Vintage Air vs Classic Auto Air

[67Rally]

Hey guys, I've done a bunch of research, but I'd like your input here.

I'm planning on doing an AC conversion over the winter and it looks like Vintage Air is what the majority of people are running, especially on the "big builds". But when I do a google search, I have found a few threads that say the Vintage Air setup doesn't cool nearly as well as the Classic Auto Air setup. Apparently the condensor size is the big difference. And also that the Vintage Air unit is not serviceable if it breaks.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with both systems. Cooling efficiency, ease of installation, quality of parts, customer service, etc.


I'm looking at the Vintage Air Gen IV Surefit vs the Classic Auto Air Perfect fit for my '67 Camaro with an LS engine. Thanks.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Hey guys, I've done a bunch of research, but I'd like your input here.

I'm planning on doing an AC conversion over the winter and it looks like Vintage Air is what the majority of people are running, especially on the "big builds". But when I do a google search, I have found a few threads that say the Vintage Air setup doesn't cool nearly as well as the Classic Auto Air setup. Apparently the condensor size is the big difference. And also that the Vintage Air unit is not serviceable if it breaks.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with both systems. Cooling efficiency, ease of installation, quality of parts, customer service, etc.


I'm looking at the Vintage Air Gen IV Surefit vs the Classic Auto Air Perfect fit for my '67 Camaro with an LS engine. Thanks.

I'm interested in this as well. So far, in my research, I'm leaning towards Classic Auto because they make a controller that fits right into place on the 69 Camaro where VA's uses your original HVAC controls and retrofits to the back of them. Well, mine are broken, so advantage Classic. I've also read what you are saying about the condenser and serviceability.

Subscribed for more info.

[Chevy Kid]

FYI Vintage Air makes a stock looking controller for the 67-68 Gen IV systems. You can retrofit your controller as was stated as well.

Tim

[dontlifttoshift]

I have heard the serviceability mentioned before. In 15 years of selling, installing, and servicing VintageAir products I have seen exactly zero instances where I needed to take the case apart and service it.

[Wissing72]

I had Classic Auto Air in my El Camino. It worked well, it was ran by a ECU. I got the early production of it and it gave me some issues at first. I will say that I spoke with Gary a bunch and got things worked out and they were willing to work with me over the phone and help any way they could. I had the streetrod elite series since I smoothed out the firewall etc. My aplication was pretty custom and may have had less issues if I used the complete kit. (who knew trying to save a couple bucks would cost me more in the end? LOL) I think the Vintage system maybe a little more ironed out and streamlined. I will find out soon since I have a vintage system going into my Chevelle.

[67Rally]

FYI Vintage Air makes a stock looking controller for the 67-68 Gen IV systems. You can retrofit your controller as was stated as well.

Tim

I did see that in my research. I do like the idea of keeping the stock controls, modified with the electronic servos.


I have heard the serviceability mentioned before. In 15 years of selling, installing, and servicing VintageAir products I have seen exactly zero instances where I needed to take the case apart and service it.

That's great to hear. Any complaints on the output of cold air on these units?

[67Rally]

I had Classic Auto Air in my El Camino. It worked well, it was ran by a ECU. I got the early production of it and it gave me some issues at first. I will say that I spoke with Gary a bunch and got things worked out and they were willing to work with me over the phone and help any way they could. I had the streetrod elite series since I smoothed out the firewall etc. My aplication was pretty custom and may have had less issues if I used the complete kit. (who knew trying to save a couple bucks would cost me more in the end? LOL) I think the Vintage system maybe a little more ironed out and streamlined. I will find out soon since I have a vintage system going into my Chevelle.

Yeah, trying to save money usually has the opposite effect.

I'm probably 2 months out on installing AC. If you're up and running by then, please post your feedback here.

[renegade6]

I had a VA unit in my truck and I was very pleased with it. I'm going with VA for my current project.

[dontlifttoshift]

That's great to hear. Any complaints on the output of cold air on these units?

Nope.

[frankv11]

Another option
Restomod air , just got it. Not installed but quality seems top notch and fully serviceable.

[67Rally]

Another option
Restomod air , just got it. Not installed but quality seems top notch and fully serviceable.

What made you choose Restomod Air over the others? I have seen their banners on other forums, but don't know much about them.

[rickpaw]

67rally,

If you go with VA set up, you may have to relocate the ECU for your LS engine. I read on your build from the other site that you have the ECU near the glove box. The VA heater box takes quite a bit of room (at least in my install), and leaves not much room for the ECU.

[67Rally]

67rally,

If you go with VA set up, you may have to relocate the ECU for your LS engine. I read on your build from the other site that you have the ECU near the glove box. The VA heater box takes quite a bit of room (at least in my install), and leaves not much room for the ECU.

I'll definitely have to move the ECU, but I knew that when I mounted it there. That was just a temporary solution last year to get me up and running. I want to mount it behind the fiberglass closeout panel I made to connect the dash to the console.

[frankv11]

What made you choose Restomod Air over the others? I have seen their banners on other forums, but don't know much about them.
i saw it at SEMA and just liked the overall quality, spal fan, fully accessible for repairs, ( not sealed ), plenty of outlets, plenty of options for control knobs and very smooth operation. just a very sturdy well made product in my opinion http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff363/frankv11/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zps09d7c060.jpg (http://s1232.photobucket.com/user/frankv11/media/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zps09d7c060.jpg.html)

[HIFLYR]

Nope.

Well I have a 68 Camaro Conv and I have never been satisfied my VA system with it's cooling capability. It cools the air enough but it does not have enough flow.

[67Rally]

Well I have a 68 Camaro Conv and I have never been satisfied my VA system with it's cooling capability. It cools the air enough but it does not have enough flow.

Which model did you get?

[dontlifttoshift]

Yes which model do you have?

Temperature coming out of the vents at max AC?

Any more insulation in the car than stock?

Weatherstripping in good shape and sealing properly?

How many extra holes in your firewall?

Air conditioning doesn't make cold air, it removes heat. If more heat keeps coming in it can't keep up, no unit can.

[HIFLYR]

Yes which model do you have?

Temperature coming out of the vents at max AC?

Any more insulation in the car than stock?

Weatherstripping in good shape and sealing properly?

How many extra holes in your firewall?

Air conditioning doesn't make cold air, it removes heat. If more heat keeps coming in it can't keep up, no unit can.

Ok it is a early gen 2
do not remember temp but the temp differential about was about a 20 degree drop "which is really what you are looking at not just temp"
Just the stock insulation
weather strip and sealing new and good
no holes

I know how AC works but volume comes into play also or else a 1 ton home unit could cool a 5000sf home. There was a thread about the same issue about a year ago.

[dontlifttoshift]

20* temperature differential isn't enough, I look for 30* and usually do better than that.

I agree about volume, but I can make ice cream in a 34 sedan with a GenII Compac that doesn't move the air or have the coil size that the GenIV has.

[HIFLYR]

Honestly cannot remember the exact temp drop but the AC expert who was checking the system pressures and such was happy with the drop but not the CFM. All I can say all 3 speeds work on the fan with no obstructions and cannot cool the car on a 85 and above day. Freeze the drivers left knee off since the vent is right there but not enough volume. Can't check it now as it won't get above 25 and has been that way for a week ARG! ready for Spring.

[dontlifttoshift]

3 Speeds? So not a GENIV unit?

Dash vents, the higher the better.

[HIFLYR]

3 Speeds? So not a GENIV unit?

Dash vents, the higher the better.

Nope gen II and stock looking car so only the mini vent in the upper dash.

[Bmf5150]

I have heard from two different sources who has installed both systems that classic auto air cools better than the VA setup!!

[Bmf5150]

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/101468-Vintage-air-or-classic-air-what-should-I-get

[67Rally]

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/101468-Vintage-air-or-classic-air-what-should-I-get

Good info. Did you install the Classic Air?

[Bmf5150]

No, but that's the one I'm getting

[214Chevy]

I need to check into Classic Air too. I need the coldest a/c. I live in Texas where the summers are hotter than hell....literally...no joke.

[Bmf5150]

I read some where that restomod air is uses the classic auto air assembly???not sure if it is true or not

[dontlifttoshift]

Its the same company so that wouldn't surprise me.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Just an update. I went with the Classic Auto Air system. I haven't' gotten it charged yet so can't comment on the cooling (although the heat will smoke me out of the car) but I can comment on the overall quality and installation.

First, a disclaimer: this may have been different if I would have ordered it directly from CAA instead of through a vendor.

If you are looking at this for a 1st gen Camaro, don't do what I did and tell them what your car was from the factory and what you are doing to it and expect them to send you what will work best for you. Why? Because if I would have known more about this system before I got it I would have changed some things.

For instance, I got the system for a small block Camaro without AC because that's what I have right? So, my heater core inlet and outlet were still right next to the head. To be honest, I'm not sure why that's even an option. If you are putting this in your car it's not going to look stock anyway so why in the heck do they even make one with the inlets/outlets in the small block location? They should just have the big block location or something like Vintage air where you put them in.

So, #1, don't buy the small block version, I can't see a point to it besides being more cramped, especially with the slightly wider LS block.

Next, the instructions suck. Everything doesn't seem to be in the right order (IMHO) and the pictures and explanations leave a lot to be desired. I found myself rereading the same paragraph several times in order to try to make sense out of it and still had trouble until I ignored the instructions in favor of the trial and error method.

The center louver's appearance leaves a bit to be desired At least mine did. The coarse part of the louver's texture is about right but it's way too shiny. Almost like the mold needs to be media blasted to dull it out. Mine also had some misalignment of the vents but CAA took care of that and is sending me new one.

Other than that (and actual cooling power which I haven't been able to test yet) the CAA unit is of fine quality and I really like the controller. I also like how the ECM works and where it can mount due to having long enough wires to find a good location for it. The ducts they give you are also plenty long enough to route it how you'd like and I had to trim pretty much all of mine. The hoses that come with it are complete where CAA knows the length (firewall to condenser for instance) and left long and only fitted with one end where you decide routing. Just trim it where you want it and bring it to the local autoparts store to have the end crimped on.

Bottom line:
So far, I'd say that I would order a CAA kit again with one caveat. I'd order it for a big block car or see if they have an option to place the "through firewall" hoses in a user defined location.

I'd also like to install a VA system and see the differences as there are a lot of features I like about them as well.

The reason I decided to go with the CAA kit initially is because I've read in quite a few places that it cools better. We'll see how it works when it's charged (and my radiator fans work through my PCM).

[Bmf5150]

Thanks for the advice

[Hotrod1]

What about restomod air?

[Carbo]

What about restomod air?

I'm wondering about this myself. I did see the Death Valley experiment but for $1k more, not sure if it's worth the money. Not many reviews on this product either and I'm hoping somebody has done or will do a comparison between RM, VA and CAA.

[fishface]

I'm wondering about this myself. I did see the Death Valley experiment but for $1k more, not sure if it's worth the money. Not many reviews on this product either and I'm hoping somebody has done or will do a comparison between RM, VA and CAA.

I would like to see that as well. I did go to Restomod Air site and says $975 for their best system, although controls etc may add up to considerably more. They also have a nice looking dfive setup.

[TheJDMan]

If you look at the address of Classic Air and Restomod Air they have the same address listed on their respective web sites. I called Classic Air and requested a quote for a big block 1st gen Camaro perfect fit kit and was told that they only offer the perfect fit model with the heater lines behind the RH valve cover.:badidea:

I DO NOT want my heater hoses behind the RH valve cover so that leaves a universal fit system which apparently allows you to locate the heater hose where you choose. It also appears the Restomod systems do not include a compressor or condensor in their kit pricing.

Are there any other retrofit AC systems other than Vintage Air, Classic Air and Restomod?

[JON@RESTOMOD AIR]

I read some where that restomod air is uses the classic auto air assembly???not sure if it is true or not

Hey everybody this is Jon with Restomod Air. Although we do use similar evap housings as our sister company, the mounting bracketry/hardware, the internals, the fan and the controller integration is in a completely different solar system. We use a variable speed blower motor and fully customizable accessories that can be made to order. Check us out on www.restomodair.com or send me an email.

[dontlifttoshift]

Would you mind posting a pic of your evaporator coil? Is it integrated with the heater core and if so why did you choose that design?

[RPitts]

I just bought 2 bulk heads from Restomod great quality! I am in the market for two units one for a 68 and other for 69 Camaro. I would love to see some hose routing pic's of both Vintage and Restomod. I am also looking for ease of evap mounting due to both cars having smoothed fire walls. Any info would be great!

Rob

[sleepertime]

:welder:

I have the vintage air setup, If you look starting at post #47 you can see how I modified my factory brackets and added some garage made aluminum brackets. I have the smooth firewall.The bolts are thru the inside cowl, not on the outer firewall. It is rock solid when bolted tight.

:popcorn2:

[gnx7]

It seems like there should be more responses to this thread.

I'm looking at a/c systems and need to make a decision in the next month and get it out to my fabricator.

The Restomod one does look better.... but $2K for an a/c system is kind of a lot. http://www.restomodair.com/shopproducts/1969-chevelle-trumod-complete-ac-system-original-factory-air/

Anyone else have RM, CAA, or VA systems in their cars.... feedback please?

Mine is a turbo LS motor. My fabricator can make up the lines from the compressor/condenser and heater hoses.... I already have the Holley setup compressor/mount... I really just need the under dash items/blower/controller.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

It seems like there should be more responses to this thread.

I'm looking at a/c systems and need to make a decision in the next month and get it out to my fabricator.

The Restomod one does look better.... but $2K for an a/c system is kind of a lot. http://www.restomodair.com/shopproducts/1969-chevelle-trumod-complete-ac-system-original-factory-air/

Anyone else have RM, CAA, or VA systems in their cars.... feedback please?

Mine is a turbo LS motor. My fabricator can make up the lines from the compressor/condenser and heater hoses.... I already have the Holley setup compressor/mount... I really just need the under dash items/blower/controller.

I run VA on everything.
all the under dash stuff here.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-561068/overview/year/1969/make/chevrolet/model/chevelle


buy a compressor and condensor kit. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-021168/overview/year/1969/make/chevrolet/model/chevelle

[workng247]

Brent,

The CAA heater core inlet/outlet location might be a deal breaker.

Hard to believe that VA Gen IV seperate evap/heater core wouldn't be up to snuff. I'm gonna go VA Gen IV sure fit evap and condensor with Frontrunner and some custom EZ clip lines on the compressor.

[67Rally]

I ordered the VA Gen IV kit a few days ago from MCB and will be installing it as time permits.

[sandiegocamaro]

Did everyone lose interest in this thread? I have a 68 Camaro and I'm looking at AC since I'm south of Fresno, CA where we have killer hot summers. Any more advice or other links to follow?

[67Rally]

Did everyone lose interest in this thread? I have a 68 Camaro and I'm looking at AC since I'm south of Fresno, CA where we have killer hot summers. Any more advice or other links to follow?

I ended up going with the Vintage Air Gen IV setup for my LS engine (old school LQ9). I installed it myself, over a couple of weekends. It would have been pretty straight forward, but I ended up tweaking a bunch of things.

I relocated my ECU to my glove box. I used a DSE firewall heater delete plate, and a 4 way bulkhead fitting from VA, with the EZ clip hoses. Ran the hoses behind the passenger side fender to keep it clean. Had to modify one of the evap lines because I had already relocated my coil packs to the same spot the line wanted to pass through, etc...

The AC blows at 38 degrees on a 90 degree day, couldn't be happier!

This is the DSE heater delete plate which I painted gloss black to match the firewall:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/IMG_3860x_zpslgxlh5sa.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/IMG_3860x_zpslgxlh5sa.jpg.html)

This is the VA firewall block off plate that goes on the inside. I used them both, and cut holes for the VA bulkhead fittings. This is the interior side of the panel:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/IMG_3875x_zpsolamav6e.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/IMG_3875x_zpsolamav6e.jpg.html)

Here's the DSE Heater Delete plate mounted and sealed with black silicone:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/IMG_3899x_zps64xdqkg4.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/IMG_3899x_zps64xdqkg4.jpg.html)

Bulkhead fittings added, the hoses will turn 90 degree towards the passenger fender and pass behind the fender:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/IMG_3906x_zpselm70ksi.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/IMG_3906x_zpselm70ksi.jpg.html)

Here's the Evalorator unit plumbed and mounted:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/E621DA95-A97B-44B2-A1E8-82F9720C6B4E_zpsh1ikncr5.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/E621DA95-A97B-44B2-A1E8-82F9720C6B4E_zpsh1ikncr5.jpg.html)

ECU in the glove box, I had to modify the latch on the right after this photo:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/IMG_4090x_zpscwcbqzy2.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/IMG_4090x_zpscwcbqzy2.jpg.html)

I clocked the AC compressor 90 degrees towards the passenger fender for a lower profile look:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/A3612FB9-296E-45CD-9BCB-B04F78791FDA_zpswssdrfud.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/A3612FB9-296E-45CD-9BCB-B04F78791FDA_zpswssdrfud.jpg.html)

Charged the AC myself, and here's the results on a 90 degree day:
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/modi_photos/6FE8A8A2-21EA-48C5-9477-D572BEB395A2_zpsvwqsppin.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/modi_photos/media/6FE8A8A2-21EA-48C5-9477-D572BEB395A2_zpsvwqsppin.jpg.html)

[Tim john---]

I recently installed a sure fit VA system in a 69 Firebird convertible. One issue was installation and removal of original radio once the VA unit was in place. I ended up buying an AAR radio to fit. The original would fit just fine but it had to be installed first and would not be removable
after the VA was in place. The AAR radio is a much smaller package and an upgrade for music so it kind of was a blessing. Car is still under construction so no performance report yet, also purchased my VA through Matt at MCB.

Tim john---

[Bmf5150]

Looks great