Is air conditioning a must?

[shizzy]

when I was 18 and was looking for every last bit of power gain I didnt care. now that im 31 after the 5th 12 hour workday I just want to hop in, click on the A/C and ride comfy.

[barno68]

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

Maybe that is true in Southern Cal, but I can see the real value in the Bay Area. Keep in mind that the new aftermarket systems give you conditioned defrost. So even if you dont need the cooling, the de-humidified defrost is very nice to have when it is raining.

[MarkM66]

I don't think so, but when you try to sell, all the buyers will think it's a must.

Most of these cars get driven to a show, cruise or the track, which obviously is an outdoor event.

[compos mentis]

Do these newest systems surpass OEM capabilities?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Absolutly, especially in your 55! the Vintage Air gen IV was originaly designed by VA for Ford motor company and is the unit used it the $200K Ford GT.

[compos mentis]

Absolutly, especially in your 55! the Vintage Air gen IV was originaly designed by VA for Ford motor company and is the unit used it the $200K Ford GT.

Thanks Frank,

I should have clarified my statement by asking
"does the VA Gen IV equal or surpass new car OEM air conditioning and defrosting systems?"

Since you said it was used in the Ford GT, that answers my question obviously. I'm up in northern NY State so defrosting is as important as air conditioning.

I'll call your store first for a VA system.

Side note: Remember the stink made when Ford couldn't call it the GT-40? I think now most folks would agree 'Ford GT' is a much better name and says it all.

[streetk14]

I think Frank pretty much summed it up when it comes to A/C in our cars. Is it necessary for someone living in Coastal California? No, but it sure is nice when those heat waves come and you would actually like to drive your car without suffering.

I have a VA sure-fit system in my '67 Camaro, and it does a very good job of cooling off the interior when cruising around. I just got it working properly a couple months ago, and had a chance to put it to the test during that heat wave last month. It was probably close to 90 degrees out and I was nice and cool enjoying my car with the windows up.

I suppose the question for you is this: How often do you use the A/C in a newer car that you drive? Some people are more tolerant of heat than others. I personally use the A/C in my new Bimmer all the time, but I know others who hardly ever use theirs in their newer cars.

Andy

[compos mentis]

Andy,

Good to hear feedback like that. John Parsons said something in maxchevy.com to the effect of 'they are street cars, not race cars...'

[gearheadtx]

I live in the Houston area and an A/C is a must. I looked for a while for my 67 only because I was looking for one with Factory A/C. The only down side is that it will not be a track car unless I dismantle the A/C.

Mark

[6'9"Witha69]

I have the windows and sunroof open daily, even in 90*+ temps. I ahve sat in gridlock traffic for an hour in 100* temps and didn't enjoy it, but I lived. I have a GenI system in my car but the compressor not mounted and lines not connected. THis was back when the car was my DD and I wanted A/C for those summer days when I had to go somewhere and be 'fresh' upon arrival (think a suit). Now that it a weekend cruise/track car, it is all coming out.

[yellowrallys]

The wife and I are both 49. We like the ability to control the climate in our old cars, especially on summer trips. 25 years ago it didn't matter, but now we like being comfy when we're on the road.

[Charley Lillard]

In the S.F. bay area you would turn it on maybe twice a year ? Then if you take it to Hot August Nights. Realistically think about how many days of the year you would actually use it and see if it is worth it.

[Sparky67]

I don't think you need A/C in California, I had been on there on business in the past. I have also lived in Florida and yes it is a must. August is the hottest and humid month of the year. Instead of going with a pro-charger, why don't you get a magnacharger instead. If you need A/C in the future then you can add it on.

I am building an LS3 with an Harrop TVS 2300 supercharger and just got a great new pulley drive kit from Wegner Motorsports. The kit includes all the pulleys, A/C compressor, PS, Altenator, and ATI balancer, and also includes 2 blower pulleys.

Jeff

http://www.kodakgallery.com/67rscamaro

[rogue]

I can't imagine driving my car with the windows up...

[Charley Lillard]

Sparky....Most of Ca gets very hot in the summer, just some areas near the coast or in the mountains stay comfortable. I'm 80 miles from the coast and it regularly hits over 100 here in the summer.

[parsonsj]

John Parsons said something in maxchevy.com to the effect of 'they are street cars, not race cars...'

Cool! I'll tell Ro that we've got readers not related to us.

To add my $.02, I'm working on adding A/C to II Much now. I'm trying to see if I can shoe-horn in the Gen IV setup Frank mentioned. If not, I can get a Gen II Compac into the car.

jp

[venturabeachpup]

Today it's 103 degrees in Bakersfield, Ca. 108 tomorrow. For us A/C isn't questionable. There's even days in December that I will use my auto a/c. However, got6spd, I do understand your point. I would still build it with an a/c system. Yes, even if I lived where you do. I will be installing one in my 67 Camaro when I get to that stage of the build. I agree with the statement that it is "expected " when purchasing a car. The only exception is if you're keeping the car forever and living where you do all your life. Good luck and enjoy your build! Be .

[Reckn8]

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.

Tony, the key to your Vair is to keep the compressor small. Sankyo or Sanden had a compressor #308 that was used on the 3 cylinder Chevy Sprints. I used them on VW's back in the day and got rid of the York compressors. I forget the H/P they required but it was very minimual. A hang on V-A unit and maybe a custom condensor and your set! We have a 65 Vair waiting for us to redo, I'll start looking and see what kind of engine bracket can be made.
paul

[kurider]

Im in So cal and I would die without A/C in the summer time haha

[brans72]

You would want a/c if you lived in NC!!!!