[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Valuable feedback on the Vintage Air setup, thank you. Now I'm curious about the Classic Auto Air setup's box, and will see if I can find one to look at in person.

I noticed a block off plate at a cruise-in 2 years ago and thought the same of the look/quality, hence why I opted for a firewall smoothie plate. Sure I'm going to be nervous when selecting and drilling holes in it!

As for the hose pass-through, I've been thinking about that as well. There are manifolds available that can be used and improve the pass through, even if you can't see it, it's something I feel is worth the effort.

http://www.vintageair.com/2014catalo...08-15%2082.pdf

I'm looking forward to moving to Speedhut gauges, have heard nothing but good about them. I know they still do stencils on the faces, and although no longer listed on their' website, going to call and ask about the Pontiac arrowhead logo.

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I'm pretty sure you can get the Arrowhead logo on the Speedhut stuff. If not you can upload any graphic you want to the gauges on their website. They will do anything. The best part is if you get sick of looking at the gauge faces, you can send them back in and have them do another look.

As far as the VA unit goes....its just a first impression. Iv'e read nothing but good stuff about the function. Having a smooth firewall would be ideal for this install. I'm probably going to be messing with locations of everything to make this as clean of an install as possible. Of course this means It will be taking more time than expected.

[HWYSTR455]

I was thinking studs on the inside of the firewall so you don't have the 2 going through.

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[PurplePackFan]

As far as the hoses go, you do need to bring them to an A/C shop or one that will do A/C or hydraulic hoses, yes. I searched online to find the fittings, you have to do the research and figure out what you need. It ended up that Summit carries most of the fittings.

[1966geeto]

Looks good so far I installed V/A in my 66 but mine was an ac car to start loved the system very efficient and will freeze you out I should have used a manifold as the 4 hoses going through the fender were a real PIA Totally agree with the block off plates I made my own looks better love your gauge setup looks way cool .Who did you get your column from looks nice.
Keep going you'll get there I'm closing in on 6 years almost done.

[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by 1966geeto

Looks good so far I installed V/A in my 66 but mine was an ac car to start loved the system very efficient and will freeze you out I should have used a manifold as the 4 hoses going through the fender were a real PIA Totally agree with the block off plates I made my own looks better love your gauge setup looks way cool .Who did you get your column from looks nice.
Keep going you'll get there I'm closing in on 6 years almost done.

Yep a manifold would have been the way to go here for sure

Column is from Jim @ GMTILT.com He takes stock non tilt columns and converts them into fully rebuilt tilts.

[PurplePackFan]

Nick,

I don't have any up to date pix under the hood, but I will take some. You'll have to wait a day or so as the car is spending a night in the shop waiting for alignment and master cylinder replacement tomorrow. Got exhaust done today, looks sweet. Will update later.

[1966geeto]

This is all I have right now.

[1966geeto]

Originally Posted by Nicks67GTO

Yep a manifold would have been the way to go here for sure

Column is from Jim @ GMTILT.com He takes stock non tilt columns and converts them into fully rebuilt tilts.

Thanks sorry thought you were asking me for pics.

[PurplePackFan]

Nick,

Sorry for the long delay in getting you some pix, been busy. Got my exhaust and alignment done last week, it's a driveable machine now!

Anyway, here are some pix of the final install of the AC system as it looks under the hood.

The compressor and brackets fit fine. If I could do-over, I would shorten the large diameter hose going to the compressor from the evaporator. Unfortunately, with the fenders on it is very difficult to get back out to have shortened. My suggestion: If you have the front clip off, run your hoses to the compressor and check for length, then have them adjusted accordingly. I need to wrap the hose under compressor to make it work. Not bad, but not the best.


Here are the heater hoses as they come out of the firewall. Clamps are behind firewall.


Hose from compressor to hard line to condenser-no changes.


Drier mounted on core support. Hose from drier to condenser shortened. Fitting you see is a replacement. Fitting on right side of drier is original VA on hose from evap routed under fender.


Hope this helps.

[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by PurplePackFan

As far as the hoses go, you do need to bring them to an A/C shop or one that will do A/C or hydraulic hoses, yes. I searched online to find the fittings, you have to do the research and figure out what you need. It ended up that Summit carries most of the fittings.

Hey. Do you by any chance have any good photos of your finished product under the hood? I'm looking to see how I want to run my hoses and what kind of stuff Ill have to have custom done. I think i'm going to mount my drier just like you did yours. Its much cleaner. I would just like to see what im getting into for custom hoses/brackets at that point.