Air Conditioning units

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Rather not hijack the latest info on AC brackets?

Need info on Stepdowns using the new AC units under the dash, behind the glove box?

We have catalogues, just need to know the models that will fit(those tried and do fit) We can measure, but sometimes my bifocals dont see too good sideways. We removed the heater core, but will we have to remove the box below the fresh air vent??

Has anyone installed vents below the dash, in the dash(middle), ends of the dash, or whereever(back seats)?? Any help appreciated, thanks, Bob

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Bob, Check with Robert Pickens, as I know his 52 has a/c .
    Bob
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    A 52 Hornet I recently sold had a Vintage Air Gen II in it. It worked as an A/C and heater. Best set up I've ever seen. Blew ice cold and looked like the factory!
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    I purchased an indash unit from Rainbow Products and it fits real nice. I only put in the A/C unit only where the passenger glove box is located. The problem is that he didn't have a wiring diagram for that particular unit and I thought I use his generic wiring diagram on his website. WRONG. He sold me a five prong control switch (three go to wiring hiring for blower motor) and one is the power source from the battery. The other prong I assume goes to the thermostat. The problem I have with trying to figure this thing out is too much to put on this page, but if anyone has any ideas as to what I need to do or has access to a wiring diagram for a unit that ultilizes an electronic thermostat will be greatly appreciated.
  • hudsonguy
    hudsonguy Senior Contributor
    I installed a Vintage Air system a few years ago, and it fits neatly under the dash. The evaporator and fan are built into a black housing that was relatively easy to install. It also didn't interfere with the stock Hudson heater, which I was able to leave intact. I routed the lines thru the firewall above the driver's feet and installed the compressor between the battery and engine block driven by a single wide belt. The compressor is available with the 5/8" belt pulley.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    The newer evaporators from Vintage Aire work without having to mess with the fresh air inlet housing. The older units required cutting into and losing part of that box.
  • DavidC
    DavidC Senior Contributor
    Gentlemen,

    I too am planning an A/C install. I fortunately have one of Jason's last A/C/alternator brackets.



    What is the group's opinion on using one 5/8 belt to drive WP, AC and alternator? I have concerns re this. Too much load? Likely to slip?



    I am planning on going Vintage Air. Already have sanden 508 compressor. Any pics, part numbers or install advice for the evap is appreciated. Any special under-dash brackets? What model evap was used?



    Dave C
  • DocHornet
    DocHornet Expert Adviser
    I just bought a MK IV underdash unit from Vintage Air P/N 672001-VHY @ $299 (Evaporator only). I was recently at a big swap meet here in Austin, and talked with a booth owner who sells hot rod A/C systems. He claimed that Vintage Air no longer made the all metal, chrome front under dash unit, so I went right home, called them up, and ordered it without a hitch.

    I just couldn't stand the though of slapping a plastic evaporator and those fakey chrome plastic air outlets underneath that beautiful all-steel hornet dash. To me, this unit is exactly what you would have expected to see in 1951, yet it is a modern, high-tech, efficient unit.

    I don't seem to have permission to attach pics to my messages (I just get an error message when trying), but you can see the catalog page at: http://vintageair.com/catalog10/2010%20VintageAir%20Catalog%20printed_%20(Page%2022).pdf

    This is not necessarily an endorsement of Vintage Air, but I've installed a couple of their systems in other cars, and have always been impressed with the engineering, as well as the well-thought-out, easy-to-follow installation instructions.

    As far as compressor mounting, I'm considering a single belt system for my installation, using a separate backside idler pulley to route the belt further around the compressor. These Sanden's just don't pull much horsepower, and I'm confident it will work fine, and reduce the complexity of the mounting. I installed a similar configuration in my '59 Jaguar (single belt) which drives fan, water pump, alternator, power steering pump, AND compressor. It works and performs flawlessly.

    Dave: I'm planning on fabricating my own compressor mount bracket, I have a pretty good idea in my head as to how it should look, and have the welding and metalwork tools to pull it off. It would be very helpful if you could shoot me a couple of pictures of the bracket you have? Direct to my email: phil@auldridge.org would be super.

    good luck. Phil

    PS.. I've already done a trial fit of the MK IX unit in my Hornet coupe. It fits very nicely in front of the stock heater, so it will not be necessary to make any modifications to the existing heater/fresh air system, and it looks great!
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Phil-

    I'm having trouble with the site right now and cannot post any pics bigger than a thumbnail. But go to this link, it's My Garage, here on the site where some pics are located of the bracket.

    http://classiccar.com/index.php?option=com_community&view=photos&task=photo&userid=47612&albumid=71&Itemid=78#photoid=604
  • DocHornet
    DocHornet Expert Adviser
    Thanks for those pics... that's exactly what I had in mind, and the pictures are helpful for planning.

    I'm curious.. what is the bracket that seems to be attached to the front of the compressor, about 1" wide? Is that an adjusting mechanism?
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    I have a very old Vintage air system in my 49. Had to remove the plenum under the vent. This unit includes the heater and defroster. other than the hassle of having to chisle out the sheet metal ... it's great. A few years ago I needed another system for a 54 hornet, I emailed Vintage air and requested a catalog..Vintage air took a MONTH to send me a catalog ! Also it included an invoice.. they wanted $$ for the catalog. (they said they only mail them once a month!). I contacted Hot Rod Air ,also in Texas and got royal treatment. Catalog was here in two days. They gave me a package price on the items I needed to do the 54 installation. They gave me a great price too. It might be a good idea to shop both sources. They both seem to have the same generic stuff.

    None have a compressor mount for the Hudson engine, but the universal bracket parts can be cut and welded up into a working part.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Phil-

    The 'U'-shaped bracket is a mounting bracket for an alternator. The bracket that is actually attached to the backside of the compressor is a belt-tensioning arm.
  • DocHornet
    DocHornet Expert Adviser
    Yeah, those guys aren't the most responsive. The first system I installed (on a '65 Corvette) I wound up buying from another source just because I never got a return phone call.

    However, I've had good luck by being persistent, in fact the most recent order surprised me by showing up about 2 days after ordering.

    Certainly there are lots of good suppliers out there. Just a matter of who has the pieces you need for your vehicle.
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