The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk best a/c unit for 1958 Chev fleetside

Good morning! I am in the process of buying a 1958 Chev fleetside BBW shortbox. The seller states it has a crate 350 engine from Regis Engines? Anyone familiar with that company? Truck does not have a/c so am wondering what would be the best in terms of functionality/fit and finish a/c unit for the truck? I see many people have installed Vintage Air units but they are quite costly. The appraiser I am dealing with has restored many cars and he is suggesting a unit from a GM car or truck? Any tips/thoughts and or suggerstions would be greatly appreciated as this is my first foray into owning a 58 BBW fleetside! Thanks and have a wonderful day!

I personally like the Old Air Products setups better than Vintage Air: https://www.oldairproducts.com/product/inside-package-1955-59-chevrolet-pu-ip-9100

With that kit, you can put whatever underhood parts you want.

You might be able to make a newer stock GM HVAC unit work, but it would be a lot of time taking measurements and looking at different models. Most newer stock systems will have the outputs in places that are inconvenient for the older trucks, but you might be able to save some money by doing a lot of work.

Whether or not that is worthwhile to you would be your call.

I've not heard of Regis Engines. I've used both Vintage Air and Old Air products and am more of a fan of Old Air. I think their design is a little better...but either will be okay. The least expensive A/C only choice will be a complete underdash package (what we used to call a hang-down unit). You'd get the compressor, the mounting bracket, all hoses, the evaporator and condenser. Something like this, maybe: https://www.oldairproducts.com/product/cap-300-et-complete-package

If you want A/C, heat and defrost the cost will go up. Just a matter of what you need. Good luck!

I have an OldAir unit in my 59 and have been generally pleased with its performance. I haven't used Vintage air so I can't really suggest one over the other. Mine is about 25 years old so both companies have probably made improvements. Mine did not have a "defog" capability as delivered so I added a toggle switch to activate the compressor if needed when it is in defrost mode. Their heater/air controls fit in the original heater control panel location and all the condenser and dryer parts fit the core support well. No complaints here, it is a good kit, I would buy it again. I don't see how adapting a system from a late model car or truck would be a positive experience.

Mark

I installed a Vintage Air system in my '56 3100. This was my first time adding AC to anything and I think it went pretty good, as I recall I had to convert the lowest mounting bolt to a stud to make things easier. All the bent lines fit without issues. I mocked up all of the flex lines and had my local auto mechanic crimp the fittings on and then charge the system after I finished the installation...that was about 6-7 years ago and it still work great!

I don't have any experience with Old Air.

Mike B

Fibonachu & JonG: Thanks for the info. I looked at both systems and the IP-9100 offers a/c, heat and defrost for $1095 US while the Cap-300T is a/c only for $1070 US......is this correct? Am I missing something as to why the IP-9100 offers way more for only $25 more? Are either of these "complete" systems in that there would be nothing else I need to purchase to have a/c in mytruck? i.e. Do I need to buy a special radiator or fan for the 350 Regis engine? Have an awesome day!

The Cap-300T is a complete system with the compressor, condensor, dryer, everything. The IP-9100 is just the parts that go inside the cab. You would need your own compressor, condensor, and dryer.

Depending on what you already have and how handy you are, sourcing/installing those extra parts can be done fairly cheaply.

I also don't know anything about Regis engines, but if it is a standard SBC with a mechanical fan you should be good to go. You will want to maake sure you have a good shroud too ensure the airflow goes through the condensor/radiator but you would want that anyway.