Vintage Air University

Tech Video: Power Steering Pump Pulley Installation

In this video, Vintage Air technical documentation group manager David Roberts explains and demonstrates the proper method to install a power steering pump pulley for a Front Runner drive system.

Tech Video: Gen IV SureFit™ Control Panel Calibration

In this video, Vintage Air technical documentation group manager David Roberts explains and demonstrates the calibration procedure for Gen IV SureFit™ systems that use Vintage Air’s patented cable converter technology to convert a mechanical OEM control panel to electronic operation.

Tech Topic: What are the dimensions and characteristics of the #6, #8 and #10 O-rings supplied with my system?

logoO-rings are used in numerous applications, from faucet cartridges to spacecraft. They are made of various materials and they come in many sizes.

Vintage Air components are always shipped with all of the O-rings required for installation, but occasionally a situation may arise where additional O-rings are needed. While you can always order O-rings directly from Vintage Air, should you choose to purchase them from a local supplier, selecting the proper size and material is crucial for proper performance.

Click here to read the article explaining exactly which O-rings are compatible with your Vintage Air components!

Tech Video: Capillary Tube Installation for Gen II Evaporators

In this video, Vintage Air technical documentation group manager David Roberts explains and demonstrates the capillary tube installation procedure for Gen II evaporators.

Tech Topic: How Do I Measure, Cut and Install My Duct Hoses?

Duct hoses are an essential part of your Vintage Air system. The duct hose transports air from the blower in the evaporator sub case to the vents on, above, and under the dash, so proper installation and routing is a must!

When you receive your system from Vintage Air, it will typically arrive with one or more continuous lengths of duct hose. Thus, it will be necessary for the installer to measure and cut each hose to the appropriate length.

Click here to read the article about Vintage Air’s recommended best practices!

 

Tech Topic: Is an Electric Compressor a Good Option for My Hot Rod?

Over the years, we have received a number of questions regarding electric compressors, and whether or not they are available through Vintage Air. Since the 1990s, our engineers have tested numerous electric compressors as part of Vintage Air’s comprehensive research and development program, and we have used them in several all-electric vehicle applications, including the 1990s-era Ford TH!NK.

With that being said, Vintage Air is committed to selling only the best-performing aftermarket air conditioning components. As a result, at this time we do not offer an electric compressor in our catalog because we do not recommend their use in your muscle car or hot rod.

Click here to read the article and find out why!

 

Tech Video: Installing a Trinary Switch

In this video, Vintage Air Vice President Rick Love discusses the importance of safety switches while walking through the process of installing a trinary switch as part of a Vintage Air A/C system.


Tex’s Tips for Surviving the Summer Heat Wave

heaticonSurviving the summer heat wave. Extreme heat is the primary enemy of your A/C system. To avoid untimely breakdowns and ensure that your Vintage Air system operates at peak efficiency, you must inspect the entire cooling system before heading out for a summer of cruising.

In our many years of experience, we have found that common items are often overlooked as causes of air conditioning failure. If you’re experiencing a system failure, see our troubleshooting guide in the download section.

 


Create a mock-up of each universal unit using cardboard

textcarWhen purchasing a Universal System for a vehicle it is important that you determine if you have the space available to install this unit. We will be able to give you a general guideline as to the capacity of each unit to cool and heat certain vehicles, but we are not looking under your dash. Since each vehicle has unique characteristics under the dash, the salesperson must rely on you, the consumer to tell us what will fit best in your application.

Each Universal Evaporator page has overall dimensional drawings that will represent the outermost measurements of these units. You can use these dimensions to create a cardboard “mockup” of the evaporator. If you can fit your mock-up behind your dash without any interference, the actual unit will fit just as easily.

 

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Many applications will require slight modifications to the underside of the dash or firewall to make the final installation.
Note: Remember most of the vehicles we deal with were never designed to have air conditioning in the first place. It is very important to bear in mind when modifying a vehicle that no one set of standards exist and not everyone will do the installation the same way.

How to Air Condition Your Hot Rod

acbkcvrThis updated edition of the original book, written back in 1993,not only tells you how to plan an install, but gives you the understanding and basic knowledge about a complete air conditioning system. This book explains the science of the refrigerant, the importance of insulation, and how controlling humidity and heat levels inside the car affects the overall function of an air conditioning system. This eleven chapter, 144-page book explains about the major components that make up a complete air conditioning system, along with planning a complete system install. The installs start with planning a layout and an understanding as to where to mount each component. There’s even a section that explains how to make sure you have a large enough radiator with optimal air flow to ensure proper functioning of your air conditioning. Three complete installs are outlined in this book, including installing air conditioning in a traditional street rod, muscle car, and a pick-up truck install. These installations are step-by-step from installing the condenser in front of the radiator, mounting the compressor and compressor bracket, hose routing, installing the evaporator behind the dash, and installing or modifying existing controls. The final chapter of the book gives you the details of charging a new system and basic trouble shooting. This 30,000 word, easy-to-understand, 350 color photo book is a must have for any automotive enthusiast interested in learning about and understanding automotive air conditioning and the proper way to install a complete system.