smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
has anyone here smoothed off the firewall for underhood room (and looks) and just ran a aftermarket AC system?
i just picked up a vintage air unit off ebay and im kinda looking forward to it..... i measured and this one should fit without too much issue...
anyone else here ever done anything like this?
i just picked up a vintage air unit off ebay and im kinda looking forward to it..... i measured and this one should fit without too much issue...
anyone else here ever done anything like this?
#2
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Amsterdam , NY
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: vee eight
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 4.10 gears
i have not seen anyone do that , but what else goes with the ac , i dont know how they work , do you still run a pulley under the hood or is it totally electric.
#3
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by 18inchboyds
i have not seen anyone do that , but what else goes with the ac , i dont know how they work , do you still run a pulley under the hood or is it totally electric.
i have not seen anyone do that , but what else goes with the ac , i dont know how they work , do you still run a pulley under the hood or is it totally electric.
i have a LS1, so the compressor is down low and out of the way (almost out of sight).
you still need hoses and stuff, but when routed carefully, it'll be out of the way.
mostly, i just HATE HATE HATE that huge AC box most of us are stuck with. i think its totally uncalled for. it takes up 1/4 of the entire engine bay!.
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
I know exactly what you mean about the AC. I totally see why you would go with aftermarket unit. I once wanted to do that too but vintage air only had applications for 1stgens and the price was nearly $1,000. From what I hear the units are alot smaller, efficient, and work very well and cold.
I hope you go through with this and don't abandon project. Id really like to see this done.
I hope you go through with this and don't abandon project. Id really like to see this done.
#5
MrDude...I have also wondered if it was feasable to run a vintage air system in these cars. Seems like a fellow could make it work without too much hassle. The hardest part would be getting the custom lines made...but if you know someone with a hose crimper it would be cake. Good luck with the project
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Woodstock, GA
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
I have installed a few aftermarket AC units (three Vintage Air and an Airtique), but in older cars. I'm planning to use Vintage Air on my 87 TA to get rid of all the bulky hardware under the hood. Don't let the lack of a specific kit hold you back; most of them are designed more for ease of installation rather than looks, so you can make your system look much nicer for just a little more effort.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: winthrop harbor, il & plymouth, il
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1986 camaro
Engine: 383 sbc
Transmission: th-400
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 10 bolt/Detroit TrueTrac 4.
i was planning on using this "Vintage Air" setup too but man it gets pricey. They one you got is it vintage air brand for a mustang or is it a vintage mustand air conditioner? I already ditched the stock AC and think that I might just get a mini heating unit similar to the mohave found in JEGS, Summit, and JCWhitney. it will definitely make the firewall a lot cleaner with just nipples sticking off of it.
#11
Member
I will definitely be installing a vintage air unit once I get to the assembly of the car firstly because my car never had A/C and this retro fit seems easier and also because I'm having the firewall smoothed out (well, I'm still not sure what to do about the wiper motor...) and would like to keep things clean. I will also be going the gen IV small block route, so I'd love to see how your install works out MrDude. Once you get the project underway, be sure to keep us informed!
#12
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Changing Tires
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: too many ...
I agree the stock stuff is too bulky. When I eventually go TT I'm considering doing something like this but I haven't looked into it yet (kinda far down the road for me). The pass side downpipe on banks manifolds go really close to the stock A/C equipment. Please let us know how it went MrDude!!
#13
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '86 T/A
Engine: 350/LT1 Intake
Transmission: 700R4 - Built
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
no one mentioned that the stock AC system in our cars is pretty pathetic... besides being huge..
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Moreno Valley, CA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 (MD8)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Open (GU2)
Originally posted by Sonar_un
no one mentioned that the stock AC system in our cars is pretty pathetic... besides being huge..
no one mentioned that the stock AC system in our cars is pretty pathetic... besides being huge..
Pathetic? Not mine. Mine blows colder than all of our new cars, I just got mine recharged so that may be why, I don't know.
And does vintage air require R-134 or R-12?
#15
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '86 T/A
Engine: 350/LT1 Intake
Transmission: 700R4 - Built
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Wow.. colder?
Neither of my two cars blow hardly at all. They certianly not <i>that</i> cold and when they are on max, I can't even feel the air on my face. And this is with new blower motors. I envy people with cold air.
Neither of my two cars blow hardly at all. They certianly not <i>that</i> cold and when they are on max, I can't even feel the air on my face. And this is with new blower motors. I envy people with cold air.
#16
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Conroe, TX
Posts: 3,177
Received 55 Likes
on
41 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60e
hey Sonar - just got my AC fixed up and sitting still inside the shop it's putting out 32 degrees fahrenheit air. Sitting still with the rpm at 1000....30 degrees
This is on a converted R134a system. My secret? adjustable orofice tube and a modified cooling setup that kicks my secondary fan on when the A/C needs it (its set for when the condensor hits 160 degrees)
Just thought I'd give ya a hard time because I know how hot Houston is this time of year.
This is on a converted R134a system. My secret? adjustable orofice tube and a modified cooling setup that kicks my secondary fan on when the A/C needs it (its set for when the condensor hits 160 degrees)
Just thought I'd give ya a hard time because I know how hot Houston is this time of year.
#17
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
i have the AC unit under the dash.... i just havent gotten around to setting the rest of it up... been busy playing with more fun parts of the car..
#18
TGO Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '86 T/A
Engine: 350/LT1 Intake
Transmission: 700R4 - Built
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
I hate you Jon...
I don't have dual fans on either of my cars
I have heard adjustable orifice tubes dont work all that much. I am thinking that I will probabally need to pull the evap coil and clean it out. I guess 20 years of use will probabally make it pretty clogged up. Maybe that is why I get absolutuly no air flow.
I don't have dual fans on either of my cars
I have heard adjustable orifice tubes dont work all that much. I am thinking that I will probabally need to pull the evap coil and clean it out. I guess 20 years of use will probabally make it pretty clogged up. Maybe that is why I get absolutuly no air flow.
#19
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Woodstock, GA
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Originally posted by MikeDirntRulez
Huge? Yes.
Pathetic? Not mine. Mine blows colder than all of our new cars, I just got mine recharged so that may be why, I don't know.
And does vintage air require R-134 or R-12?
Huge? Yes.
Pathetic? Not mine. Mine blows colder than all of our new cars, I just got mine recharged so that may be why, I don't know.
And does vintage air require R-134 or R-12?
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1983 Firebird S/E
Originally posted by Sonar_un
I am thinking that I will probabally need to pull the evap coil and clean it out. I guess 20 years of use will probabally make it pretty clogged up. Maybe that is why I get absolutuly no air flow.
I am thinking that I will probabally need to pull the evap coil and clean it out. I guess 20 years of use will probabally make it pretty clogged up. Maybe that is why I get absolutuly no air flow.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Posts: 4,355
Received 61 Likes
on
46 Posts
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
I have smoothed out my firewall. I live in Boston (never too hot) so I plan on putting in that mohavee (sp) that jegs sells. nice and compact. Maybe vitage eventually for the couple months while it is really hot. Anyways. keep up the good work and lets see the smoothed out firewalls inthe mean time. Check mine out and tell me what you think. Def not pro, but it works. check out my profile
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Montgomery, AL...for now
Posts: 772
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 F150...PAAARTY FOUL!
Engine: 300 I6 stump pullin sumbiscuit
Transmission: 4 speed grind box
Axle/Gears: 3.55 unlimited slip differential
this sounds like an AWESOME idea, and definitely makes plugs 6 and 8 a LOT easier to get to! a lot of the reason our A/C's become so "pathetic" is because they ARE 13+ years old, and some parts ARE worn out/clogged up. with all new parts they would put out more than a broke hooker...
Josh
Josh
#24
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Posts: 4,355
Received 61 Likes
on
46 Posts
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
hahaha, good point. There is allways the "roll the window down" option. I guess thats all I ever need living neer Boston.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1985 Camaro
Engine: 565 BBC
Transmission: Glide
Axle/Gears: 9 inch/spool/3.70
i smoothed out my firewall and cowl. i didnt put any heater or ac back into my car. i used 16 gauge sheet metal and basic cutting tools. check out my car domain site for pics theres a lot on there.
#31
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
umm, yeeea....
i never got around to... you know.. uhh, bolting an AC compressor onto my car.. lol.
vintage air stuff is now sitting on a shelf somewhere... the car has a locker, on/off clutch, loud exhaust and a big cam... it doesnt need AC...
i never got around to... you know.. uhh, bolting an AC compressor onto my car.. lol.
vintage air stuff is now sitting on a shelf somewhere... the car has a locker, on/off clutch, loud exhaust and a big cam... it doesnt need AC...
#32
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
Yeah, that's one thing I'm thinking, but my car runs best during spring and summer and it gets soo damn hot in NC without air. Any thoughts?
#34
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
From the pictures of ******* twin turbo setup it looks like he is running the Vintage Air Front Runner setup, but I'm not sure if he has the compressor hooked up. Maybe send him a PM?
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: shelby MI and Glendale IL 4 school
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: gm/ford/on here 92 25th RS
Engine: 6.0 LS2-stolen
Transmission: 4L8oe-stolen
Axle/Gears: gm 12- 373/eaton-stolen
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
yeah im also into doin this myself, let me know how it gose (((lots of pics))). I always hated how the ac crap looked under our hoods, i have been thinking about doing this for a while, but had to much going on to do anything.My car was recently striped so no time like now to start over.
#36
Senior Member
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
In the November 1988 Hot Rod, in an article entitled Fifteen Week Wonder, Auto Custom Carpet built an 82 Camaro for Power Tour that included a Vintage Air A/C system. So yes, it has been done, although in the pictures they left stock drier and blower box in the engine bay.
I contacted Vintage Air directly and asked about the system used in the Hot Rod article. This was part of their reply:
" THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VINTAGE AIR PRODUCTS.
Unfortunately at this time, Vintage Air does not manufacture a kit made specifically for the 1982-1992 GM Fbody.
We can, however, provide you with a Universal System using the Gen II Compac HCD evaporator kit, that will perform all air conditioning, heating, and dehumidified defrost functions. A universal kit will usually take a higher level of installation skill as well as installation time. You will often have to perform light fabrication work and (or) modifications to your vehicle's dash, firewall, or under-hood area.
A Complete Universal System includes:
(1) A Gen II Compac Evaporator Kit featuring all electronic operation (no vacuum control) that provides superior performance in all modes of operation. Servo motors control all doors and heater valve to assure "just right" temperatures whatever the weather (your choice of controls and louvers)
(2) A Sanden 508 Compressor (choice of 134A or R12 refrigerants)
(3) A Compressor Mount (made to mount the Sanden 508 to your engine)
(4) A Universal Hose Kit with Drier (cut to fit application)
(5) A Super-Flow Condenser (highest performance design in the industry)
(6) A Binary Safety Switch (protects against system damage during high or low pressure situation)
Depending on options; a Complete System retails in the $1,000 - $1,250 range* plus shipping charges( generally $ 40.00-60.00 depending on distance from Texas ) and sales tax (Texas Residents only)
A Complete System will carry a 3-Year Warranty (optional 5-year protection is also available.)"
I contacted Vintage Air directly and asked about the system used in the Hot Rod article. This was part of their reply:
" THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VINTAGE AIR PRODUCTS.
Unfortunately at this time, Vintage Air does not manufacture a kit made specifically for the 1982-1992 GM Fbody.
We can, however, provide you with a Universal System using the Gen II Compac HCD evaporator kit, that will perform all air conditioning, heating, and dehumidified defrost functions. A universal kit will usually take a higher level of installation skill as well as installation time. You will often have to perform light fabrication work and (or) modifications to your vehicle's dash, firewall, or under-hood area.
A Complete Universal System includes:
(1) A Gen II Compac Evaporator Kit featuring all electronic operation (no vacuum control) that provides superior performance in all modes of operation. Servo motors control all doors and heater valve to assure "just right" temperatures whatever the weather (your choice of controls and louvers)
(2) A Sanden 508 Compressor (choice of 134A or R12 refrigerants)
(3) A Compressor Mount (made to mount the Sanden 508 to your engine)
(4) A Universal Hose Kit with Drier (cut to fit application)
(5) A Super-Flow Condenser (highest performance design in the industry)
(6) A Binary Safety Switch (protects against system damage during high or low pressure situation)
Depending on options; a Complete System retails in the $1,000 - $1,250 range* plus shipping charges( generally $ 40.00-60.00 depending on distance from Texas ) and sales tax (Texas Residents only)
A Complete System will carry a 3-Year Warranty (optional 5-year protection is also available.)"
#38
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: N. CA
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '85 TA
Engine: Aluminum Fuelie
Transmission: Mother of All Manuals
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
I was looking at mine this summer, but I wasn't sure if I could build a smaller HVAC box that would still keep the same functionality as the original HVAC system (vent, etc.). Since I had other things going on, it wasn't on the list of things to do at the time. Spdfrk1990... what are your plans with the Vintage Air system?
#39
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
In a lot of the old cars we do we use vintage air and they have a universal kit that goes under the dash. All that comes out the firewall are the 4 lines 2 for a/c and 2 for heat. So I can get rid of most the factory crap behind the dash and just mount the vintage air unit then run the ducts to the original vents. Im sure that what other people had in mind also though. The controls for the unit are also very similar in size to the original hvac controls.
#42
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: p'cola FL
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
ive been thinking about doing this for some time now as well.
you can get "mini" a/c condensors with a fan much the size of a tranny cooler so people with all the hp can still run around with a/c without having a whale for a radiator.
all my a/c-heat system has been totally stripped for sometime. would be nice to do an underdash model. there are other companys out there that make a smaller unit than vintage.
hotrod air, classic air, and there is one other.
you can get "mini" a/c condensors with a fan much the size of a tranny cooler so people with all the hp can still run around with a/c without having a whale for a radiator.
all my a/c-heat system has been totally stripped for sometime. would be nice to do an underdash model. there are other companys out there that make a smaller unit than vintage.
hotrod air, classic air, and there is one other.
#43
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: New Berlin Wi
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 Iroc
Engine: 94 lt1 modded
Transmission: t 56
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
I just bought a hotrod air evaperator/heater/defroster kit from summit. It was 430 shipped. I will be installing it in the next couple of weeks. my car presently has no heat/air. Do you guys think that I will need the external air vent or can I get away with running the system set up to recirculate inside air only. Seems to me this would lead to cooler air temps. does anyone have firsthand knowledge about this?
Thanks,
Kory
Thanks,
Kory
#44
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: p'cola FL
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 iroc-z/28
Engine: 408 lsx
Transmission: 5800 stall
Axle/Gears: 4.71
Re: smooth firewall and AC?? vintage air? anyone done it?
post up pics of the install.
as for the external vent, i dont think is mandatory.
recirculating the air will lead to cooler temps overall, IMO.
as for the external vent, i dont think is mandatory.
recirculating the air will lead to cooler temps overall, IMO.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hotrodboba400
Firebirds for Sale
3
12-10-2019 07:07 PM
IROCZDAVE (88-L98)
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
09-02-2015 08:43 AM