Step One: The Evaporator
Based on the specifications for your vehicle, you can determine which evaporator is best suited to your car. The most important criterion is to select the largest unit that will fit into the space behind your dash. After removing the existing heater or A/C system, carefully measure the space where you will mount the evaporator. Bigger is always better because, unlike home A/C systems, entering and exiting your vehicle will rapidly lose most of the interior conditioned air. Plus, your car continually generates heat and the cab will never be as airtight as a modern building. You’ll want to exchange as much heat as possible in the shortest possible time.
Our largest, most powerful Magnum Gen 5 evaporator is always the best choice where it will fit. Gen 5 technology is the most intelligent OEM quality control system we have ever produced. Where space is more limited, the proven Gen II series Super, Gen II Compac, and Gen II Mini are your next best choices. For more than 20 years, these workhorse units have delivered reliable comfort and dehumidified defrosting to thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
Under-dash systems, such as the Heritage, Slimline, and Mark IV, provide a classic look, great performance, and easy installation. Finally, if nothing will fit behind or under the dashboard, we have options for trunk-mounted systems. These versatile systems can solve problems where extreme vehicle modifications have eliminated all the space available up front. Check out our Evaporators and Heaters page to get started.
Step Two: Control Options
Many of our evaporator units require model-specific control panels. Each type of unit offers a wide range of choices from basic under-dash knob pods to ProLine upgrade in-dash custom panels. Pay particular attention to which generation evaporator you have chosen. Gen II evaporators require controls specifically labeled as compatible with Gen II. If you have chosen a Gen 5 evaporator, any control panel listed for use with Gen IV or Gen 5 will be compatible. If you have chosen a Heritage, Slimline, or Mark IV under dash evaporator, the controls are already installed within the evaporator case. Visit our Controls section for more details.
Step Three: Louver Options
You can select from dozens of vents and louvers, from basic under-dash louver pods to dash-installed “standard” options and on to ProLine upgrade in-dash options. Explore our Vent Louvers, Registers, Ducts and Duct Hose to find the perfect fit for your vehicle.
Step Four: Compressor & Engine Brackets
We start our basic steel bracket kits in the Steel-eez Accessory Brackets section. But don’t skip over our pioneering, all-inclusive Front Runner Accessory drives for the most compact, highest performance, and most reliable mounting systems available. Your bracket choice depends on whether your vehicle maintains its original engine or now features a custom engine swap.
Step Five: The Rest of the Package
You will need to select the proper compressor for your application, a refrigeration line kit, or components to “plumb” the installation. Additionally, options such as bulkhead plates and driers, the right condenser, an engine-drive fan setup, or electric fan unit, and most importantly, a safety switch kit.
Step Six: System Options for Optimum Performance
Look over the components and options which will give your installation that professional look and your system the best possible performance. EVERY air conditioning installation should require the complete insulation of the entire cab. No modern climate control system will provide proper function without adequate insulation and door seals. We also offer alternators in a variety of finishes, hard-to-find engine drive pulleys, and many decorative switch knobs and bezels to finish your dash design.
Step Seven: Place Your Order
Check-out right here on our website, call us at 800-862-6658 to discuss your particular needs, or select an Authorized Vintage Air distributor from our worldwide listings.
Step Eight: If You Need Us
Don’t hesitate to call one of your local Vintage Air distributors or our in-house technical team members to advise you on any component or installation questions you may have. There are no dumb questions, just experience yet to be gained!