[kyNova]

My 72 does not have a/c and i want to add it when i start on the rest of the car.Am i better off finding all the original parts or going with an aftermarket kit?If i go aftermarket which dash pad will i need?

 

[BLYOTH]

I used the aftermarket "vintage air" on mine. My car was a plain jane including radio delete. I didn't want to hack up the dash so I just mounted all the vents under the dash.

 

[kyNova]

What control did you use?

 

[NovaResource]

Aftermarket:

1. the firewall opening is different on A/C cars so you would have to modify it to use a factory system. Aftermarket kits are designed for non-A/C cars.

2. the factory system will be the older R12 system that would have to be converted to use R135a. Aftermarket system already uses the modern stuff.

3. the factory system will be mostly used parts that must be found. Aftermarket kits are new and complete

4. aftermarket systems are much more efficient

 

[BLYOTH]

What control did you use?

It uses the original heater controls. I actually did not hook the heater back up simply because I did not want to run heater hoses from the firewall to the motor. It wouldn't take much to hook it up because the aftermarket a/c comes with a heater core but I don't drive it when it is bad out so I really don't need a heater.

 

[kyNova]

Does the aftermarket kit use a new heater box as well?

 

[nreynolds]

I have factory A/C in my car and it runs 134a. It works nice but it is nowhere near as nice as late-model A/C. To me it is a primitive system. My advice is do the aftermarket route. You'll be pleased you did.

 

[scherp69]

Call Frank at www.gpsuperstore.com and he can set you up with a Vintage Air Gen IV kit for around $1500. You can choose the style of vents that you want. Some of the vents will bolt under the dash or if you want to cut holes, you can. The kit comes with all new duct work as well. The Gen IV unit is a air conditioner, heater and defrost unit. The unit is electronic controls so there are no cables hooked up. Vintage Air has a sure fit kit that is designed for the different cars but right now it uses the Gen II kit. You won't be happy with that one. Either wait until they come out with a Gen IV sure fit kit, or give Frank a call and he will make a kit up for you.

Here's a link to the Gen IV kit: http://www.vintageair.com/08/catalog08/08 VA cat pg 18 f.pdf

Here are some links to the different vents you can use: http://www.vintageair.com/08/catalog08/08 VA cat pg 29 f.pdf
http://www.vintageair.com/08/catalog08/08 VA cat pg 30 f.pdf
http://www.vintageair.com/08/catalog08/08 VA cat pg 31 f .pdf

I believe you can get controls that will fit in the factory location so it looks stock. Or if you want to do a custom install like I am, you can use their streamline 3 knob kit.

Here's a few pics of the unit I got:

Here's the streamline 3 knob controller