The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop A/C install

Have any of you guys installed A/C on a stovebolt 6? Now that I got my P/S and 292 squared away I'm looking at some systems. There is a bunch, Vintage Air, Old Aire Products, Classic Air Etc. Whats a good bet? Is the install easy or involved. Recommend a shop? I have added a 4 core heavy duty radiator, clutch fan and a 100 amp alternator for adding the A/C later.

didn't know you would need air in san diego..
some folks have used all of the above, just seems like that most rods have vintage air,,, I dont know though, I have no air, heat, or power anything in my 52......good luck with your choice

Just a suggestion...most commercial auto air suppliers carry all the necessary components to hang an under-dash unit in a pickup for less than 50% of what you'll lay out for a "kit". Mine even crimped my hoses after I mocked up the install.

The biggest problem I encountered with my install in my "other" truck....was getting the bracketry and belt alignment worked out. Granted, it took a little extra digging to get it the way I wanted it but isn't that why we work on these old trucks?

I don't need A/C in San Diego, I just use the 2/60 A/C (2 windows down at 60 MPH) But its when I go to Anza Borrego Desert towin my dirt bikes I kind of want some comfort, I'm an old fart. Yeah those "kits" are kinda pricey. Remember the old swamp coolers they used to sell at Western Auto?

I've install a "Hot Rod Air" system on my 250ci hotrod. The compressor is mounted on passenger side above the dist. Started out with a HEI dist. but the compessor sat too high. Change the dist. out for a 6 cylinder Mallory, remanufactured a shorter brackett and everything looks good. The hoses are a bit ugly but I ran them inside the inner fender so you can only see about 6-8 inches. I went with the indash outlets as I don't care for the big box sitting under the dash.
Problems...getting to #1 spark plug is a pain. Hot water outlet on water pump may get in the way. I cut the barb off, threaded the i.d. hole and screwed a hand made stainless male npt pipe to barbed elbow into the threaded hole. Forget your glove box, it becomes a access to the A/C.

I have not bought or installed mine yet. I have done some research and so far I think that Classic Auto Air has the best in dash unit.
It looks like it is well made and should last a long long time. They also use Spal fans and they are about the best I know of.

Anyone like or dislike Classic Auto Air?
And why?

We have a tech tip from Bowtie Max on his installation of Old Air Products A/C. I know I have seen Vintage Air when I've been doing some gallery additions. Do a search from the menu bar for Vintage Air ... and contact some of those guys. I'm sure they'll be glad to give you some input.

Peg

I used Old Air on my 261 and the biggest issues were the compressor brackets, pulleys and under dash unit. All in all the install was easy.

You are in a fortunate position in the sense that you have a 292 in your truck. GM put A/C in lots of cars that came with 292s, including camaros and trucks. So, you can probably find the bracket, compressor and underdash heat/ac unit from a vehicle with a 292 and put those parts into your truck. I'd get the guts and controls from the junk yard, including the compressor, bracket, harmonic balancer/crank pulley, dryer, evaporator, condensor, expansion valve and a/c lines.

You should replace the dryer, convert the compressor to 134A and get your controls and vents aftermarket. The main components for factory air are good quality stuff and available over the counter when it comes time to service them.

My personal favorite is the underdash faring with vents and the controls that are hidden in the speaker grill. However, what I've got is the underdash faring with the controls in it and I'm in the process of painting the fairing the color of the dash and putting stock knobs on the controlls so they look less out of place.

It may be a pain in the rear to pull the parts but you'll save money in the long run and I think the factory a/c is pretty solid stuff.

Grigg, I got the streetrod cooler II unit from Classic Auto Air about a month ago. The sales staff was helpful and I am pleased with the quality of the unit. Their customer service however, could use some improvement. I say this because they cocked an attitude when I sent the air vent louvers back because they were scratched and would not adjust. They finally agreed to send me some different vents. That was over two weeks ago and I have still not received the air vents. I consider this a small problem, but it leads me to wonder how they would react to a more serious problem. If I had to purchase another A/C system, I would probably go with a more reputable company such as Vintage Air. good luck on your decision.

I just got a 72 burb and have been looking into adding A/S and P/S.

Jim Carter sells compressor brackets for the lines along with an A/C unit.

However, they don't sell Power Steering brackets.

I tried my local junk yards but I live on an Island in a sea of corn. Hence not too many older cars in the yards. Any good ideas or good junk yards that will do long distance sales?
Thanks
Joe

Hey OhNo I have a P/S bracket and pump for a six.
Its yours if you want it.

I sure am interested. Email me
[email protected]