Aftermarket Air Conditioning for 1970 Corvette Feedback

[Tim S.]

I want to install AC in a 1970 SB convertible. Obviously, not a judging car but a body off resto driver.

I have heard Vintage Air systems do not clear the stock radio /speaker in under the dash. If anyone car relate their experience in this installation I would like to hear about the process and result.

If there is a better aftermarket system for the C3 that would also be useful input.

Finally I know the 71 factory AC system will not interchange easily with the 70, but what about a 69 factory AC swap to
the 70 ?

Thank You
Tim

[Terry M.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

I want to install AC in a 1970 SB convertible. Obviously, not a judging car but a body off resto driver.

I have heard Vintage Air systems do not clear the stock radio /speaker in under the dash. If anyone car relate their experience in this installation I would like to hear about the process and result.

If there is a better aftermarket system for the C3 that would also be useful input.

Finally I know the 71 factory AC system will not interchange easily with the 70, but what about a 69 factory AC swap to
the 70 ?

Thank You
Tim

If the recipient car did not come from the factory with Air Conditioning whether the donor car is a 1969 or a 1971 is of little consequence. The AC systems are similar enough that the hurdles will be the same.

[Richard W.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

I put a factory AC set up in a 70. The hardest part of the conversion will be to glue the outer panel and flap along with a vacuum relay that restricts outside air into car. This is under the right side fender along the firewall and would be quite difficult to install with the front end installed (mine wasn't). The vent door on the driver side is sealed off (I didn't bother to take out, just left it closed). The passenger side vent door will have a vacuum relay to open and close (kick panel just cut out for the vacuum can). The heater box hole in the firewall will need to be cut larger to fit, but some of the hole from non-ac car will be the same. Otherwise, just a separate wiring harness for the AC and different control switch and vacuum lines and of course the ducts and heater boxes. Ebay auction 151094556998 has a few good pics of a car with the firewall cut out and side fender flap that you would need to do an original set up.

[Joe E.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

I put vintage air in a 71 s/b and it was not hard at all. All the parts fit well and the instructions are very good. I also changed the radio so I could have better sound and also XM. The only thing I changed from the setup was I ran a flexible hose over to the left dash air vent up over the column.
The vintage air vent did not give clearance for the foot when using the clutch. As we get older we want more comfort and nice things with the radio so we can sacrifice the judging points for they are not that important anyway. Good luck and enjoy an air conditioned ride.
Joe

[Roger C.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Tim,

I am in the same boat as you, except I removed a factory air system from my 1973 coupe in favor of a Vintage Air system.

My car will never qualify as one to be judged either.

The 73 used a vir valve which is unreliable, the evaporator is ineffecient because of the heat that builds up in the small engine bay.

The freon available for today is not optimum for the older systems.

Other forums had praise for the vintage air conversion.

I made several calls to Vintage Air before purchasing asking different questions about their conversion system.

May I suggest you call them directly and ask them about your concerns such as the radio.

I wish my installation was completed , but the instructions so far have been dead on.

From Hot Texas

Roger

[Tim S.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Richard thank you this is very helpful. The front end is not yet installed.

[Tim S.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Roger
Yes I will certainly call VA, and thank you for your reply

[Tim S.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Thanks Joe, just to clarify would the stock radio and speaker have worked if you want to keep it?

[Joe E.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Tim
The corvette did not have a stock radio in it when I bought the vette. It is also easier to remove the top dash cover when doing the work.
Joe

[Michael L.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

I am currently restoring my 69 coupe and wanted to know if there is anything that can be done to a factory A/C system to improve performance. I don't want to go with aftermarket as I plan on having the car judged at least a couple of times after it's done. Is there some mods that are best done while the car is apart?

Mike

[Roger C.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditioning for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Mike
One would think corvette with a small cabin, that the factory ac would freeze you out.
The heat from the fire wall,transmission tunnel, the evaporator so close to the exhaust manifold , the small vents in the dash, inherently made the system less that effective.
Since my car will not be judged, I chose to remove factory air, choosing vintage air since their evaporator is inside the cabin. Their condenser is more efficient, and the compressor uses freon available today.

To get more out of the factory air may depend on cabin insulation upgrade, trying to stay with R12,

If one could insulate the evaporator from the exhaust manifold without being visible for judging purposes would also help.

[Joe R.]

Re: Aftermarket Air Conditing for 1970 Corvette Feedback

Hi Mike,

You might try installing a hot water shutoff valve in one of the heater hoses. That would prevent hot antifreeze from circulating through the heater core. And it is easily removable for judging. Other than that, all I can think of is the obvious: seal up any holes in the firewall as best you can.

Good luck,
Joe

P.S. That chassis is looking great!!!