[tjs72lemans]

I've never messed with AC before. But, I did replace my old system on my 72 Lemans and it came out nice. It was from Old Air and was basically a direct fit replacement. I hade hoses crimped at a parts house. You can do it. And say so with pride!

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme

Thanks guys. Lot of good stuff here. Ill order a kit soon and see what shakes out. I think Im going to order a serpantine kit too so I may just order the whole thing from CVF. Unless someone knows where to get a significant discount on them. The kit seems about $1500 across the board.

Just a heads-up, I'm pretty sure that regardless of who you buy your Vintage Air kit through, it will be drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer, and there is a 6-8 week minimum wait before they even ship. I ordered my VA SureFit system on March 9 and have not received it yet, although I was told it would be shipped yesterday (no word on that yet).

Just want to let you know so you can think about your project timing.

[HWYSTR455]

I ordered mine from Summit Racing on 5/3, and got it yesterday on 5/7.

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[ZeGermanHam]

Lol, that's good to know! I ordered mine through OPGI. If I don't get my VA kit in the next few weeks, I'm going to cancel the order and buy elsewhere.

I've been ordering a lot of other parts through Summit over the past few weeks, and I have to say their order processing and shipping speed has been incredible.

[Gary H]

I've put about 5 Vintage Air units in GTO's and Firebirds over the years. I'd say you'll easily spend 20 hours doing. I personally won't do one for less than $1500 labor

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by ZeGermanHam

Lol, that's good to know! I ordered mine through OPGI. If I don't get my VA kit in the next few weeks, I'm going to cancel the order and buy elsewhere.

I've been ordering a lot of other parts through Summit over the past few weeks, and I have to say their order processing and shipping speed has been incredible.

Summit has one in stock:


EDIT: Break the kit up by evap kit, condensor kit, and hose kit, all are in stock. The 'full' kits are backordered.

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[65madgoat]

When I checked shops most everyone quoted 30 hours for full install.... and depending if you work with fender on or off will add even more time.

Lotta work.

Had help on mine and it took a lot of time.

[Tommo99]

I'm putting a surfeit kit into my 66 Lemans right now and I think it would take a experience tradesman around a day and a half to 2 days.

[ZeGermanHam]

Don't want to hijack Rocktimus' thread, but on the topic of VA installation, although the SureFit kits do not come with an electric pusher fan for the condenser, is that something that I/we should plan on buying and installing as well? I also bought a 140A alternator.

[HWYSTR455]

OE fan or any electric radiator fan is fine. There's no need for a separate fan for the condenser.

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[ZeGermanHam]

Great, thanks. One less thing to purchase!

Also, as an aside, my SureFit kit finally arrived in the mail yesterday, which is a relief.

[RocktimusPryme]

On the same note, because Im considering buying electric fans. On the fence.

How much will adding the condenser set cooling back? Mine has been pretty good since I put in the high volume pulleys with the mechanical fan.

[HWYSTR455]

Condenser does block some air flow, but I would say it may impact temps by at most 5 degrees or so.

Remember, OE had AC from the factory, so this isn't something that's 'abnormal'.

Also keep in mind the newer cores are more efficient, too.


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[455 pontiac]

I installed the surefit kit in my 69 LeMans over the winter. I would say 20-25 hours is accurate. I liked the kit and think the install went well. My car was an original air car but I smoothed the fire wall years ago so I did not need the firewall plate. First time my car has had heat or air since the late 80's and I love it.

[GOAT8U2]

I'll add another 2 quotes I got for my 69 GTO, both respected and experienced Vintage install shops said expect around 25 hours @ $125hr. Doing the duo heater and ac requires the dash to come out I guess so that's a big part of it.

If you do this and need dash restoration etc, might wanna plan that into this while it's out. That's why I think I'll wait a couple years and do both at once.

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by GOAT8U2

I'll add another 2 quotes I got for my 69 GTO, both respected and experienced Vintage install shops said expect around 25 hours @ $125hr. Doing the duo heater and ac requires the dash to come out I guess so that's a big part of it.

If you do this and need dash restoration etc, might wanna plan that into this while it's out. That's why I think I'll wait a couple years and do both at once.

See I dont think that is the case with the Firebird kit though.

[ZeGermanHam]

Yeah, dash removal doesn't apply to my '66 GTO, either. Sounds like it depends on the car model and year.

[455 pontiac]

I did not remove the dash on my 69 LeMans. It was a little tight behind the guage cluster but I didn't have to remove anything.

[grivera]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

I just finished installing a vintage air in my 69 firebird. It was a big job. For me, all the hoses were the right length and had the ends crimped on.

I didn't keep track of how many hours I spent on it, but it was a couple of weekends... definitely more than 10 hours. It is a nice piece of kit. Blower is strong and the air comes out nice and cold (or hot, depending on what you want.) All the hoses run up through the fender, so it looks very sanitary once installed.

I've had the VA Sure Fit for my 69 Bird on the shelf for over a month and plan to tackle soon so I may pick your brain. Did you remove the p-side fender? Also, did it make a difference in your stop and go engine temps? Electric or mechanical cooling fan.