Which companies A/C system is best?

[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.