vintage air gen IV ???

[brads70]

Great info here !  Thanks! I just replaced my dash pad ( non -A/C ) I'd like to see some pictures and any info from someone who has done the "non-factory air dash" I really like the idea of keeping my fresh air vents, and I'm not fond of replacing my new dash cap! 

[Tonker1]

Following up what Brad said, awesome info. I'm in the same position, I like my fresh air vents and I also have non-factory air. Brad, ff you haven't seen it already and its any help, here are the install instructions for a 'non-factory air' unit with rallye gauges, it lets you keep the fresh air vents, although it does move the levers by about inch (from what I gather).
 http://www.vintageair.com/download/0607/Downloads%2006-2007/1970-74%20Challenger%20Cuda/Non-Factory%20Air%20Vehicle/571074-EDZ%20Evaporator%20Kit%20wo%20AC%20(Rev%20A%20%206-6-06).pdf

[brads70]

Following up what Brad said, awesome info. I'm in the same position, I like my fresh air vents and I also have non-factory air. Brad, ff you haven't seen it already and its any help, here are the install instructions for a 'non-factory air' unit with rallye gauges, it lets you keep the fresh air vents, although it does move the levers by about inch (from what I gather).
 http://www.vintageair.com/download/0607/Downloads%2006-2007/1970-74%20Challenger%20Cuda/Non-Factory%20Air%20Vehicle/571074-EDZ%20Evaporator%20Kit%20wo%20AC%20(Rev%20A%20%206-6-06).pdf

Thanks ! Looks pretty good! I noticed it just keeps the drivers side fresh air vent. ( but that's OK with me)

[Tonker1]

My bad, I thought it was both sides. But hey, driver is most important!

[brads70]

My bad, I thought it was both sides. But hey, driver is most important!

I agree 90% of the time it's just me in the car , so I'm good with that!

[grimmey71]

Grimmey, if you haven't painted your firewall you should weld some brackets to the inside to mount the unit before paint.  I made the mistake of painting everything years before I ever mocked up the vintage air unit, so I had to make custom brackets to mount the unit.  You can see pictures of how I did it on my build thread (see post #304):

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=28465.0

Travis
72 Cuda

Grrrr it's not painted but primed and blocked, how about body panel adhesive to hold the brackets?

[slsc98]

grimney, just curious, did you get a solution for the bracket-mounting figured out?

I am considering going with a vintage air kit and trying to complete a decent search for info before I start hittin' everyone up for tips (and pitfalls to avoid)

Thank you ALL for the great info so far, too!   

[grimmey71]

grimney, just curious, did you get a solution for the bracket-mounting figured out?

I am considering going with a vintage air kit and trying to complete a decent search for info before I start hittin' everyone up for tips (and pitfalls to avoid)

Thank you ALL for the great info so far, too!   

I have been lazy and haven't bought my kit yet and since its greeting cold here in michigan it will be a few mo the before I get back at it.

[73EStroker]

It was mentioned or inferred that factory air was not that good. My sons 440 73 charger had factory air that was recharged early summer. It was the coldest air I have ever felt and was still the original 39 year old system. Waaaaayyy better than modern air IMO. Te new owner was impressed.

[73EStroker]

I am going with the Vintage kit but as I have no console I am using the under dash unit with the fan.

[slsc98]

I am going with the Vintage kit but as I have no console I am using the under dash unit with the fan.

If you're referring to the shifter console, my '73 Chally doesn't have one either so, guess I'll follow suit with the under dash unit and fan. I'm just not sure how the console (if it's the shifter console in a classic car you're referring to) plays a significant role in the A/C system. But then, there's a lot I'm unsure of, these days 
Our whole pursuit of the A/C thing has been put on hold indefinitely anyway (least 'til Spring) as I ran into some unexpected tranny / clutch expenses 

[jordan]

I finally got around to hanging my underdash unit.  I tried to follow the instructions, but decided to drill the holes in my fire wall first.  Then I leveled the unit and drilled my holes for the upper inside mounting points instead of drilling first and then fitting.  I just didnt want to be off with my measurements since it didn't seem super exact in the instructions.  When I went to test fit the cover plate over the firewall opening with the in and out lines, it didnt fit. I welded the holes of the supplied plate and drilled new ones so it fit.  If your aluminum in/out tubes dont fit exactly, you can bend them slightly to make them fit.  I ended up making a  cardboard template of the opening with the existing mount holes in the firewall.  I cut down the supplied cover to be more visually appealing based off of my template using the mount holes as the reference.  It is smaller and shaped like the opening in the firewall.  I am planning on painting it body color instead of black.  Still got a long way to go before I can move on with the rest of the installation. 

['Cuda Hunter]

Did you take any pics of the process and your custom work?

[jordan]

I only grabbed a couple of pictures, but nothing with detail.  I can post up something in a couple of weeks with better details, but not until after feb.1, since I am grounded from the garage.  I have to do a work project that is good for a pretty good bonus, and I cannot go outside and play if my homework isnt done.  Bare with me and I will show my work.  J