I'm at the point where I'm needing to determine the placement of the A/C vents. The Vintage Air unit I bought has a plastic plenum designed to fit under the dash, but it just has that afterthought look to it. I'd much rather have this look more like a factory install as much as possible. The plenum sent, if you aren't familiar with it, looks like this... I don't see a good reason why I couldn't cut these same vents into the lower dash area, one on each side of the center, something like where these show... Its a little hard to see in the pics, but they look like they'd fit just fine. I'd still need to put one more on each side, near the doors, probably under the dash with those. From what I can tell, the factory just sends enough goodies to put 3 vents in...would have to get additional parts. I'd like the controls to look a bit more "vintage" as well...these have the look of coming out of a 1998 Impala or something...just not quite the look I'd want for this truck. Has anyone done anything like this on their A/C mounts?
I used the old air hidden system, it shoots through the speaker vents. I didn't like the big plastic thing either. I had also considered one of the old chrome underdash add on units from days of long ago, think Mustangs, etc. Since you aren't going for the origional look, I would cut them into the dash in the center, then make some pods on the outer sides near the doors. Mount the controls in the center lower dash.
If your considering doing custom panel work then there is another option. Mount an under dash unit up in the dash. You get cold air instantly since there are not hot ducts to cool down and the air velocity on high will blow your hat off. Also nearly 40% lower in price. We put one in a 38 LaSalle 4dr (BIG car) that will freeze the rear seat passengers and here are pics of ones in a 39 Ford and a 31 Plymouth. I'm sure an AD has at least as much dash to firewall clearence.
Oops, you already have the Vintage system so wasn't much help but might be something for future consideration.
Thanks, Evan...that's something to consider on future builds. I've never seen one in-dash mounted before...I like that much better than under the dash, but it pretty much monopolizes the dash space and is certainly the focal point. Looks much cleaner, though, and well "thought through". What brand did you use or do you feel works the best?
Thanks, Mobileortho! Here's a pic of where it stands tonight. Just set the air control panel in place...still have to connect the air lines on the back. A bit more wiring to do yet...
