Which companies A/C system is best?

[garner7555]

I'm about ready to order a complete A/C system and was wandering which kit is the best?   My car is a factory air car.  Thanks for the help. 

[cdr]

i like the factory ac box, with an updated sanden compressor & r134a bolt in ac condenser.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

i like the factory ac box, with an updated sanden compressor & r134a bolt in ac condenser.

  I'm running the same but if you are missing all the parts I would go with a Vintage Air unit.

[garner7555]

I do actually have 2 factory A/C boxes.  They would need restoring and I thought I might be best to just go with a whole new kit that swapped over to electric controls.   If you guys think I am just as well off to use the factory box then that's great.   What all will need replacing in the box?

[cdr]

dmt has a Mega rebuild kit & i would replace the heater core & the heater valve that is inside the box

[garner7555]

dmt has a Mega rebuild kit & i would replace the heater core & the heater valve that is inside the box

Thanks for the help guys.  Sorry for my ignorance, but who is DMT Charlie?

[cdr]

http://stores.ebay.com/detroitmuscletechnologiesllc
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjnwuv3nI_KAhWIWCYKHcNgBIAQFggeMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.detroitmuscletechnologies.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNHIHzJqz8170_WTnghzeexmBw8RlA

[garner7555]

Thanks for the links Charlie.    


Now where should I buy the compressor?  I think I remember someone offering a kit to locate the compressor down low instead of at the top?

[cdr]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj01OHWrI_KAhWMKCYKHf9EBvsQFggdMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bpeusa.com%2FBigBlockEngines.asp&usg=AFQjCNGXVLWX8tj9dq9MoleGwcAglHpXng

BPE has everything you need.

[Dino]

I also run the stock system with a Sanden compressor and R134a and I freeze my stones off in this car.  I have the compressor up top though, it's a lot smaller than the stock compressor.

[john108]

Dino
"BPE has everything you need."

Which of the 2 compressors should be used, and why?
Will it attach to the original brackets and hoses?
John

[Dino]

Hi John, I think it was Charlie who linked the BPE stuff but to answer your question you use the SD508.  Mine is actually not a Sanden but is the same style.  Your stock brackets and hoses do not work.  If you want the compressor up top like the stock one then you need bracket BPE4700.  Here's other confirgurations:  http://www.bpeusa.com/BPEACmountingbrackets.asp

This is for big blocks btw.

Your stock hoses are not suitable for R134a so you need a set of barrier hoses.  I bought all my stuff from a member here who had it on his car so I don't know which hoses they are but if you need everything then check this kit:  http://www.bpeusa.com/BPEcondensor_kit.asp

[garner7555]

Ok, so I started doing the math on a new compressor, brackets, condensor kit (all new lines), and rebuild kit for the air box.  This looks like it's going to be about $900 and I would still need a new fan/blower motor and a new heater core.  Could also run into things like coolant shut off valve and the actual A/C controls not working properly.     I'm all for saving money everywhere I can but I also wonder if the Vintage Air kit would be worth the extra money.  It includes everything, even new controls.  The Vintage Air is all electric controls, which is nice considering my cam doesn't produce a whole lot of vacuum. I'm just thinking out loud here so if anyone has an opinion or advice I'm eager to hear it.  Thanks for all the help and the links so far guys, it has been a great help!!      

[garner7555]

This is a link to the Vintage Air setup I was referring to.  It also comes with new vents and plumbing on the interior ducts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-Coronet-Super-Bee-Charger-with-FACTORY-Air-Complete-Vintage-Air-/191776479362?hash=item2ca6c4d882:g:RgoAAOSwFqJWjVyC&vxp=mtr

[green69rt]

This is a link to the Vintage Air setup I was referring to.  It also comes with new vents and plumbing on the interior ducts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-Coronet-Super-Bee-Charger-with-FACTORY-Air-Complete-Vintage-Air-/191776479362?hash=item2ca6c4d882:g:RgoAAOSwFqJWjVyC&vxp=mtr

Classic auto air also makes a system, I have no opinion, good or bad, on its quality.  Maybe others do  

http://www.classicautoair.com/68_70_Mopar%20B-Body_Air_Conditioning_Mopar_AC.html

[garner7555]

Yes I have looked at the Classic Auto Air kit as well.  The main difference I see is the price.      Classic Auto kit is substantially higher. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-70-B-Body-with-Fact-AC-Classic-Auto-Air-Conditioning-System-A-C-AC-D-E-R-Cont-/331403411065?hash=item4d292ebe79:g:GsMAAOSwD0lUfkPr&vxp=mtr

[1970Moparmann]

This is a link to the Vintage Air setup I was referring to.  It also comes with new vents and plumbing on the interior ducts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-Coronet-Super-Bee-Charger-with-FACTORY-Air-Complete-Vintage-Air-/191776479362?hash=item2ca6c4d882:g:RgoAAOSwFqJWjVyC&vxp=mtr

This seems really reasonable!   Think I know what I'm buying!

[oldcarnut]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,121693.0.html  Quite a few other topic on this also with info.  I used both ACC and Vintage.  Vintage seems to be designed for GM application which I used in the Firebird I had and Classic for better with Mopars.  I put Classic in my 70 RR

[garner7555]

Keep the opinions coming guys.  Ever little bit of info is helpful.      I'm still undecided about piecing my own kit together using some original equipment or using one of the kits.     

[oldcarnut]

I guess I'd have to weigh out the costs of piece mealing it together and getting components to work verses getting a complete matched kit.  How original are you wanting to keep it? Maybe you could save the oem parts for selling later with the car if it mattered to the next person. There's also what your time is worth doing that piecing it out and possibly old stuff going bad later.  I'd go to both websites and check out the systems and stay away from an ebayer.  They might be ok but when things go wrong where is the warranty going or tech support to head for replacement parts? CAA backs up there stuff it seems pretty good and I got good tech support and part replacement from them.  Also their kit is made close as much to using existing mount holes etc whereas the Vintage kit may be a one size fits all after you fit it to it.  66-70 vs 68-70 You'll have to call them and find out about whats direct retrofit or will fit under the dash plus what will use the existing AC vent or using the under dash mounts.  Use the search button for others installs for the CAA or Vintage.  Good topics on them posted.
http://www.vintageair.com/2015%20Catalog/2015%20VintageAir%20Catalog%2030.pdf
http://www.classicautoair.com/68_70_Mopar%20B-Body_Air_Conditioning_Mopar_AC.html

[garner7555]

Thanks for the input.  I do try to look at past post on this topic, I will post links below to the ones I found.  It is confusing because some say that Vintage is hard to install and requires more mods but then others say that Vintage was a easy painfree install.  

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,118353.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,43059.25.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,87688.0.html

[1970Moparmann]

Clear as mud!   

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

I think I would go with using the original A/C under dash components and a newer firewall forward kit.

I think it is worth rebuilding the original under dash boxes. You will likely find the original evaporator cores are still usable unless they are physically damaged or corroded. These units were made from heavy copper and brass materials that are much better quality than anything available today. I would replace the heater core and control valve and install a DMT seal kit. While the new complete kits look attractive , I think they have a few draw backs. The evaporator cores are not as heavy duty as the older ones and the new electronic controls could be a problem down the road. Would new controllers be available in the future since they are a custom part unique to the Vintage or Classic Air kits. While I was rebuilding the under dash unit I would install a new thermostatic switch to cycle the compressor on and off as the original Chrysler did not use this switch but instead used a control valve in the original compressor.

For the firewall forward components the BPE stuff looks good. You will also need the original radiator fan shroud and thermo clutch fan system. You want to move as much air as possible through the A/C condenser in front of the radiator. You'll also need a crankshaft pulley set for an A/C set up.

All in all, I think you can assemble a system that will preform very well, be repairable in the future if need be, and save quite a bit of cash over those complete kit systems. 

[GreenMachine]

Does the original system use the compressor to dry the defrost air?

[igozumn]

Thanks for the links Charlie.    


Now where should I buy the compressor?  I think I remember someone offering a kit to locate the compressor down low instead of at the top?

If you are remembering the Bouchillon low-mount, make sure you read the fine print about belt squeal. From their website:

NOTES: 1-You will loose your mounting for your Mechanical Fuel Pump

2-Some Engine Mounts and Insulators will require Clearancing and Modifications for fit.

3-Any Alternator other than Stock Output (15/60 amps) will cause a BELT SQUEAL FROM HELL! ALL HI Output Alternators (50/75 Amps) we list will not work.

4-This is the HARDEST BRACKET WE MANUFACTURE TO INSTALL CORRECTLY. Mounting Points have moved over the years in Castings, Fore and Aft. Compressor and Alternator is driven by 1 Single Belt. It is Highly Recommended that this bracket be installed while Engine is on an Engine Stand. Perfect Pulley Alignment is REQUIRED (+-.040"). A Straight Edge and Digital Calipers recommended to check TRUE PULLEY ALIGNMENT. PREMIUM BELT IS A MUST.

5-This Bracket is NOT Recommended for a vehicle that will be driven alot or long distances. Most popular applications are vehicles that stay close to home. Adjustments are hard to perform on the highway.

6-NOT HEEDING TO ALL NOTES ABOVE WILL AWARD YOU A "BELT SQUEAL FROM HELL"

7-Will not work with any Street Hemi, Aftermarket thick dampers

[JR]

Personally, I also have the original AC box under my dash, but I'm replacing it with the complete classic auto air kit.

My reasoning is the new box has got to be a ton lighter(and smaller) than the original. I don't know how much it weighs exactly, but its HEAVY. And huge. Less weight, and more room under the dash would be nice.

And also, the CAA box can be opened and serviced if the blower motor ever needs replacement. The vintage air box is sealed.

[garner7555]

Personally, I also have the original AC box under my dash, but I'm replacing it with the complete classic auto air kit.

My reasoning is the new box has got to be a ton lighter(and smaller) than the original. I don't know how much it weighs exactly, but its HEAVY. And huge. Less weight, and more room under the dash would be nice.

And also, the CAA box can be opened and serviced if the blower motor ever needs replacement. The vintage air box is sealed.

That is a big deal.  If the box from Vintage is non-servicable then that explains the price increase to step up to the Classic kit.

[JR]

I should really clarify that Garner.

The case to the Classic air box has a split seam down the center that can be easily disassembled for service.

The vintage air unit is one solid piece. Their website lists some replacement parts, but the box doesn't seem to be built with serviceability down the road in mind.

That's what I've found researching the two.

[garner7555]

I just called both companies to get a feel for both.  They were both about a 6 or 7 out of 10 on friendliness.  They seem similar in quality from what I hear from a restoration shop who installs both kits.  The vintage is 150 bucks cheaper though.  I actually prefer some of the features of the vintage kit from what i can tell.      I may take my chances with vintage, if the box fails down the road vintage has a repair service or I could adapt a different box to the rest of their kit.  I'm still not 100% sure which route I will take yet but I'm leaning toward vintage at the moment.        Thanks to everyone for the advice and opinions.  If you have an opinion please don't be shy!

[1970Moparmann]

I just called both companies to get a feel for both.  They were both about a 6 or 7 out of 10 on friendliness.  They seem similar in quality from what I hear from a restoration shop who installs both kits.  The vintage is 150 bucks cheaper though.  I actually prefer some of the features of the vintage kit from what i can tell.      I may take my chances with vintage, if the box fails down the road vintage has a repair service or I could adapt a different box to the rest of their kit.  I'm still not 100% sure which route I will take yet but I'm leaning toward vintage at the moment.        Thanks to everyone for the advice and opinions.  If you have an opinion please don't be shy!

I decided to go with a Classic Auto Air setup for my 68.   I plan on doing this work in the next month, so will let you know how it goes.   

[garner7555]

I just called both companies to get a feel for both.  They were both about a 6 or 7 out of 10 on friendliness.  They seem similar in quality from what I hear from a restoration shop who installs both kits.  The vintage is 150 bucks cheaper though.  I actually prefer some of the features of the vintage kit from what i can tell.      I may take my chances with vintage, if the box fails down the road vintage has a repair service or I could adapt a different box to the rest of their kit.  I'm still not 100% sure which route I will take yet but I'm leaning toward vintage at the moment.        Thanks to everyone for the advice and opinions.  If you have an opinion please don't be shy!

I decided to go with a Classic Auto Air setup for my 68.   I plan on doing this work in the next month, so will let you know how it goes.   

Awesome!   I may hold off on ordering to hear another persons opinion.   

[b5blue]

CAA is based in Tampa. I live about 30 miles away. A/C in Florida isn't considered an optional item so I figure they must know there stuff. I'll be using them for my 70 Charger within a few months myself. 

[garner7555]

CAA is based in Tampa. I live about 30 miles away. A/C in Florida isn't considered an optional item so I figure they must know there stuff. I'll be using them for my 70 Charger within a few months myself. 

That's true, but Vintage is located in Texas so that's a similar situation as far as the heat of summer.       I feel like both companies product will perform well.  I actually bet they source a lot of their parts from the same place.  Classic seems to have a better reputation on forums when I search on google, but not drastic.

[oldcarnut]

When you called Vintage did you ask them if their unit was a direct bolt in using original mounts or do they require using universal brackets and etc.

[garner7555]

When you called Vintage did you ask them if their unit was a direct bolt in using original mounts or do they require using universal brackets and etc.

No I didn't think to ask that question.   Does the Classic kit bolt in using original holes?

[oldcarnut]

Best thing I could say would be for you to download both sets of instructions from each website and compare the two for how they get mounted.

[SRT-440]

I'm installing a Vintage Air as we speak...it's all high quality..and doesn't weigh as much as the stock system..the under dash box fits perfect, the controller goes in stock location (for a 70 b body) and it's electronically controlled not vacuum. You can get a kit with everything needed to install for $1400..sounds like a lot but after you add up cost of refurbishing an old unit and piecing it together the price will be close.
Only bad thing with VA, is it doesn't use fresh air..only recirculates cabin air. Good luck in your decision..I'll update in a couple weeks when it's up and running again. 

[garner7555]

Thanks for the info!  I still haven't decided which one to order so your input will be helpful.       Thanks

[Audiguy]

Garner, I know exactly how you feel. My dash is out awaiting to be put in so we can get the glass in, but I want to do the A/C before putting the dash back in. I hear nothing but good about both systems.

[b5blue]

Small update: Classic's Mopar units are made and shipped from TX. not Tampa. 2 types one for converting heat only cars and one to convert original A/C cars to Classics modern unit.