themechanic
Well-Known Member
I have a 70 Cuda without AC. I am considering aftermarket AC systems. What are the pros and cons of Classic Auto Air and Vintage Air?
Classic Auto Air vs Vintage Air, which one is best?
- Thread starter themechanic
- Start date
themechanic
Well-Known Member
After speaking to Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air sales this morning I've decided to buy the Vintage Air kit. The number one reason is Classic Auto Air still uses cable controls for E Bodies but Vintage Air uses all electric servos.
As for the dash pad, I'm buying a non AC pad and installing the center and passenger vents under dash.
I had thought I could just buy a AC pad and install aftermarket vents in it. Wrong! The aftermarket vents go into holes you cut for the center and passenger side vent. I don't like the idea of cutting the new, expensive pad just to move the vents 6 or 8 inches higher for the passenger. The AC pads require reusing or sourcing a good used set of original vents.
As for the dash pad, I'm buying a non AC pad and installing the center and passenger vents under dash.
I had thought I could just buy a AC pad and install aftermarket vents in it. Wrong! The aftermarket vents go into holes you cut for the center and passenger side vent. I don't like the idea of cutting the new, expensive pad just to move the vents 6 or 8 inches higher for the passenger. The AC pads require reusing or sourcing a good used set of original vents.
themechanic
Well-Known Member
Vintage Air support said that they need to know all the specifics of each car before selling a kit and recommend ordering by telephone so they can help walk me through the options.
For example, I was asked which intake manifold I have and what size engine because it makes a difference which compressor bracket to by. The factory cast iron intake has a threaded boss near the #2 cylinder for one bracket to bolt to. I have a Weiand 7507 which does not have that boss. So, my situation calls for a different bracket.
For example, I was asked which intake manifold I have and what size engine because it makes a difference which compressor bracket to by. The factory cast iron intake has a threaded boss near the #2 cylinder for one bracket to bolt to. I have a Weiand 7507 which does not have that boss. So, my situation calls for a different bracket.
hpjunke
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2010
- Messages
- 139
- Reaction score
- 13
themechanic
Well-Known Member
Both Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air systems are for heat only non-AC cars without dash vents.
The only dash pad I can find is for an AC car. So, can you guys show me how to mate up a factory AC center and passenger dash vent to an aftermarket system like Vintage Air? Tell me what I need to buy and how to rig it up.
@Cuda Hunter
Thanks
The only dash pad I can find is for an AC car. So, can you guys show me how to mate up a factory AC center and passenger dash vent to an aftermarket system like Vintage Air? Tell me what I need to buy and how to rig it up.
@Cuda Hunter
Thanks
Last edited:
themechanic
Well-Known Member
Do you have a factory AC car or AC dash? What adaptors? Have you got a photo or part number? How do they work?
R4Sedan
Well-Known Member
I have factory air in my '70. But when it's time I believe I will do the Vintage Air. I also like what they have to offer and it is more cost effective.
themechanic
Well-Known Member
I spoke with Vintage Air sales this morning. It seems I missed the fact their kit for a factory AC car contains adapters for the OEM vents to hoses. I had ordered the kit for a non-AC car which has the add-on vents below the dash. So, I ordered the adapters. I also ordered a AC dash pad and will install OEM vents in the center and passenger side.
