Opinions on add-on AC

[ChallengerHK]

There appear to be at least 4 companies making aftermarket AC kits for e-bodies. Who has personal experience with any of them or their products? What insights can you offer on fit, operation, or dealing with the company?

[johns cuda shop]

Vintage Air is the best IMO.  They are the standard in the industry . There quality is good no fitment issues and there directions are straight foward and there tech and customer service is good also. I think Classic Air buys some of there products from them. If your buying a complete system you may get a better price from one of their dealers than direct from them. 

[brads70]

  something I might consider down the road......

[Sonnythebull]

I have vintage air in 3 cars. Works awesome

[shoooter]

How much does a kit cost? My car is a AC car and would like to put it back in.  So you need to pull the dash out to install? Do they use factory controls ?

[RCCDrew]

I bought a bouchillon underhood kit. Not as complete as I hoped. Missing mounts for the condensor and I am having to figure out the pulley system. The more complete the kit, the better you'll be.

[HP2]

I used to install ARA and Frigette systems. Both were designed to utilize the stock box and controls by the addition of doors, micro switches and the associated plumbing. They did use modern Sankyo compressors which are much more rpm tolerate than the old factory units. They all seemed to work very good while maintaning a stock appearance. For alter model cars all their kits were designed around utilizing stock harnesses, etc and were almost indistinguishable from OEM.

Not sure if either of them are still in business though.

[ChallengerHK]

I'll check into those. Thanks, Tony.

[diyhemi.com]

Vintage air is around $1,200 turn key

[jordan]

I just finished painting my car and a Vintage Air Gen IV is the first thing I am installing  before putting in my dash.  It doesnt seem difficult so far.  I have the box installed onto the firewall, and have the ducting set up.  I can let you know the rest when I get the dash in (hopefully this weekend).  Directions are easy enough.  The kit seems very complete.  I have not put the compressor on the motor, but the kit includes the brackets for the alternator and compressor.  I have a ways to go before the system is completely installed.  Get it from a vendor at a better price than directly from Vintage. 

[1970GranCoupeConvert]

Can you snap some pictures?

[Challenger6pak]

I have used both Vintage and Classic.  I would go with Vintage.  I have had reliability problems with Classic.  This was in the last year. 

[jordan]

I just ordered up pulleys and brackets from Buchillon Performance Engineering.  The Vintage kit recommends BPE pulley kit.  I have a federal pump, but have to get a saginaw pump.  Randy from BPE talked me into their AC compressor pump bracket since it fits better on a six pack.  I got a pressure line too since that is different than what I have.  I just want to get this right, and lined up from the start, and look good to boot.  Ill keep you guys updated after parts get here and I start putting them on. 

[Haddixj]

Did you have to drill any additional holes in the firewall? Is your car a factory ac car?

[jordan]

Did you have to drill any additional holes in the firewall? Is your car a factory ac car?

My car is a factory air car.  The only thing that I was able to use so far is the stock vents in the dash, and the 4 groove crank pulley.  I did have to drill 6 holes.  2 in the fire wall to mount the box.  2 in the fire wall to place the block off plate over the existing a/c holes.  And 2 more in the inner fire wall that only goes through to the venting in the cowl to mount the box from the inside.