RE: [Chevelle-list] A/C

[Dan]

I'm sorry about the earlyer message I sent. This is what I was trying to send.

It's worth checking out.

posted 11-06-2004 08:21 AM                        Have you guys ever considered a Classic Auto Air group purchase? It looks like a much better unit IMO. Below is the email that I received from the guy trying to get this going: Hopefully you've had a chance to look over the stuff I sent you and if your familiar with Vintage Air you can see the differences. I know its hard to justify the price difference when they both look the same, but there are some significant advantages to the Classic system. First is the fact that VA only has one evaporator coil under the dash. That coil is split and part is used for cooling and the rest is for the heater, maybe 2/3's cool and 1/3 rd heat. The result is less cooling capacity because there is less surface area to do the heat transfer. This will be particularly noticeable in a car as big as the Chevelle, probably wouldn't notice in a 2 seat street rod. Classic uses a separate coil for each function, like the OEM setups. The higher surface area allows more air to be cooled to a lower temperature much faster. The result is being able to cool the inside of a larger car much quicker and handle the cooling chores better on those 95 degree days. The other issue with the single coil is the possibility of freezing up the heater, cracking the coil and leaking antifreeze into the interior. The farther South you go the less need to run higher ratios of antifreeze as the chance of really cold weather is slim compared to the North, combine that with a low refrigerant charge and the evaporator will freeze up, breaking the heater core. Then to add insult to injury, the VA suitcase is sealed and can't be serviced. It will have to be sent back to the factory or just totally replaced if out of warranty. The suitcase that Classic builds can be disassembled and serviced if need be, for the price of the O ring that seals the two halves together. Classic uses an extruded nylon shaft for all of the damper and air doors in the suitcase used to direct the air flow. VA uses plastic doors with a steel wire shaft, these have a tendency to rust and stick after 5 or 6 years, and because the case is sealed, they can't be fixed. If your planning on keeping your car for a number of years and really want an AC system that works better than the factory unit and provides 20 - 30% more cooling capacity than VA, the Classic system is by far the better choice. A block off plate is supplied for the old fan opening. For the defrost duct a template is supplied to cut the lower portion of the plastic duct off and an adapter is sealed and screwed to it that connects to the "suitcase". The existing heater controls are retained and used to control the AC, Heat and Defrost Modes. A new fan switch is supplied and all other controls are cable operated. The supplied cables are stainless steel and are the correct length and have the OEM type ends (pre bent or loops). The condenser is the right size with all the mounting brackets and looks OEM. Compressor mounting bracket is included. System comes with a 3 year warranty. The "Perfect Fit" kit is the most complete unit I seen. Everything needed is included except the Freon, crank pulley and drive belt. The installation manual is 23 pages and includes step be step instructions with 53 pictures. The crank pulley can be supplied, as well as polished compressor, chrome drier and custom length hoses.The attached brochure outlines some of the differences between Classic and Vintage Air. The price for the "Perfect Fit" system is $1095 and since you're a TC member you'll get free shipping ($50). I am going to try and see if I can get some better pricing with a quantity purchase. The website is www.classicautoair.com -------------------- GARY 71 SS 454 71 Malibu Convertible T.C. Gold #56 ACES #2412 G.A.C.C. #027 71 SS 454 Posts: 6 | From: texas | Registered: Nov 2004  |  IP: Logged |

Joe Harrison Tech Team posted 11-06-2004 02:35 PM                        Umm......gotta say that sounds like a much better unit to me. Now if somebody would just buy my Chevelle I could get on with the Camaro! -------------------- "If you can leave black marks on a straight from the time you exit a corner till the time you brake for the next turn....... Then, you have enough horsepower." -Mark Donahue So Many Mustangs, So little time. Click here to see my beater Camaro. www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_ and_display_db_button=on&db_id=164&exact_match=on&photo_size=full Posts: 1271 | From: Camden Arkansas | Registered: Oct 1998  |  IP: Logged |

X33D80 Tech Team posted 11-07-2004 05:28 AM                        Sounds interesting.... & not really that much more money. Is there enough interest for a discount? -------------------- '69 Camaro X33 D80 Rolling Body w/ 12 bolt Plans: A hot small block and a TKO-600 after I hunt down the other million missing parts. Posts: 224 | From: Greenwood, SC - Good ol' USA | Registered: Nov 2002  |  IP: Logged |

66 posted 11-07-2004 10:40 AM                        Yes it sound like a very good alternative. HOpefully we can get enough people together for a good group purchase price. Gary is his name. He would be the guy to get ahold of. mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

 

Dan Mascheck <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Boy were you right�I�ve looked at the site several times, but never looked at the catalog�..Cut to the chase and download the catalog first �it�s a great source of information. I�m going to call them Monday!!

 

  Dan Mascheck

 

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From: KW [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 2:34 PM
To: The Chevelle Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] A/C

 

Just took a look at http://www.oldairproducts.com/shop/

The site's not very impressive, but the downloadable catalog (in pdf) in GREAT.

There is a section for each type of car/truck and endless options including several different types of compressor brackets to suit how your engine is setup.

Very impressive.

Anyone else using one of these units?

Impressions?

Keith

Dan