Is air conditioning a must?

[got6spd?]

I was just wondering how often you guys use your AC? Do you feel it's necessary? I'm building a 68 in the Bay Area California and was wondering if it was worth it. I haven't driven the car for a few years but I do remember it having pretty good ventilation with the kick panels and side vents.
Basically I have my whole car apart and now would be the time to do it. I'm either stepping up to do a procharger for my 383 or a vintage air AC, what do you guys think?

[jy211]

AIR CONDITIONING

I'd rather have ac then a pro charger but again I am in South Florida. A/c system here help sell cars.

A/C gets used every time I drive. I have a VA kit waiting to install into my 56', hopefully this weekend.

[nekkidhillbilly]

well i use ac everyday in my truck

so yeah its a must

[Steve1968LS2]

Not where you live.. or where I live..

To me it's just added weight and clutter.. then again I don't live in Florida. lol

[Fesler built]

Vintage Air system is a must you will use it all the time with out a doubt. I have them in stock for most cars if you decide you want to find out about them. Only issue is you will need a front runner system or another bracket system to get the AC on the engine. I carry those as well

[ProdigyCustoms]

Would you buy a new car without A/C? A/C is something we have come to "expect". And unless the car is a street fighter, I really feel is is "Expected" in higher end builds.

Most times we are trying to add the comforts we have become accustom to in new vehicles like A/C, Power Windows, Sound systems, fuel injection, overdrives, better performance in suspension, brake, acceleration, etc.

I think that is the general idea for most of us building Pro Touring cars. To make them more civilized and more what we have become used to, in a classic package.



I think from a resale stand point is is a huge deduction. When we had the Prodigy Vette for sale that was the number one bitch from potential suitors. No A/C! The A/C had to be sacrificed for the ProCharger. It was one or the other on that car. Now you would think in a little 554 RWHP / 2800LB roadster, who cares about A/C



Only EVERYONE!

[class67]

Not where you live.. or where I live..

To me it's just added weight and clutter.. then again I don't live in Florida. lol

I agree with Steve, being frome the bay area myself...I don't think that it is really necessary. Unless you plan on selling it or would like the added comfort.

[monza]

I live even farther north, I love the AC. No not necessary but it sure is nice. I think Frank nailed it on his explanation.

[Vegas69]

Depends on the quality of the build as said..it's all about the total package that day you split ways.

[got6spd?]

I always felt that AC was just clutter and uneccesary but after that heat wave last week I started thinking otherwise. Then I started thinking about trips to Hot August Nights(Oh yeah, the car's going to be black on black, hot!!).

How much should the whole conversion cost? And is there a less expensive way then buying a $1500 pulley setup (I'm a student on a budget). Lastly, will running the AC affect the cooling system and the idle quality, my cam is pretty big, XR292s.

Thanks for all the replies

[got6spd?]

oh yeah, I'm pretty sure this car is going with me to the graveor at least I hope

[TonyL]

I'd give just about anything for it. My car hasn't even a fan motor! The vents don't do a lot of good sitting in traffic. I've thought long and hard at trying to figure out how to adapt a vintage air unit to my car. If I could afford it, I'd have one already.

[ProdigyCustoms]

How much should the whole conversion cost? And is there a less expensive way then buying a $1500 pulley setup (I'm a student on a budget). Lastly, will running the AC affect the cooling system and the idle quality, my cam is pretty big, XR292s.

The total kit is $1295 for the best Gen IV kit. You will not need high dollar accesorie drives, the kit comes with bracket and compressor and we have fitments for a lot of scenarios.

Yes the A/C will let you know if your cooling system is inadequate. And unfortunatly it shows most when your sitting still in traffic when you need the A/C the most. At 60 MPH when the wind is flying through the car and you can almost stand to be in the cabin, the wind is also rushing through your radiator helping cooling. A worst case senario for cooling might be a new radiator package with High performance fans, budget $900 for this for a drop in badd ass set up. DO NOT try to save money on E bay on the radiator! But you may not need one at all. Every car is different, every car reacts different, you might be fine. But just in case make sure you have a little cash ready, or you will be frustated to say the least.

As for your cam. The A/C will not change the way your car idles at a given RpM, but it will try to pull the motor down a bit when you turn on the A/C, which will change your idle.

You will need a easy to install soliniod to kick up the idle when the A/C is one. just like the factory used.

[CamaroLance]

Frank, can the vintage air compressor be mounted on a ls1 with stock z-28/trans am serpentine setup?

[BonzoHansen]

Another perspective: I need to add AC to the car because with the windows down the kids get blown apart in the back seat at highway speeds. I don't want cruising to be no fun for them.

[69keith]

The total kit is $1295 for the best Gen IV kit. You will not need high dollar accesorie drives, the kit comes with bracket and compressor and we have fitments for a lot of scenarios.

Yes the A/C will let you know if your cooling system is inadequate. And unfortunatly it shows most when your sitting still in traffic when you need the A/C the most. At 60 MPH when the wind is flying through the car and you can almost stand to be in the cabin, the wind is also rushing through your radiator helping cooling. A worst case senario for cooling might be a new radiator package with High performance fans, budget $900 for this for a drop in badd ass set up. DO NOT try to save money on E bay on the radiator! But you may not need one at all. Every car is different, every car reacts different, you might be fine. But just in case make sure you have a little cash ready, or you will be frustated to say the least.

As for your cam. The A/C will not change the way your car idles at a given RpM, but it will try to pull the motor down a bit when you turn on the A/C, which will change your idle.

You will need a easy to install soliniod to kick up the idle when the A/C is one. just like the factory used.

Does the bracket that comes with the kit allow for passenger side mounting of the compressor and use with tall valve covers on a sbc in a 69 camaro?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Frank, can the vintage air compressor be mounted on a ls1 with stock z-28/trans am serpentine setup?

We provide a adapter bracket that works off the stock bracket. it moves the compressor out 5/8"

[ProdigyCustoms]

Does the bracket that comes with the kit allow for passenger side mounting of the compressor and use with tall valve covers on a sbc in a 69 camaro?

We can do either side of the engine for short and long water pump, for exhaust manifolds or headers. We just need to have a little Q and A session and we can hook you up with the correct bracket. Most brackets move the compressor outward and tall covers should not be a issue.

[Steve68]

Not where you live.. or where I live..

To me it's just added weight and clutter.. then again I don't live in Florida. lol

Come visit Frank and I in July or August, We'll go to Old Town and hang outside, it's real nice out usually around 96/97 degrees 100% humidity, and that around 11PM, nice and comfy lol


Like Frank said, I think its expected in cars nowadays, I know I use it!

[Nessumsar]

I don't even have vent motors in my Nova, let alone a/c. I live in the Long Beach area and I just put up with a sweaty back. To each his own I guess.