67Rocket

Would like to hear from anyone who has vintage air conditioning on their 68-72 Cutlass. Thanks!

1968_Post

What would you like to know?

therobski

I used Vintage Air in Fort Worth Texas. There was no "kit" for a 64 Olds F-85 application. They were extremely helpful with my purchase and with the install. Saved only few hundred over VA and most of the parts are the same. The way they assisted me over the phone sold me. It was struggling with my DIY project on a few things and my rep Clint actually offered to come out and help me!! ( I live in Dallas) But I finally got it. Make sure they have a compressor bracket for your Olds.

ctosiflying

I have it. Can’t seem to get it to cool like I would like.

1968_Post

Mine was in a 1968. I don't think the lack of cooling is as much a fault of the VA system as it is the small factory a/c outlets and inability to direct air where you might actually feel it. The other difference from factory is this is a closed system... there is no outside air involved.The blower motor is quite loud at max speed. The heater actually worked quite well. Would I install one again? Probably... it's better than windows down on a typical Middle Tennessee day!

jmt147

I agree with 1968 Post. In my '68 the A/C is not the issue. The inability to direct the flow is the problem. I wish I new how to 3D print a center vent with directional control.

cutlassjoe

I have it in my 72'. I think the kit we used was for a Chevelle. I can't quite remember. It does work ok but, like others have said trying to direct the vents is a struggle compared with the newer cars. The heater works really good and I agree the fan is noisy on high.

67Rocket

Thanks guys, most of the VA installations I have seen look good. What do they use to cover the holes in the firewall? Any pictures would be appreciated.

Local Hero

I installed one of their systems in my non-Olds.

It was a universal kit that I installed as I was building the car. So it wasn't a simple weekend project.

I agree that their customer service was first class. I had never worked with any kind of AC system before this and I found it to be a pretty simple process considering how involved the system was. It was installed in a factory AC car and I adapted the VA hoses to the stock vents. I also adapted to the defroster as well. I created my own block off plate for the firewall since I was mostly smoothing off the firewall anyway.

I found the performance outstanding. But I attribute that to it being designed for 134a instead of retrofitting a R12 system with 134. I used one of their super efficient condensers, and the stock compressor which is Ford's version of the Sanden unit. All of the air flow is directed via electronic servos as opposed to vacuum modules. Ditto for the heater control valve.

It's been in the car for 15 years now and I've never had to add any refrigerant or have the system serviced since it was first vacuum pulled and charged.

67Rocket

Thx again