Ok guys I am getting a lot of mixed opinions about what to do with my AC. I am in the middle of a project restomod for 1968 firebird. I live near Sacramento so it gets pretty warm in the summers. It was an original AC car but I am finding that I only have limited original parts. I probably have about half of what I need for the original parts. It looks like it going to be a real Easter egg hunt online to find everything I need to go back to original system. I see vintage air sells a GenIV kit for about $1,500 that has everything I need. I have heard that the vintage air systems are crappy and barely put out cool air while others say they are great. Not sure what to do???
I want to preface this with the old adage Opinions are like ashats everybody has one and they are just opinions. As far as going original given the parameters you laid out I would say go modern on the a/c. There are 2 major brands of which I have personally not used but have been exposed to that seem to have their advantages and disadvantages so do your homework. I assume when you talk about the vintage system not working well you mean the original. they improved the 69 systems over the 7&8s but the original in perfect mechanical working condition is adequate but no where near as efficient as a modern system as far as power consumption and output. I have read complaints about I don't remember which modern system that they don't use a fresh air door, if true that would definitely not be ideal. I am an original type guy in my fuddy duddy years but not being constrained with that on a restomod frees you from the time and expense of the Easter egg hunt.
My best friend put Vintage Air in his custom ‘55 Chevy pickup. After a control issue resolved by helpful VA folks, it works great. Then he built a ‘63 Nova convertible for his wife. System performance is good but will not freeze you out like the truck. One consideration. The truck is fully insulated. The Nova, just the floor. Makes a big difference. Since you have an original AC car I would look to restore the factory system. That said, I have no idea how hard the parts are to find. Following my friends experience with VA, I wouldn’t hesitate to use one of their systems. I’ve attended their seminar a couple times through the years at Goodguy events. If possible, would encourage you to do the same. Or at least, discuss your needs with them.
