Non Air Dash To Air Conversion

[cuda346pk]

I have a factory non air car and am looking to put a Vintage Air system in but do not want to run the under dash vents. I am planning to order the kit for non factory air and also the vent hookup boxes from them for the factory air kit, plus some center and passenger side dash vents from e-Bag. Anyone have any feedback on cutting into the dash pad and frame to install the vents? I know the Classic Air system does this but I do not like their control setup.

[cuda346pk]

Ok after some more looking the one part I did not consider is the way the factory ac dash is recessed for the grills to sit flush and the classic air setup mount on top of the dash pad. So either I have to go with non flush mount vents or replace my dash pad with an ac one so I can use factory vents. Of course while I could also go with 3 speaker at that time too I don't think I am ready to spend $800 for a new dash when mine is already in great condition. So I guess for the time being I will use the under dash box and when I get ready to I will upgrade to a factory dash set up.

[Trevor Y]

I am really excited to see how this turns out for you.
I just bought a 1972 Barracuda that now has a 383 in it, non A/C.
Let me know what kit you buy and how much and how the process goes.
Pictures are always good as well.
Have you been following any other links or threads on this subject?
Thanks
Trev

[cuda346pk]

Will do Trev, I will take pics along the way. It may be a little though, I am doing power steering first and the cost for it keeps going up, up, up the more I look into it.

[ragtopdodge]

If your dash is in excellent condition, maybe put it up for sale or trade for an AC version.

I don't like the look of underdash vents; looks tacky IMHO.

Interior is where you do NOT want to cheapen up on.  You will always see it and it will always bother you if it's not done right to your standards.

[Trevor Y]

I thought you could get one of the kits so you could use your heater (foot) discharge or your defrost (face) discharge or both mixed.
That way you don't have to add the vents that blow at you.
This is what I was wanting to get, then I don't have to mod or add.
That type of cooling effect would be good enough for me up here in Central Alberta Canada.
For you southerners, well, thats a different story probably.
Trev

[cuda346pk]

I thought you could get one of the kits so you could use your heater (foot) discharge or your defrost (face) discharge or both mixed.
That way you don't have to add the vents that blow at you.
This is what I was wanting to get, then I don't have to mod or add.
That type of cooling effect would be good enough for me up here in Central Alberta Canada.
For you southerners, well, thats a different story probably.
Trev

Yes Trev, for us Southerners it is a TOTALLY different story. We will see many days near 100, some over. So got to have the dash vents too. Plus running the defrost vents with a/c on for too long will condensate on the windshield, especially at night - at least down here.

If your dash is in excellent condition, maybe put it up for sale or trade for an AC version.

I don't like the look of underdash vents; looks tacky IMHO.

Interior is where you do NOT want to cheapen up on.  You will always see it and it will always bother you if it's not done right to your standards.

Agreed Ragtop. I am considering doing just that. I figure if I have not found a dash by that time I will run the under dash as it requires minimal modification, then keep looking for the right deal, of course the more I look at the under dash set up my idea of  "the right deal" will change I am sure.

[Trevor Y]

I understand you need the vents but just wanted to say for others that the A/C will strip the moisture out of the air, so running the A/C up through the vents should not cause condensation on the inside of your windows.
Now if you know different, then I am wrong.....lol.
In your modern day cars, as soon as you hit defrost, you will hear your A/C compressor kick in.
They go hand in hand now to prevent moisture being blown across your windshield.
Trev

[ChallengerHK]

I understand you need the vents but just wanted to say for others that the A/C will strip the moisture out of the air, so running the A/C up through the vents should not cause condensation on the inside of your windows.
Now if you know different, then I am wrong.....lol.
In your modern day cars, as soon as you hit defrost, you will hear your A/C compressor kick in.
They go hand in hand now to prevent moisture being blown across your windshield.
Trev

AC does strip moisture, but there is still moisture in the air, all the more so when it's particularly humid. When the cool air from the AC hits the windshield the moisture definitely condenses. My second summer in North Carolina we have 100 days over 90 degrees, and especially at night I would just roll the windows down so I didn't have to use AC.

[Trevor Y]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Thanks, see, I can be wrong!
Trev

[cuda346pk]

Yep, HK is right. We have alot of humidity down here.

[Trevor Y]

Ah, thats why the Devil Went Down To Georgia, he was drying up and needed some humidity on his skin!
Hey, my 1972 is from Georgia!
You should run the old plate for me and find out the original owner......lol.
Trev

[msbaugh]

I just pulled a vintage air kit OFF my car.. It was an under dash box and the vents just simply screwed to the bottom of the dash, I wouldn't recommend cutting into your non Ac dash pad as the vintage air kit installs relatively easy and looks good as well. I may be willing to sell mine if anybody is interested. It blew cold and worked perfectly I just didn't want it (I know it's going to be hot soon I'm crazy)

[Trevor Y]

Let me know, I have a 1972 with a 383 and 727 auto not A/C car.
What is your engine?
Any photos, just email me trev at etpl.ca
Of course take out the space and at and use @
I am in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
Trev