory AC. If it does have factory AC then a reputable AC shop can replace components and revive the old system. Don't go cheap on the replacement of components. I recently did my 77 and replaced everything except the condenser and the evaporator. I have never been happier. It works great.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,091
Likes: 7,714
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes the real answer here is dependent on how your car came factory. If the control switch does not have AC on it. Most likely your car did not come with Air. The overwhelming answer on here over many years is to install a Vintage air system. You can find cheaper kits on the market. But most likely you won't be happy.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 569
From: Wisconsin
When i decided to install Vintage Air in my factory-air equipped ‘71, the packaged kits were a very long lead time to get from all the usual vendors. I got the kit parts list and Summit Racing had all the individual parts in stock, so I got them right away. A couple weekends leisurely install and it works quite well.
Drifting
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 701
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, metro area
Last weekend, I just completed installing a Vintage Air system in my non-ac 75. It was a lot of work tearing down the dash, running ducts, and mounting compressor and condenser, but I am getting air about 40 degrees blowing from the vents in south Louisiana heat.
I have some finishing tasks to make it complete, but it is functioning.
The VA system lines, mounting brackets, vent mods, are made specifically for each vehicle.
VA took a couple of days returning my message on some tech support, but sales was very helpful in getting me the exact pieces I needed for my car.
I have some finishing tasks to make it complete, but it is functioning.
The VA system lines, mounting brackets, vent mods, are made specifically for each vehicle.
VA took a couple of days returning my message on some tech support, but sales was very helpful in getting me the exact pieces I needed for my car.
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Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I double checked. Doesn't have A/C in it (or at least I don't see A/C on the selector above the shifter and I don't see the stuff for it in the engine bay. And no vents above the center cluster (I assume the A/C would be fine with the other vents in place).
Sounds like Vintage Air is the way to go. Summers get to 110+ and having the tops off probably wouldn't be too helpful in stop and go traffic.
For the heat barriers, we're talking Dynamat?
Sounds like Vintage Air is the way to go. Summers get to 110+ and having the tops off probably wouldn't be too helpful in stop and go traffic.
For the heat barriers, we're talking Dynamat?
Drifting
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 701
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, metro area
Vintage Air has a repro center section with AC vents. However, I bought one on eBay. I still need to make the mods to it for the VA kit to match. Right now I just have the two ducts sticking out a few inches blowing cold air. I have the wiper switch dangling. Nice way to Bubba-finish the job! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1,165
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Dynamite was designed to deaden sound and vibration,, There are far better products for temperature control. as well as sound.
Amazon basics has a highly rated product and in independent testing is superior to most name brands. You can find results online as well as YouTube.
Amazon basics has a highly rated product and in independent testing is superior to most name brands. You can find results online as well as YouTube.
Last edited by 60 SHARK; Jun 18, 2024 at 02:43 PM.