Vintage Air question for our burbs

[5150]

I'm getting ready to purchase an air conditioning system for my suburban with an LS with electric fans and factory compressor.

I was wondering which is the best unit for the price? Is Vintage Air the best company to use? Do I want the electric or the manual style?

I'm running a 5.3 and would like to keep the A/C compressor. Is it any cheaper to do this and how difficult is it to adapt the A/C fittings to the compressor?

I'm going to need a rear unit. Which one is the best to put back in the factory location on our burb? My burb had a rear air unit at one time because the hoses are still on it.

I'm sure I'll have more questions but these are a few of the ones I could think of.

Thanks

[72MARIO]

I just ordered a Old Air kit with 2 Ts so I can tie in a existing rear kit. I chose the factory ac controller and factory dash vents. The kit should arrive this week. I will let you know how it fits. I chose old air because I wanted the factory controller and dash vents.

[Bigdav160]

I'm using, mostly, a stock system. An issue I ran into recently was the hoses going to the rear are #12 and #8. I replaced them to new barrier hoses.

The stock style line set was purchased with 134a fittings. When I changed to a f-body serpentine belt system the stock style line set was too short. Kinda figured it would be. A bigger issue was the new line set used a #6 for the high side hose. I had to make a tee that was #6 x #8 x #6. The vapor hoses were all #12

I'm lucky that I have access to a Mastercool hydracrimp tool to make my own line connections

[bowtieguy79]

Im starting to do the same research for LS swap and AC options. My sub has factory AC, but looking at the vintage air set up just to clean it up. I am thinking of using the Holley AC brackets and the sanden compressor with mine though.

[72MARIO]

Well just got back from our 3000 mile trip. Rear air is needed when out in the sun. Cloudy days are ok with just the front. but would never work in 95+ temps... I have a problem with the system not draining condensation so if I switch the lever to defrost it just fogs up the window. I think the drain hose is kinked have to look at that. I do like the manual cable setup over the electric less to break. I would like to see how vintage air turns off the heater core .

The only downside I have heard is vintage air did not have a replaceable heater core

OLD AIR NEVER returned my call after 2 weeks

I had a problem with the binary switch and needed more detail on how to setup the micro switch The over all fit is good I was just really frustrated installing it.

[72MARIO]

I would prefer to have factory ac.

There is no outside air option on any ac kits. That's something I really liked having with the old heater setup the gentle blend of heat on a cool morning and the fresh air smell.

[frenchy51]

I'm replacing the factory air in mine (anybody want it-it's FS cheap). I did a lot of research and I'm going to install VintageAir Gen 4 front only. My 1970 factory air was just the ceiling unit-no dash vents, but I ordered the Gen4 for a factory 1970 and will either make a panel under the dash for vents or? It will come with a controller that will fit the factory heater control area. I'm installing a 6.0 motor and it has the lo-mount factory ac bracket which won't work I was told-so I also ordered a top mount bracket from Vintage and will use their compressor that comes in the kit. Sorry I can't report on how it works-haven't installed it yet.....hope it cools the whole rig as I've been told it will..

[AzDon]

You can use any compressor you choose with virtually any evap setup. You can use GM compressors with conventional receiver/dryers....
Call or write to get a vintage air catalog! It explains all this stuff and has all the different compressor adapters available and enough variety of fittings to allow you to do a completely custom a/c hose layout under your hood......

[DWilbur]

I just bought a vintage air system for my rig. Talking to VA you can not use the compressor from the LS engine VA has a compressor and brackets that fit and work with LS engine. I ordered extra fittings so I can have air going to the back seats. $ 1,700.00 for the complete kit.

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

I installed a Gen IV Vintage Air in my '72 back in Feb-Mar of this year. Performance is about what I expected without any insulation, window tint, or rear A/C. Front seat drivers get cool air and it dissipates pretty quickly as it moves to the rear. Installation was clean, love the free space on the firewall but kissed my glove box goodbye. The controls do feel a little "cheap" probably because they move so easy with those potentiometers.

I did just order some 90 degree fittings for the compressor so the lines don't shoot straight up and become the first thing you see when you open the hood.

[DWilbur]

Would it be possible to box out the fire wall and move the system forward about 4" so I can have a small glove box.

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

Well, I suppose anything is possible with scope, schedule, and resources. I guess with a bit of sheet metal fabrication there could be room. I've seen some pretty amazing installations out there, hidden lines, wires, etc. but here's what the fire wall looks like using the standard kit from Vintage Air.

[BK72BURB_3/4Ton4x4]

I should clarify that Vintage Air does supply a replacement glove box but it is about 3" deep. So, you can still put an envelope in there with your registration and proof of insurance.

[vectorit]

Looks very nice, good job on the install!
I am very curious as to how well cools the interior, so keep us updated with your experiences.