Vintage Air

[Michael F.]

Re: Vintage Air

There is another company called Hot Rod Air. Have seen it installed in a C2 and I really like the connections on the firewall. All of them use the same compressors, hardware, etc.
The proof is inside that box under the dash. If that's not compatable with the compressor it won't cool.

JR

I have been told Hot Rod Air is out of business.

[Frederick W.]

Re: Vintage Air

FYI,
Chisenhall out of Texas is where my aftermarket AC came from for my 63. They sold out to Hot Rod Air, who is now out of business.
The Chisenhall system required the least modification of any system that I know of. It mounted to existing bolt holes under the glovebox and the evaporator, registers, fan etc. were all contained in that underdash unit. It retained the factory ductwork, heat, defrost etc. The only modification to the car was/is the two holes drilled through the firewall for the AC hoses. Everything else is bolt on or bolt off/reversible.
Still works great since install around 1994.

Fred

[Richard M.]

Re: Vintage Air

Our 1963 Coupe had Hot Rod Air installed by a PO when we bought it 3+ years ago. A few comments about aftermarket air on a C2, and some things to consider when you upgrade no matter which system you use.

1- This compressor system was installed on the wrong side. The alternator was mounted as original on the right side, and the compressor on the left. This required the refrigerant hoses to run from the left, towards the firewall, behind the ignition shielding, then into the evaporator/air distribution box. It looked horrible. I hated it.
If I were to install a system myself, I would mount the compressor on the right, and move the alternator to the left and replace the harness as would be used on a factory AC car. You would not have to relocate the battery to the drivers side, because the aftermarket evaporator box is not as large as the factory box and does not have all of the big plumbing pieces as the original setup.

2- The PO cut a 4" hole in a perfect radiator support, on the left side to get the refrigerant hoses connected to the condenser. It looked horrible. I hated it.
If compressor was mounted on the right the hose routing would be easier without cutting if I recall.

3- With the compressor mounted on the left, the drive belt was always dangerously close to the upper radiator hose, and I had to replace it soon after getting the car because it was getting cut by the belt. I got a longer belt to bring it down further under the hose. It looked horrible. I hated it.

4- The dual snorkel air cleaner(this car a 300hp), had to be shifted quite far to the right to clear the upper radiator hose. I know original factory AC had the same issue. It looked horrible. I hated it.

5- The alternator that the PO installed was a gold cad Asian looking 60 amp replacement. It looked horrible. I hated it.
I got a original restored correctly dated 37 amp alternator and ran that in the winter here in FL. In summer I put the Asian POC back on and didn't like to open the hood.

6- The thermostat control on this system was at the footwell under the distribution box. A little tough to get at while driving the car.

In summary, this AC system worked "ok" and blew cold in Florida summer heat, but just kept up keeping it cool inside. Insulating the cabin is important, with Dynamat or equivalent. Also make sure your kickpanel fresh air vent flaps are properly sealed. Any outside air will affect cooling. Install a electric auxilliary fan in front of the condenser, but be careful that it doesn't hit the hood when you raise it. The fan will kick on when the AC is cycling, and help when sitting in traffic, etc. Test mount it carefully. The PO didn't on this one and I had to remount it to properly clear the hood.

All in all it worked oookay, but you guessed it.....It looked horrible. I hated it.

If given the choice I would rather have factory air!

Rich

[Frederick W.]

Re: Vintage Air

Rich, this is the same system and essentially the same installation as mine. Except I think it looks pretty good for a nonfactory system. JMHO.

[Richard M.]

Re: Vintage Air

Rich, this is the same system and essentially the same installation as mine. Except I think it looks pretty good for a nonfactory system. JMHO.

Frederick, I wouldn't totally disagree with you, it looks ok(except for the things I disliked about the hoses, etc). I just love that Factory Air look better.


Rich
edit....IMO, The factory system with the A6 compressor using R12 cools better than today's R134A aftermarket systems. We have a factory installed GM type system using the GM A6(at the top front of the "vee" pictured) in our 72 Jag V12 E-Type 2+2 and it works great. 35 degrees at the vents. And believe me with the heat generated from the V12 it's a blessing. The A6 is a workhorse, yes power robbing, but I'd rather be cooler than quicker in Florida summers!