A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?

[HomerJ]

So, I've read a bunch of posts about upgrading vs repairing/refurbishing the factory item. I already have a compressor, hoses, drier and a few other parts. I would need to get a new evaporator and condenser and possibly a poa valve. On top of all that, I'm not real crazy about the factory brackets (Not to mention the behemoth housing under the hood!)

Would I be better off selling my current parts inventory and going with an aftermarket setup?

Are the aftermarket brackets any better? I have the type that bolts to the water pump and intake manifold (the part I don't like).

[serge]

I debated same item for 2 years. Have AC cab but needed many pieces, parts and knowledge to get it back to factory air again.
Finally decided to go with aftermarket. Got Vintage Air package and just finished installing last week-end. It works very nicely.
Decent instructions and some great tech support people helped me do it myself which is main reason I went this route.
My 2 cents.
Good luck.

[engineer_gregh]

I got my original up and running on 134a by changing out the POA to a cycling switch. Not completely happy and might end up ripping it out for a modern system. If I keep the old system I really need to change the condenser to the hi flow type or live with the a/c blowing high 40's to low 50's depending on weather.

[knomadd]

I had the same dilemma on my 65 GTO. The PO had ripped most of it out so I went on a few years search and found some parts, but still needed quite a bit. I wound up finding a local hot rod shop that did several swaps and the owner had a Vintage Air setup in his car. Had a 67 Impala in the shop that had a factory system with 134a conversion and he let me compare the two. The Vintage Air system was colder by a few degrees (5-10, can't remember exactly). The smaller compressor and options for mounting (serpentine or v-belt) sold me on aftermarket. I now have a Vintage Air unit in my GTO and my non-A/C '71 C/10. I love it! Cleans up under the hood nicely. Only thing I don't like is the lack of glove box.

[glens/72]

Go with gen five. No cables to dick around with.

[hdff]

I Am in the process of gathering what I need to get the factory unit running again. One of my concerns if I go aftermarket is what the firewall will look like when the evaporator housing is gone . My truck is not the factory color and the fire wall behind the housing is

[screaminchevypickup]

Go vintage air!! Great units.. I've sold and installed more than I can count. Never have had a return yet.

[colgad]

Do not repair the OEM unit.
Vintage Air, just works and easy to install.
You even get a new Air control plastic guide that has the corrected face.

[kamikazekyle05]

For any of you guys that have had both, how is the air flow out of the vents between the two?

[MARKDTN]

If the engine brackets bother you, get a new Sanden compressor and brackets. That solves the A6 compressor issue and gets you pretty brackets. I would stay original if you have most of it. Since you don't have a condenser, you could upgrade that pretty easily.

[serge]

Originally Posted by hdff

I Am in the process of gathering what I need to get the factory unit running again. One of my concerns if I go aftermarket is what the firewall will look like when the evaporator housing is gone . My truck is not the factory color and the fire wall behind the housing is

Not sure what to do about color concern but for me the new space was perfect for radiator coolant recovery tank.

[cericd]

Originally Posted by knomadd

Only thing I don't like is the lack of glove box.

Is there a way to use a Vintage Air setup and retain full use of the glove box? Also, does the Vintage Air setup affect the use of the passenger fresh air vent?

[serge]

Originally Posted by cericd

Is there a way to use a Vintage Air setup and retain full use of the glove box? Also, does the Vintage Air setup affect the use of the passenger fresh air vent?

Having just installed one in 70 c-20, I do not see any way to maintain full glove box. Unit tight to firewall and due to depth of unit the glove box space has to shrink. Maybe somebody could build out a cavity in firewall but that's over my head.
Regarding fresh air vents its your choice. Per Vintage tech says its important to close vents during operation. Since vent almost entirely covered I removed and covered with provided cap.

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by cericd

Is there a way to use a Vintage Air setup and retain full use of the glove box? Also, does the Vintage Air setup affect the use of the passenger fresh air vent?

You still have a glove box, just very minimal. No way to keep the original glove box with any aftermarket unit I've seen. They all install under the dash so they don't protrude into the engine bay. Here's what it looks like without the liner:

With the glove box liner:


You're supposed to seal off the fresh air vent, but I didn't. I conveniently "forgot" and the A/C functions fine. I can still open it... not sure if it's limited or full travel. It's been a while since I looked.

[72MARIO]

I guess I am the only one that does not like my aftermarket ac,...

[Andy4639]

I say go with stock looking parts but change them to 134a with orffice tube system. This is what I did and mine works great. 38-45 degree's in the mid of summer.

[HomerJ]

First, thanks for all the info!

For those that don't like your aftermarket units, what did you go with and what about it do you not like?

I have the same reservations about the glove box and fresh air as others have stated.

Does anyone make an aftermarket bracket that bolts to the head? I have am aftermarket alternator bracket on my Chevelle, but can't remember the name of the company that made it (first sign of old age!)

[ole dollor]

if you have most all the parts, not sure anything would beat the factory set up . if you did not have a factory air cab ,then you could buy the after market in dash air.... just saying .

[72MARIO]

I don't like not having the ability to blend the tempature or access outside are. I have a old air setup. All aftermarket is the same junk..only inside is is recirculated.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by ole dollor

if you have most all the parts, not sure anything would beat the factory set up . if you did not have a factory air cab ,then you could buy the after market in dash air.... just saying .

x2

[RedRoad]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I say go with stock looking parts but change them to 134a with orffice tube system. This is what I did and mine works great. 38-45 degree's in the mid of summer.

Looks great! Have a parts list for the conversion?

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by RedRoad

Looks great! Have a parts list for the conversion?

No sorry I don't, I did this mod close to 20 years ago.
That's what the diagram at the bottom was for. You buy the same parts but just get them for 134a. Left side is 134a stuff.




Here is who I bought my stuff from.
I had like $900.00 in everything.

http://www.classicautoair.com/