Vintage air or classic air??what should I get??

[Bmf5150]

Which is better in a 68 camaro??seems like most people go vintage air but I have read of some people having cooling issues and there case is glued shut and not serviceable ..I hear classic has bigger coil and can be serviced..what your guys opinions???

[Roy69RS]

I was wondering the same. I haven't had good luck with the controls on 2 vintage air units and was looking at Classic Air for my 69 camaro. I also like the looks of the controls on the Classic system. Looks like it would fit in my DSE dash that is cut for the stock controls.
Hopping someone here has tried them out.

[chevnut55]

I wish I went with classic. I installed a v/a in my 69 and its good looking and installed ok except for a hose and fitting that was not included they charged me for,but Im not impressed with it keeping the car cool at all...it works fine but just weak.

[Bmf5150]

Weak as in how cold it gets or fan output?

[chevnut55]

The heat blows much stronger than stock so Im guessing the pump or something does not push cold enough. had it re tested and charged..not impressed for what it cost.

[ccmc]

The air blows cold just not enough of it. It's a little better now that I have my floor dynamatted but when it's over 95 out it just doesn't seem to put out enough cold air

[CFster]

We have both systems in a couple cars. I like Classic better. Seems to cool better and their customer service is much better.

[Murdermerc]

The CAA unit is very nice . I just installed their kit into a 69 rs camaro . I was very surprised how cold the a/c was compared to the VA units we've installed in the past. The CAA controls are nice and the fact that its all electronic vs cables simplifies the install. Their instruction are a little vague or assuming but their customer service is great .

[Bmf5150]

Thanks guys

[72BBSwinger]

Ive read that VA uses undersized compressors.

[Chevy Kid]

Everyone pretty much uses the same compressor. This is not the weak link in an aftermarket system.

[CFster]

Condenser size can make a big difference in these systems.

[dontlifttoshift]

How cold is the air coming out of the vents? Whoever charged your AC system did have a thermometer in the vent, right?....and gauges hooked up?

If you are getting cold vent air, less than 40*, then you have a car problem. Weatherstripping not sealing, inadequate or nonexistent insulation. If you are not getting cold vent air then there is an installation or charge problem.

[72BBSwinger]

In its cooling ability, yeah that is the weak link. Here is a link where a Mopar guy figured it out....post #9 with another link. http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=227134

[dontlifttoshift]

Condenser size can make a big difference in these systems.


Easily the most important part of the system. Air conditioning doesn't make cold air, it removes heat, the only way it does this is through the condenser. Undersize or lacking air flow will cause poor AC performance.

[CFster]

A lot of people also forget to wire up their cooling fans to come on via pressure switch, and that can be earlier than you would think. Like less than a minute after the A/C is turned on. If not then the Hi side head pressure goes through the roof and it can't cool.

[Chevy Kid]

A lot of people also forget to wire up their cooling fans to come on via pressure switch, and that can be earlier than you would think. Like less than a minute after the A/C is turned on. If not then the Hi side head pressure goes through the roof and it can't cool.


Condenser size can make a big difference in these systems.

Both very good points!

[Bmf5150]

Thanks for the info, is the condenser on the classic auto air bigger than the vintage air unit ?

[Bmf5150]

Or are they the same ???

[CFster]

It really depends on the application. There are all different sizes. I'm sure you could find the sizes available in their kits for your specific application on their web sites.

[Bmf5150]

Ok thanks

[Classic Nova & Performance]

Some good points and a few slightly off the mark points.

First: Vintage Air's standard compressor is a Sanden 508. It is accurate that the Sanden SD7 is a smaller compressor, both dimensionally and output wise.

Second: If you are running electric fans you should be using a trinary switch, not the standard binary switch. This turns the fans on if the A/C system is turned on. CFster is right on the mark: Hi side pressures jump very quickly if your electric fans aren't running.

Third: As was mentioned weatherstripping, firewall insulation, holes in the firewall all play a big part when it comes to cooling no matter whose system you install.

[Bmf5150]

Ok thanks for the advise

[therobski]

So far I'm leaning on CAA, for my 64 F85 build. I talked with them a few times very good response. They are little higher in cost but I think a part of that is the "KIT" comes with a heater delete cover, which I need since I kept the original firewall. Being a novice with an AC system install they seem eager to help you-that pays dividends.

[TheJDMan]

It would seem that the general consensus is that the Classic Air is a better cooling system.

[TBART70]

ordered CAA with serpentine setup

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Old thread, but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I used the Vintage Air Gen IV system I believe, in a 71 Chevelle I did last year. It was okay, but not enough to sway me from trying CAA for my next build. 1st thing I didn't like was blocking the outside air, so it was recirc all the time. Next thing was the A/C cooling was just okay, it wasn't "cold". Part of this probably ties into me noticing the heater control valve wouldn't shut fully. I noticed even when the system was on "vent", and on cool that the air was pretty warm. This could probably have quite an effect on air that was supposed to be under 40 degrees, and easily kick it above 50.

The system overall fit well, but didn't get me super excited. On my next build I'll try CAA.

[therobski]

Guys I decided to go with Old Air Products in Fort Worth Tx. Since there is no direct fit system I am installing there system.

[TBART70]

Guys I decided to go with Old Air Products in Fort Worth Tx. Since there is no direct fit system I am installing there system.

Same company as Classic auto Air. Just got my stuff yesterday. Looks good so far. Dealt with Steve, very knowlegable and got me what I needed.

[therobski]

TBART70 Old Air Products is not affiliated CAA tow separate deals.

[TBART70]

TBART70 Old Air Products is not affiliated CAA tow separate deals.

Sorry, it seems like CCA has a deal with restomod air.

[therobski]

I got my Hurricane 2000 system and as I understand the evaporator needs to be as level-square as possible to drain properly and with a factory firewall not flat I am having fab brackets. This is somewhat challenging to me because I am in a learning curve with this whole install.