I'm ready to install A/C in my 53. Who makes the best, most complete, easiest to install kit? Thanks!
Vintage air is the only kit I will touch anymore. This said, i like their shurefit kit, but do not like the plastic plenum that hangs under the dash. I would move the vents to fire through the speaker grille and mount some eyeball vents under the corners of the dash. Move the knobs into the lower dash and find some knobs that match the factory knobs.
I have not done this, but I have an old aire hidden system in my truck. It is basically done this way. Just make a plate to go across the speaker grile opening, then screw the 2 vents into the plate from behind. Mount the outside 2 vents in the mount pods at the corners as far back as possible to keep hidden. Drill the holes for the control knobs in the lower dash ( or wherever you like them) And adapt knobs (choke, throttle, cig, etc.)
I have installed 2 old aire, southern air, generic local rod shop air and Vintage air. Vintage is the only option. You pays your money and you takes your chances, but I hedge my bets. Vintage has the quality, simplicity, support and product line. Looking at about $1200 for most kits.
A Vintage Air system was already installed when I bought my '52. Works great except that it throws condensation on the floor through the downward facing vents when the A/C is on with the fan running at the highest speed and those downward facing vents open.
The compressors are Sanden 507 or 508 units, the condensors and dryers are universal, and the hoses and bulkhead fittings can be bought to your choice so this leaves the evaporator and controls. I still prefer the cable but vacuum and servos do the job. The very best AD unit was by Airtique out of Cleburne, Texas but they no longer exist. Fit very snug against the bottom of dash and let you keep a full size glovebox. If you want instant cold air, like on 100+ days in Texas, then a system with no duct hoses is the way to go. Both Vintage and Old Air have R&D departments so both know their product and are not just re-sellers like many out there. Vintage has a wider selection of mounts and pulley systems and good customer support. Keep your order number on hand since I think they are getting tired of ones that buy el-cheapos and then call their customet support for problem solving. Picture of Airtique unit in a 49; another vent is left of steering column.
I don't know your experience level, but I built my first, and probably only, truck recently. I used Vintage Air, based mostly on reports like we've seen here. It installed exactly like the instructions said, and cools great. I do have a similar issue with condensate on the floor like the other Bill, (Hanlon) reports. I think I resolved that problem by putting a 90 degree fitting on the end of the drain tube under the truck so the air flowing by tends to 'pull' air out and keep the water from accumulating inside. I called and told them what engine I have, (1955 235), and a GMC, and they put together everything I needed to do the installation. Do, follow instructions to the letter with respect to the hose assemblies. I had mine crimped at a local NAPA, and the wrong crimping tool was used, despite my telling them the difference, and my hoses leaked, causing me to have to send them back to Vintage for new replacements. No fault of Vintage Air, though, and they turned them around very quickly for me.
EXACTLY why I love this forum... A bunch of guys (who have mostly never met) offering up "real" advice. Near perfect timing too, as I may need to purchase A/C now to verify under-hood fitment (A/C compressor gets mount high outboard on LS (Vortec truck accessory driven) engines. I only hope I am able to provide as much good info as I have received here.
A/c are you installing the a/c with a v8 or a six banger engine? Also can you keep us posted on how the install is done as many of us want to do the samething. Thanks robert