Pics of aftermarket A/C units?

[bull]

Anyone here running an aftermarket A/C unit? I've heard of places that can install them in classic cars without taking away too much from the original look. Any pictures would be appreciated.

[PocketThunder]

Last night I just finished putting a Classic Auto Air system in my 68.  I have one picture i took mid way through install.  I dropped it off at the shop tonight to get the freon charged up tomorrow, otherwise i'd go take some more.  That bigger hose that looks like its hitting the hinge got tucked down nice and neat after i used the tie downs included in the kit.

Paul
in St. Paul

[Chatt69chgr]

Note that it's also correct for the high side lines, those going to and from the condenser, to run to the passenger side instead of the drivers side like is shown.  Leastways, that's how mine were run from the factory on my 69 Charger with small block. 

[bull]

Last night I just finished putting a Classic Auto Air system in my 68.  I have one picture i took mid way through install.  I dropped it off at the shop tonight to get the freon charged up tomorrow, otherwise i'd go take some more.  That bigger hose that looks like its hitting the hinge got tucked down nice and neat after i used the tie downs included in the kit.

Paul
in St. Paul

So is it tied into your heater? What's it look like on the inside or is it all hidden?

[Rolling_Thunder]

looks like he used the complete CAA unit - which includes their aftermarket evaporator -

[daytonalo]

I could never sleep at night with all that plumbing ! Nice work though !  On my Hemi Daytona clone I'm running after market air and I'm mounting the comp where the fuel pump is and running all lines , heat included down along sub-frame rail then enter cabin down low where floor pan meets firewall pan . No one will never know what is going on .

Larry

[PocketThunder]

Last night I just finished putting a Classic Auto Air system in my 68.  I have one picture i took mid way through install.  I dropped it off at the shop tonight to get the freon charged up tomorrow, otherwise i'd go take some more.  That bigger hose that looks like its hitting the hinge got tucked down nice and neat after i used the tie downs included in the kit.

Paul
in St. Paul

So is it tied into you heater? What's it look like on the inside or is it all hidden?

You get a new heater box that mounts up where the old one was.  There are 3 vents that screw to the bottom of your dash.  If you can find original A/C vents you can probably just use them and run the duct work to them instead of the aftermarket ones under the dash.  If you order this kit from Classic Auto Air be sure to ask that the 2" duct work tubes be cut 3" longer than the ones they send you.  they cut them to the EXACT length that you need, but another 3" would sure be nice for ease in routing them under the dash.  (note, i've never needed to have an extra 3" before)

I'll get more pics up tonight after i get the car back from the shop.

[PocketThunder]

http://www.classicautoair.com/BBody6872.asp

[daytonalo]

WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR IT ??

[six-tee-nine]

I'll be using as much as I can from my original A/C system but since my compressor was gone along with the engine I'll be buying a new one.

But I want it to sit somewhere lower on the engine too, because i really hate the look of the stock compressor. It's more like you have a Harley engine on top of your V8.
And I'l try to keep the plumbing out of sight as much as possible.

[PocketThunder]

WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR IT ??

I paid $1,192 for it in 2005, that included a 6 blade fan.  The price is now $1,299.  http://www.classicautoair.com/BBody6872.asp

[bull]

WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR IT ??

I paid $1,192 for it in 2005, that included a 6 blade fan.  The price is now $1,299.  http://www.classicautoair.com/BBody6872.asp

So you ordered it from them and then had someone install it or are you close to their shop?

[PocketThunder]

WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR IT ??

I paid $1,192 for it in 2005, that included a 6 blade fan.  The price is now $1,299.  http://www.classicautoair.com/BBody6872.asp

So you ordered it from them and then had someone install it or are you close to their shop?

I installed it myself in my garage.  They are in Florida and i'm in Minne-snow-da.  The shop i speak of is my local mechanic garage that has the freon and equipment to charge my system.  If you go with the CAA system, let me know as i am going to adjust their instructions for a more friendly install for Second gen chargers.  Just a few steps that i did differently than the order they described in their booklet.

[nitrousn]

Do you have pics of the water valve and the controls?

[bull]

WHAT DID YOU PAY FOR IT ??

I paid $1,192 for it in 2005, that included a 6 blade fan.  The price is now $1,299.  http://www.classicautoair.com/BBody6872.asp

So you ordered it from them and then had someone install it or are you close to their shop?

I installed it myself in my garage.  They are in Florida and i'm in Minne-snow-da.  The shop i speak of is my local mechanic garage that has the freon and equipment to charge my system.  If you go with the CAA system, let me know as i am going to adjust their instructions for a more friendly install for Second gen chargers.  Just a few steps that i did differently than the order they described in their booklet.

Well, no big hurry at the moment if you know what condition my '68 is currently in. Although now would probably be a good time to install a new heater box.

[PocketThunder]

Do you have pics of the water valve and the controls?

Here are there instructions in pdf form.  On page 16 is a good picture of the water valve.  Controls on page 9 and 10.

http://www.classicautoair.com/Manuals/1-1066Manual.pdf

[MichaelRW]

Here's my setup:

My car came with factory A/C and I originally restored to factory specs but it kept leaking. So 2 years ago I installed the Classic A/C system and not a leak since. The new system is so much more efficient than the old factory setup and even though I switched from R11 to 134A it blows much colder air now. The only downside is if your car has factory air the Classic system does not have a replacement fan motor for it (mine is rather weak). yet they do for non-factory air cars. Go figure.

Before & after pics:

[daytonalo]

Paint the pump so it doesn't stand out like a red hair step child !!!!

[MichaelRW]

Paint the pump so it doesn't stand out like a red hair step child !!!!

Since it's not the original 40 pound boat anchor I didn't think it really mattered that much.

[bull]

Paint the pump so it doesn't stand out like a red hair step child !!!!

Since it's not the original 40 pound boat anchor I didn't think it really mattered that much.

Looks fine to me.

[Chatt69chgr]

MichaelRW-----what you did is exactly what I am doing.  My high side lines will be routed just like yours.  Looks good.  The Sanden compressor uses a lot less horsepower than the old RV2.  It's what all the hotrodders use.  In fact, it's what most of the OEM's use now.

[nitrousn]

MichaelRW-----what you did is exactly what I am doing.  My high side lines will be routed just like yours.  Looks good.  The Sanden compressor uses a lot less horsepower than the old RV2.  It's what all the hotrodders use.  In fact, it's what most of the OEM's use now.

That is a lot better way to run the lines compared to the previous picture. Better yet would be to mount the drier by the condenser. I think I will get the CAA kit but custom make my lines.

[bill440rt]

MichaelRW-----what you did is exactly what I am doing.  My high side lines will be routed just like yours.  Looks good.  The Sanden compressor uses a lot less horsepower than the old RV2.  It's what all the hotrodders use.  In fact, it's what most of the OEM's use now.

That is a lot better way to run the lines compared to the previous picture. Better yet would be to mount the drier by the condenser. I think I will get the CAA kit but custom make my lines.

This thread couldn't have come at a better time.
It looks like MichaelRW has installed the CAA Factory Conversion kit. Right, Mike? That kit is for cars with factory A/C. The Sanden compressor replaces the stock unit, & you retain the factory condenser & hard lines against the passenger fender apron. Nice, clean install, looks almost factory except for the compressor.

The CAA Perfect Fit system is designed for cars that did NOT originally have A/C. In that case, hose routing is like PocketThunder has pictured. I'm sure it looks cleaner once the hoses are tied & clamped in place. There are some pictures on CAA's website of this installed: http://www.classicautoair.com/images/MS-BBody6872Hood1L.jpg

I just got off the phone with CAA tech support, that is the only hose routing they offer with the Perfect Fit system. You could probably tuck the one hose under the compressor to hide it a little bit, so it doesn't run over the compressor.

And YES, nitrousn, I ordered my kit with the compressor lines uncapped. That way, I can mark them for length once everything else is installed for a custom fit. They said I can either send them back & they will crimp them free of charge, OR a local hydraulic place by me could do them. I think I might just send them back when I'm ready, if anything for warranty issues.
I ordered my kit without the compressor, as I'm going with a serpentine kit which comes with the compressor. My price was $1094 from CAA without the compressor.

PS - Are you the same nitrousn from Moparts?? 

[bull]

Sorry for the tangent but is this the cruise control mechanism?

[nitrousn]

MichaelRW-----what you did is exactly what I am doing.  My high side lines will be routed just like yours.  Looks good.  The Sanden compressor uses a lot less horsepower than the old RV2.  It's what all the hotrodders use.  In fact, it's what most of the OEM's use now.

That is a lot better way to run the lines compared to the previous picture. Better yet would be to mount the drier by the condenser. I think I will get the CAA kit but custom make my lines.

This thread couldn't have come at a better time.
It looks like MichaelRW has installed the CAA Factory Conversion kit. Right, Mike? That kit is for cars with factory A/C. The Sanden compressor replaces the stock unit, & you retain the factory condenser & hard lines against the passenger fender apron. Nice, clean install, looks almost factory except for the compressor.

The CAA Perfect Fit system is designed for cars that did NOT originally have A/C. In that case, hose routing is like PocketThunder has pictured. I'm sure it looks cleaner once the hoses are tied & clamped in place. There are some pictures on CAA's website of this installed: http://www.classicautoair.com/images/MS-BBody6872Hood1L.jpg

I just got off the phone with CAA tech support, that is the only hose routing they offer with the Perfect Fit system. You could probably tuck the one hose under the compressor to hide it a little bit, so it doesn't run over the compressor.

And YES, nitrousn, I ordered my kit with the compressor lines uncapped. That way, I can mark them for length once everything else is installed for a custom fit. They said I can either send them back & they will crimp them free of charge, OR a local hydraulic place by me could do them. I think I might just send them back when I'm ready, if anything for warranty issues.
I ordered my kit without the compressor, as I'm going with a serpentine kit which comes with the compressor. My price was $1094 from CAA without the compressor.

PS - Are you the same nitrousn from Moparts?? 

Thats me Bill. Did you buy the serpentine kit we talked about? My car was a non a/c car and i want a cleaner look. There is no reason why they cant be routed neater and with my hemi I am not sure the drier will fit like it does with the wedge. I plan to keep the lines on the right side and mount the drier by the condenser.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Sorry for the tangent but is this the cruise control mechanism?

yes.

[bill440rt]

Thats me Bill. Did you buy the serpentine kit we talked about? My car was a non a/c car and i want a cleaner look. There is no reason why they cant be routed neater and with my hemi I am not sure the drier will fit like it does with the wedge. I plan to keep the lines on the right side and mount the drier by the condenser.

Hey, nitrousn! 
YES, I've spoken to him several times already in planning my setup. GREAT guy!! Thanks for the recommendation. 
I don't want to hijack the thread right now by getting off topic, but let's just say his serpentine kits are DA BOMB!!! Plans are in the works for mine, everything should clear a 6-pack air cleaner, & I'm able to run a mechanical fuel pump to boot! 

I've just been going back & forth with CAA & your friend (I'll let him remain nameless at this time), to plan both kits together. I'll end up getting the compressor from him vs CAA. It's a tad more expensive that way, but all the serpentine pulleys will be the same number of grooves & I know all the pulley s & accessories will line up that way.

He sent me pictures of the setup on a few engines, including on a 6-pack. If there's enough interest & it doesn't get too far off topic I'll post them. 

[bill440rt]

BTW nitrousn, you might want to check with CAA on their HEMI setups. They may differ than the one they offer for wedges.
The picture MichaelRW has posted with his retro-fit setup retains the original condenser & hard lines, they enter on the passenger side. CAA's Perfect Fit setup uses an aftermarket condenser, which has the lines entering on the driver's side. That's why they criss-cross so much. I agree, there HAS to be a way of re-routing those lines for a cleaner look.
With the routing you described, you'll probably have to make custom hoses & tubes.

[68RT4ME]

This is my set up from Classic Auto Air. Works great and at $1899.00 installed, I thought it was a good deal....

[MichaelRW]

MichaelRW-----what you did is exactly what I am doing.  My high side lines will be routed just like yours.  Looks good.  The Sanden compressor uses a lot less horsepower than the old RV2.  It's what all the hotrodders use.  In fact, it's what most of the OEM's use now.

That is a lot better way to run the lines compared to the previous picture. Better yet would be to mount the drier by the condenser. I think I will get the CAA kit but custom make my lines.

This thread couldn't have come at a better time.
It looks like MichaelRW has installed the CAA Factory Conversion kit. Right, Mike? That kit is for cars with factory A/C. The Sanden compressor replaces the stock unit, & you retain the factory condenser & hard lines against the passenger fender apron. Nice, clean install, looks almost factory except for the compressor.

The CAA Perfect Fit system is designed for cars that did NOT originally have A/C. In that case, hose routing is like PocketThunder has pictured. I'm sure it looks cleaner once the hoses are tied & clamped in place. There are some pictures on CAA's website of this installed: http://www.classicautoair.com/images/MS-BBody6872Hood1L.jpg

I just got off the phone with CAA tech support, that is the only hose routing they offer with the Perfect Fit system. You could probably tuck the one hose under the compressor to hide it a little bit, so it doesn't run over the compressor.

And YES, nitrousn, I ordered my kit with the compressor lines uncapped. That way, I can mark them for length once everything else is installed for a custom fit. They said I can either send them back & they will crimp them free of charge, OR a local hydraulic place by me could do them. I think I might just send them back when I'm ready, if anything for warranty issues.
I ordered my kit without the compressor, as I'm going with a serpentine kit which comes with the compressor. My price was $1094 from CAA without the compressor.

PS - Are you the same nitrousn from Moparts?? 

Yes, my setup is the factory conversion kit for cars with factory A/C. Sorry for the delay as I have been offline until just now.

[4aThrill]

I have one from bouchillonperformance.com but it's not installed it yet, I think it was about 600 bucks for everything half then Classic air. 

[squeakfinder]

I have one from bouchillonperformance.com but it's not installed it yet, I think it was about 600 bucks for everything half then Classic air. 

I went to there website,


http://www.bouchillonperformance.com/BPEaircondition.asp



Did you have to piece everything together? Or do they have a kit? I didn't see one on there site.

[4aThrill]

they have a kit with all the hardware, and then you buy the compressor and compressor bracket  separate but on the same order of course. last Christmas they had a deal 10 percent off so saved 100 bucks    but I did my other things then the AC kit,compressor, and bracket but still thats a great deal on what they got too. 

[PocketThunder]

All done and charged up with Freon.  Blows a cold 40º at 60º air temperature.   

[ChgrSteve67]

 

[bill440rt]

I have one from bouchillonperformance.com but it's not installed it yet, I think it was about 600 bucks for everything half then Classic air. 

Looking over the BPE kit, it appears once again this is a A/C CONVERSION-type kit. It's great for upgrading your original A/C system to a modern system. It doesn't include the compressor, which explains your $600 price (the kit is anywhere from $350-$375 depending on rad support size).

The CAA CONVERSION kit is about $500, but doesn't include the condenser. It's designed to be retro-fitted to an existing A/C car. Tack on the price of a new condenser, & it's probably not too far off from what you paid.

The BIGGEST difference here is that of an A/C kit for a NON-A/C car. Those are the $1200 kits, which comes with a new, required heater-A/C box for under the dash, vents, cables, compressor, condenser, the whole shebang.

BTW, Mr. UPS Man just delivered 2 large packages to my door yesterday.    I wonder what's in them...