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Topic: Vintage Air

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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Vintage Air (1/6)
 9/4/11 2:18pm
tom43xy
Standard Member
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Littleton, CO - USA

Vette(s):
76 corvette, L-48, Flame Red


Joined: 2/5/2006
Posts: 50

I am finally thinking hard about putting a new AC system in my 76-L48 (equipped with factory air).  It has never worked since I got the car although the compressor switches on and off once I fixed some wiring problems.  I suspect to do a conversion to R134 and fixing other possible problems might set me back close to the same price as a replacement system and, if not, probably wouldn't work that well anyway - so kind of leaning toward a new system (can't stand the hot summers any more even with the tops off).  I'm not that concerned with keeping this part of the car stock - although most of the rest of the car is (76 non bumper, just not the valuable in stock form).
 
A while back there was much discussion comparing vintage air vs. hot rod air and the consensus seemed to be hot rod air.  Problem is that it looks like they became victims of the recession and vintage air has their gen IV system specific for vettes complete with matching panel, etc.  Any thoughts on this system, problems, etc.  Other alternatives I should consider? I feel I could tackle the install myself as long as I can set aside the time, but don't want to run into big fit up problems, poor vendor support, etc.
 
thanks
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Re: Vintage Air (2/6)
 9/4/11 7:14pm
RedwingvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
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Waterford, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Red coupe


Joined: 9/13/2002
Posts: 1735

I bought my system from Nostalgic Air Parts. I too had AC to my car already so I just used the system without an evaporator. 
If you need to replace your evaporator then I would go with one for the 78-79. It will bolt in and you will not have to deal with the VIR valve.



______________

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
 


Re: Vintage Air (3/6)
 9/5/11 12:12am
yostusota
Former Member

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York, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top


Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518

I have the vintage air in mine....I didn't put it in and the system is not designed for a vette..didn't have them at the time..I got to say though..they do now make a system for the vette..and have had one minor problem with it since I got the car...the people at vintage air were awesome..I even met up with them at their vendor booth at the York hot rod show un announced and they had the part I needed with them and gave it to me for free..which it was only a 5$ part anyhow but still made an impression..this is a 11 year old system and they still had parts for it..plus it does freeze the heck out of me when I do use it...which is rare since the top is rarely up...and that's the only time it really works anyhow..the only thing that I would see you using a shop for is charging the system..running a vacuum down and removing all the air is key..plus not over or undercharging the system..have fun!! Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Re: Vintage Air (4/6)
 2/15/12 9:38pm
whtlitninLifetime Member
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VENTRESS, LA - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Blue Roadster, sb400, cam, electronic ignition,10 disc CD changer, 2.5" chambered exhaust, 3.36 rear,tremec 5 speed from Classic Chevy, fiberglass rear spring and vintage air.


Joined: 10/8/2003
Posts: 87

If You're still thinking about Vintage Air I'd say go for it. My car was non a/c it took me a while to get up nerve enough to start but after going over directions a few times dove in. Everything went well, one time called customer service because harness had extra wire and they were very helpful. Liked the way it was packed each box had it's own directions. Was worried about dial controls but all went fine.  Cools really great would do it again.
Ray
Re: Vintage Air (5/6)
 2/16/12 3:35pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

There's also Classic Auto Air if you are still looking.

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Re: Vintage Air (6/6)
 2/26/12 12:27am
tom43xy
Standard Member
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Littleton, CO - USA

Vette(s):
76 corvette, L-48, Flame Red


Joined: 2/5/2006
Posts: 50

Thanks to all for your replies.  I checked both sources and their prices are similar.  I am leaning toward Vintage Air, assuming I bite the bullet.  I am working on a truck too, so have to carve out the time and cash (want to stay cool though and  the vette is cheaper to drive).


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