My vintage air thread

73Camaro383 · 03-18-2012, 05:48:32 PM

I am starting to install my Vintage Air system. Already ran into a couple of snags. There firewall coverplate leaves much to be desired. Looks Like I am going to find a bolt on delete plate and install there inside the car like they say then install the delete plate in the engine bay. I will drill some holes in the delete plate add the grommets and run the hoses out that way..

EDIT: The install is done and if there are any questions on the install then post em up. If I dont respond then hit me with a PM..

speed_m5 · 03-18-2012, 06:39:46 PM

detroit speed makes a nice one. I made my own and i am routing my hoses up and over the kickpanel inside and out the hole for the blower motor then over the back side of the fender above the inner wheelwell and out by the battey. You have to make sure and tell the VA sales guy you want a modified hose kit to do this. I wanted my firewall smooth with no holes

73Camaro383 · 03-18-2012, 06:59:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed_m5

detroit speed makes a nice one. I made my own and i am routing my hoses up and over the kickpanel inside and out the hole for the blower motor then over the back side of the fender above the inner wheelwell and out by the battey. You have to make sure and tell the VA sales guy you want a modified hose kit to do this. I wanted my firewall smooth with no holes

I already have the kit, so I have what I have. I'm not concerned with a smooth firewall. I just want it decent looking

71RS/SS396 · 03-18-2012, 07:24:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtmv2007

I already have the kit, so I have what I have. I'm not concerned with a smooth firewall. I just want it decent looking

None of the aftermarket a/c kits I've seen have a decent looking cover imo. Why not use the stock heater box cover and cut the end open near the fender and run the lines inside the fender?

73Camaro383 · 03-18-2012, 07:55:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

None of the aftermarket a/c kits I've seen have a decent looking cover imo. Why not use the stock heater box cover and cut the end open near the fender and run the lines inside the fender?

The lines arent long enough to do that..

71RS/SS396 · 03-18-2012, 08:03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtmv2007

The lines arent long enough to do that..

Ahh, I always make my own and use the ez-clip line, it's easier to deal with, smaller and way more flexible.

speed_m5 · 03-18-2012, 09:01:17 PM

When i ordered mine they sent the wrong ones and all i did was call them told what i was doing. He had me pack it up and they had ups come to the house and get it(at there cost) had the new ones within a week.

73Camaro383 · 03-18-2012, 10:26:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed_m5

When i ordered mine they sent the wrong ones and all i did was call them told what i was doing. He had me pack it up and they had ups come to the house and get it(at there cost) had the new ones within a week.

I sent them back the compressor they sent. It was supposed to be polished. I sent it back monday. They recieved it tuesday. I called them friday morning they said they will call me back and let me know the deal on it. Never heard back from them.. EDIT: Compressor arrives today. Apparently they were all busy with the Goodguys show.

73Camaro383 · 03-19-2012, 10:29:30 AM

I ended up getting my bud at work to make me an aluminum cover the exact dimension as the VA coverplate. I am going to mount it to the engine side of the firewall. Saved me some loot. I am going to paint it black or maybe polish it. Not sure yet on it. Also ordered my new radiator hose and heater hoses. I went with the stainless steel hoses. Also bought an idle solenoid so it wont kick my idle down when the A/C is engaged.

73Camaro383 · 03-19-2012, 07:31:29 PM

I was contacted by a VA engineer today through a PM. Seems they keep an eye on the forums. I am trying to get the horrible firewall coverplate dealt with. Seems a lack of design was put into that part of the kit. It leaves the heater core openings visible and the lip when you take the heater box cover off. we shall see what they do. Pics to come in the next couple of days on the build.

73Camaro383 · 03-20-2012, 01:20:37 PM

After talking with VA it looks like were going to go in a little different direction with the install. I will be using a Detroit speed heater delete plate, with the hidden hoses runing behind the inner fender. I have to ship some stuff back and receive the longer hoses and different firewall plate from them. I am going to take pics of it all removed hopefully tonight and take pics as I get it installed after all the pieces arrrive. Should be receiveing my compressor today. After talking to VA it seems they are concerned about getting there system to fit correctly and satisifying there customers.. Looking forward to turning the wrenches on this mini project.

73Camaro383 · 03-20-2012, 08:23:40 PM

Ok it has started, In no particular order but you guys are smart enough to figure out what you take out and install first. I started with the condenser because I dont have the firewall plate just yet. The condenser installed perfectlly. I only had to oblong the holes a little on the top bracket. It bolts behind the hood latch assembly. The lower bracket bolts behind the lower latch assembly then you drill one hole to bolt the other side of the bracket in because the lower latch only has one bolt holding it on. I lowered the inner fender about 1 1/2 inches or so and it was enough to pull the old heater box cover and blower motor out. The print out calls for you to drill a hole to feed the hard line through the radiator support. My car already had a factory hole in perfect position to feed it through. All I had to do was install the grommet. The instructions doesnt say you need to pull the lower dash out. I planned on changing the lower dash to a new OER piece and also just makes it easier to get to.. Thats about all at this point. Now I will grace you with some pics.. We all love pics!! Excuse the dirty engine bay. Pollen is crazy right now!!

73Camaro383 · 03-21-2012, 04:33:26 PM

Whoo hoo, the big brown truck just dropped off some goodies. The DSE heater delete plate PN# 010902 fits my car perfectlly. The only draw back is I will have to bend down the flange on the firewall so it will fit flat. I plan on just cutting the corners and bending it inwards. Thats incase I ever sell it and someone wanted to go back original it would be minimal work to fix it back. It really doesnt serve much purpose. I also got the under fender hoses. I plan on cutting the holes out on the delete plate and install the grommets in it for the hoses from the underdash unit. It will work great. Now I am getting excited to get this thing installed!! I'll snap some pics of it and post em up before I cut the holes and install it.

73Camaro383 · 03-21-2012, 09:27:48 PM

I snapped some pics of the DSE heater cover mocked up. I mounted it then drew with a pencil the blower hole so I could get the area I need to drill out the holes for the hoses. Also have some pics of the 3 groove crank pulley and the 2 groove power steering pulley.

gmagno · 03-21-2012, 11:49:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed_m5

detroit speed makes a nice one. I made my own and i am routing my hoses up and over the kickpanel inside and out the hole for the blower motor then over the back side of the fender above the inner wheelwell and out by the battey. You have to make sure and tell the VA sales guy you want a modified hose kit to do this. I wanted my firewall smooth with no holes

I purchased this one from DSE and sent it off for a brushed nickel finish. It is listed on their website under the 67-69 year model and fits the 2nd Gen. I am testing a plater so keep an eye on my project. They pick up and return your parts for you, 50% deposit and balance only if you are satisfied. Doing bumpers and other exterior items in this finish.