Classic vs. Vintage Air Conditioning--Any advice????

[Green Mopar Guy]

I'm going to buy an A/C system for my 1970 Challenger with Auto trans and a 440.  Any advice as to what system is best; Classic or Vintage?

Thanks!

[Carlwalski]

Do you mean "classic" as in original factory or another brand called "Classic"? If it's factory, then get Vintage air conditioning IMO that's if you're not concerned about the aftermarket appearance. New age tech and parts are definitely a pro. I re-sized your avatar too, that thing was a monster!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Welcome aboard here. 

 As NZ mentioned, your avatar is the biggest thing on the planet.  As for A.C. systems, the two you mentioned are always posting in magazines, but I have no input as to which is best. I have the same setup as you do, so I await others giving advice. In any event, it won't be a cheap add-on. 

  Mike

[EvilTwinATX]

dont forget to include the expense for the appropriate pulley and  brackets to make it all work. Neither Kit includes these parts... I it can be a little confusing. Call Bouchillon Performance... they should have all the pulleys / brackets you need. the website is www.bpeusa.com..

[Mopar73340]

Lots of people seem to like Classic although I had nothing but problems with them. BPE's stuff can't be beat for fit judging by my two sanden conversions, but they only sell whats under the hood so I would try Vintage or I had good luck with Old Air Products who restored my rubber lines. Just my 

[Madmax440]

I'm with Mike waiting for more input -  and I'm getting thirsty - Pass me a beer man.

[Carlwalski]

I'm getting thirsty - Pass me a beer man.

Like the BBQ joke, get your missus to get ya one. 

[moper]

We did a little looking, and the issues with Classic kept popping up. So he bought Vintage. I will be installing it this coming week (hopefully ). The March system is again re-backordered for 3 weeks...

[Lunchbox]

What are the issues with Classic people keep talking about?

Lunch

[charger1970]

My Charger is a factory A/C car. I bought a kit from Classic Auto Air to change over to the Sanden compressor. The kit included the compressor with clutch/pulleys installed, mounting brackets, and hoses. I had to trim and have one end of the hoses swedged locally. It was around $550.

The compressor mounts with a plate at the front of the compressor and a small bracket at the tail end. Something was wrong with the parts I received. I could bolt the plate to the engine, the compressor to the plate, then the aft bracket would not fit. It was off by a mile. I called CAA and they sent a different style aft bracket. It didn't fit either. I called back and they were not much help really. I ended up fabricating a bracket for the tail end of the compressor. It looks good now and works great.

If your car is not a factory A/C car, I would recommend checking out Vintage Air. Heck I would recommend Vintage Air even if your car is a factory A/C car. ha

[Mopar73340]

    Parts don't fit and they are no help, then want to charge a 15% restock fee to retrun parts that don't fit. If your car is a factory air car and you want to change over to the sanden compressor or just new stuff under the hood Bouchillon Performance has the best fitting stuff IMO.

[Lunchbox]

Lots of people seem to like Classic although I had nothing but problems with them. BPE's stuff can't be beat for fit judging by my two sanden conversions, but they only sell whats under the hood so I would try Vintage or I had good luck with Old Air Products who restored my rubber lines. Just my 

How much does it cost to have the rubber lines redone?

Lunch

[Mopar73340]

How much does it cost to have the rubber lines redone?

Lunch

If I remember correctly it's around 100 bucks for new 134a compatible rubber lines. If you are converting to the sanden compressor you will also need a cycling switch.

[The Cuda Guy]

I saw somewhere on the net where someone used the AC components off of a Durango?  Is this a more cost effective way to make it work? 

Cuda Guy