Author Topic: classic auto air kit  (Read 2668 times)

Offline one54dodgetruck

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classic auto air kit
« on: May 21, 2011 - 01:26:56 AM »
anyone have any comments on the classic auto air kit for e bodys with heat only?
thanks
andrew :feedback:
73 challenger rally 340




Offline aris_unlimited

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2011 - 08:23:49 AM »
I really haven't heard much about them. Which could be a good or a bad thing I guess lol. Although I am planning on using them when I get around to doing that part on my cuda. Only place I have really found that has a complete kit for it.
Cuda is gone :(

74 satellite, daily driver/project now

Offline Road_Runner

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2011 - 12:38:40 AM »
I've sunk a ton of money into refurbing my original a/c in my 73 and although we finally solved the lack of airflow (stuck trap door) it still doesn't blow anywhere near as cold as my late model pickup does.  The shop that did the work basically has said that's as good as these old systems would do. Not sure I've totally resigned myself to that and may take it to another shop for a second opinion, but the shop I work with has been dead on about everything else they've worked on family car wise.  They are also a Vintage Air dealer and now are saying that if I want it any cooler thats my next route.  The compressors are modern, operate at higher presssures, have larger more efficient condensers, etc.  The only thing is they told me it would be between $3 - $4K installed and that the kit itself was right at $2k.  I've looked on Ebay and found what I believe to be the kit I would need and it was closer to $1200, so I'm wondering if they are thinking about the more extensive & expensive kit a car originally without a/c would use.  If you read enough car magazines you'll notice most of the high dollar cars use these systems so I have to believe properly installed they're as good as you're going to find.  Good luck and let us know how it works out.  I may be doing the same at some point myself.

Later, Jim
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black

Offline 528 Hemi Cuda

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2011 - 01:29:08 AM »
We ordered the Classic Air for our 72 Dodge Truck.  I will let you guys know who it works when the Truck is done. 
Pink Ice

Offline JeffAARy

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2011 - 10:57:12 AM »
I had the Classic Auto kit installed in my 1971 340 Cuda two years ago.  It works great and I haven't had any issues.  I love the fact that it uses the stock controls.  I do have to keep a diagram in my glove box to remind me what the actual output is since it obviously doesn't match what the control panel says.  I opted for the under-dash vents so I could pull the system out if I ever wanted to go back to stock, but if I had to do it over again I'd probably do the in-dash vents, especially since I was redoing the dash anyway.

I actually bought the kit 4 years ago.  I was going to install it myself, then never got around to it and finally had a pro do it after sitting on the shelf two years.  I can tell you that when I planned to install it myself I did an inventory and there were several small parts missing.  The instructions also had several errors.  The installer also told me he had to make a few adjustments to the hoses and the spacing of the pulleys.  I don't know if they ever fixed these issues, so beware.

Offline JeffAARy

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2011 - 11:02:21 AM »
I've sunk a ton of money into refurbing my original a/c in my 73 and although we finally solved the lack of airflow (stuck trap door) it still doesn't blow anywhere near as cold as my late model pickup does.  The shop that did the work basically has said that's as good as these old systems would do. Not sure I've totally resigned myself to that and may take it to another shop for a second opinion, but the shop I work with has been dead on about everything else they've worked on family car wise.

The old piston compressor system will never match modern rotary systems.


They are also a Vintage Air dealer..... If you read enough car magazines you'll notice most of the high dollar cars use these systems so I have to believe properly installed they're as good as you're going to find.

The reason I chose Classic over Vintage was the control panel.  The Classic system uses your existing control panel, so the car still looks stock.  The Vintage system comes with their generic control panel, which to me looks like it is made for 1930's resto-mods/hot rods and is totally out of place in an E-body.

Offline one54dodgetruck

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2011 - 03:06:52 PM »
ordered the classic air kit today. i will take alot of pictures for the install, and let you know what i think.
andrew
73 challenger rally 340

Offline Katfish

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2011 - 06:51:19 PM »
 :popcorn:

I'll follow along, I'm going to piece together a kit for my car (it originally came with AC).
I'm thinking Vintage Air bracket / Ebay compressor / Classic Air hoses.

The reason for the above:

- $125: Vintage air is the only vendor I've seen that sells a bracket that uses both pulley grooves.  It bothers me to see a dual groove pulley with only 1 belt on it.
- $150: Seen these on ebay, you can get a 7 piston Sanden (more capacity) for less than the 5-piston compressor sold with the kits.
- ???: Haven't called Classic yet, both read they are good to work with and will do custom lines.


Offline Road_Runner

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Re: classic auto air kit
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2011 - 10:20:55 PM »
Thanks JeffAARy, that's good info on the Classic vs. Vintage.  In one of my Mopar mags someone had come out with a custom E Body version of their A/C system that replaced the heater control panel completely and used switches instead of the stock cables, etc. but still looked very stock that I could tell in the pictures.  If I go with a full system replacement I'll definitely do my homework.  I'm still planning to add A/C to the Roadrunner at some point and it didn't come with it originally so if I don't scrap the original A/C in the Barracuda that will be my next go round with all of this.

Later, Jim
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black