Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

[Harry S.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

How important is it to have tinted glass, or how important to have ceramic coating rather than tinted as opposed to the standard C2 plain glass? Seems as if some kind of coating would make the AC more efficient. Any one added either to glass after installing Ac and how much did it affect the performance and cooling in the car?

Go with tinted glass, anything to keep the sun out will make the interior more comfortable in the summer with the A/C on.

[Bob K.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

I just changed the battery in my 66 with Vintage air, wasn't too bad a job. No heater box in the way since all the VA stuff is behind the glove box but there are two extra hoses. Just took out the expansion tank, tied back the hoses and it came out and went back in easily.

[Frank D.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

How important is it to have tinted glass, or how important to have ceramic coating rather than tinted as opposed to the standard C2 plain glass? Seems as if some kind of coating would make the AC more efficient. Any one added either to glass after installing Ac and how much did it affect the performance and cooling in the car?

The document won't post here for some reason but in the list of aftermarket A/C tips I wrote up (available via email) I show tinting and some insulation tips I used. This is my Huper Optic ceramic tint; it has outstanding UV protection (saves carpet, etc) and heat rejection depending on the material you choose. I chose a subtle tint and nobody (not even judges) have ever commented on it. Only the rear windows are tinted - not the side glass. IIRC the UV rejection rate is 99% and solar energy rejection 40% (or maybe higher). I think it was $100/window. In Orlando summers that back coupe area was like a greenhouse with the factory glass. I also added some aftermarket pre-cut "toss in" insulation in the coupe rear area covered up with a C2 carpeted LOGO-embossed mat; both off-the-shelf products from vendors and both can be removed in 10 seconds.

Its really hard to beat Vintage Air's performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3pxSbXYh4k

Again, do NOT make the mod on a judged car...

[John M.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

Frank, the Huper Optic ceramic optic coating is what I have been considering. I assume you chose the "AIR" series since it is pretty much invisible? Did you use the "air 80" or "air 90" type, and if you did use the "air" do you notice the slight blue tint it seems to have when I see a sample? Can you notice a large difference in heat after installation? Thanks.

[Frank D.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

I would have to dig out the receipt from 5 years ago but, yes, I chose the equivalent of AIR 80...I only notice the tint if I hold a pure white sheet of printer paper inside under the glass, observing from the outside. I've done this on occasion to demonstrate that there is actually tint on the windows to non-believers.

I have original carpet so the UV protection is a great boon with this stuff and yes, the heat reduction is noticeable... The professional installer was very meticulous and made several paper templates before he was satisfied that he got the curves right on the rear windows and then proceeded with the install. Its held up superbly.

[Mark M.]

Re: Aftermarket air conditioning feedback

Thanks Robert