C3 aftermarket a/c
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
C3 aftermarket a/c
Hi, C3 guys. After being a strctly C1/C2 person for many years, I'm probably about to expand my horizons into a 73-75 convertible. I assume I will become a regular visitor here since I haven't owned a C3 for about 30 years and will have a bunch of questions. I am looking at a couple of cars, one long distance and one locally. The local car is a 73 that does not have factory air. I have seen retrofit air systems advertised for 68-71 models, but nothing for the later years. Maybe I'm grossly uninformed, but I can't quite figure out why something that will fit a 71 won't fit a 73-75. Could someone enlighten me?
Thanks, Ed Jennings
Thanks, Ed Jennings
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: AL
Re: C3 aftermarket a/c (62fuelie)
Hello Ed,
I recently installed an a/c system in my 1974 C3. I bought the complete kit from HotRod Air. It replaces everything under the dash and removes the huge heater box in the engine compartment. It also connects to your existing controls on the console. Works with factor installed a/c cars or non a/c cars. My car had factory air, but everything needed replacement. This system completely replaces your heater and a/c system.
The A/C side is VERY COLD! Will freeze your &^*# off...
I live down south with high humidity and 90+ all summer and this is the coldest my vette has ever been.
Vince
I beleive their link is http://www.hotrodair.com or just seach google for Hotrod air.
I recently installed an a/c system in my 1974 C3. I bought the complete kit from HotRod Air. It replaces everything under the dash and removes the huge heater box in the engine compartment. It also connects to your existing controls on the console. Works with factor installed a/c cars or non a/c cars. My car had factory air, but everything needed replacement. This system completely replaces your heater and a/c system.
The A/C side is VERY COLD! Will freeze your &^*# off...
I live down south with high humidity and 90+ all summer and this is the coldest my vette has ever been. Vince
I beleive their link is http://www.hotrodair.com or just seach google for Hotrod air.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Re: C3 aftermarket a/c (UnDo)
I just bought a Sanden 508 Compressor from Vintage Air. They also sell complete systems.
http://www.vintageair.com
http://www.vintageair.com
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,130
Likes: 3,938
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: C3 aftermarket a/c (UnDo)
Undo,
Do you have pictures of your install. I may be doing the same thing on my 72 with factory a/c. I have to decide which way I want to go with it. The aftermarket kits I saw used their own controls mounted under the steering column. If the kit you used retains the original controls and look, I may go with it.
Thanks,
Gary
Do you have pictures of your install. I may be doing the same thing on my 72 with factory a/c. I have to decide which way I want to go with it. The aftermarket kits I saw used their own controls mounted under the steering column. If the kit you used retains the original controls and look, I may go with it.
Thanks,
Gary
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: AL
Re: C3 aftermarket a/c (gtr1999)
Gary,
Yes it retains your old controls. Actually all the vacum stuff is removed. They have a new set of switch's that mount to the bottom of your old control module. I purchased the kit about a month ago, the person at hotrod air, said they just came out with the new control. The old version did have a switch mounted to the dash etc... All the old duct work come's out also... has flex tubes that connect to your old air vents... When your setting in the car, you would never know it's not a factory system. I will post some picts of my install...
Vince...
Yes it retains your old controls. Actually all the vacum stuff is removed. They have a new set of switch's that mount to the bottom of your old control module. I purchased the kit about a month ago, the person at hotrod air, said they just came out with the new control. The old version did have a switch mounted to the dash etc... All the old duct work come's out also... has flex tubes that connect to your old air vents... When your setting in the car, you would never know it's not a factory system. I will post some picts of my install...
Vince...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
Likes: 257
From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
Re: C3 aftermarket a/c (OHSIXX)
I just bought a Sanden 508 Compressor from Vintage Air. They also sell complete systems.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
