Contemplating installing a VA Gen II system in the Camaro. For those of you that have one, do you use it enough to justify the cost, or in hindsight do you wish you had spent the $$ on other upgrades? I am at a point where I can spend the $$ on A/C or engine upgrades (new heads). Personally I think A/C would increase the sale value, while you get very little return from $$$ spent on an engine.

With my Health issues, I have to have a/c. I love it !! It was a pain to install though !

With my Health issues, I have to have a/c. I love it !! It was a pain to install though !How did you route your hoses: bulkhead connector, through blower motor hole or the VA ABS Firewall cover?

Rocketrod,

A/C wiould increase teh value. My first 1969 had factory A/C. I cut the lines & tore out the compressor. I was a dumb kid then. I spent big money on the drive train and sold it for next to nothing. IMHO I would put the A/C in there. It is a pain. It will cost more than you want to spend but it is nice to have especially now that I'm marrried with a family. My current 1969 does not have A/C.

Check out my radiator post and let me know what you think.

Thanks!!

How did you route your hoses: bulkhead connector, through blower motor hole or the VA ABS Firewall cover?

Rocket, I used a blank vintage bulkhead,, I did not like the way the hoses fit or the way they said the routing should be...ie, the large loop of #6 small hose before it went to engine compartment... I just got extra fittings from them and the blank bulkhead and started from inside car forward. Routed hoses under radiator support both sides , coming up along driver side and used elbows to compressor.
As fo money spent? For me here in the west where sand blows , the AC help a bunch even though I use it for long cruises. My car was a Z to start with and I installed an old Frigaking under dash back in 70's , so AC has been a part of my car for a long time, eventhough it was not intended.

If you use a Sure Fit, the hoses will come through the old heater cover area through a ABS cover the kit supplies. If you want a smooth firewall and bulkhead, we have a Gen 2 set up for that.

As for weather you need it or not, I do not know how hot it get's in IL, but here in Florida we need it today!

I did nothing fancy and used their plastic bulkhead thing. My engine compartment is not show worthy. :)

I used the abs cover & then went behind hinge, over wheelwheel, behind battery, infornt of rad support to condenser.

It's great when needed. I figure if it's hot enought to turn it on = it's to hot to run car hard.

Vintage air pics
http://rides.webshots.com/album/508047816JAfpoW?start=36

Rick, nice photos, I presume you have already shown local law inforcement your chambered pipes :thumbsup:

Rick, nice photos, I presume you have already shown local law inforcement your chambered pipes :thumbsup:
Photos???

Rick, nice photos, I presume you have already shown local law inforcement your chambered pipes :thumbsup:

Thank you & ofcourse I have :disco:

To be honest, there is a better system out there that isn't too bad to install.
Its the Classic AC System.
VA uses a combined heater core/evaporator coil. Its OK for an auxiliary unit In the rear of a conversion van, But not for the primary system.
The Classic auto AC uses separate heater core and AC Coil.
Also the VA is glued together, not serviceable.
The Classic is bolted together and replacement parts are available.

Prices are similar.

Pictures and more info are available here
www.bought4less.com
click on Air Conditioning
Click on Classic Vehicle AC
Click GM
scroll down

To be honest, there is a better system out there that isn't too bad to install.
Its the Classic AC System.
VA uses a combined heater core/evaporator coil. Its OK for an auxiliary unit In the rear of a conversion van, But not for the primary system.
The Classic auto AC uses separate heater core and AC Coil.
Also the VA is glued together, not serviceable.
The Classic is bolted together and replacement parts are available.

Prices are similar.

Pictures and more info are available here
www.bought4less.com
click on Air Conditioning
Click on Classic Vehicle AC
Click GM
scroll down
Looks like a good setup, but it costs about 25% more than Vintage Air.

Looks like a good setup, but it costs about 25% more than Vintage Air.

Classic Auto Air is going up more after the first of the year to $1195. We have a Group purchase going now at GPSuperStore.com with a discount and beat the price increase.

Vintage air is going to be coming out with a sure fit for 1st gens that is their newest model. I talked with one of their dealers yesterday, and they will be shipping to dealers either this weak or next. It is supposed to be an improvement over earlier sure fit models. I think the universal version is already out. I forget if it's gen air 3, or 4 , or something else. I hope it is a separate heater/AC like the classic kit. MAybe someone with more info can give some better details. I will definately have AC. Anything is better than nothing:yes:
Scott

Gen 4 is coming but I do not think it is next week. I am ordering a few systems tommorrow, i will get a update.

Gen 4 is coming but I do not think it is next week. I am ordering a few systems tommorrow, i will get a update.I am very interested in what they have to say...

OK, talked to Vintage today, they think the Gen 4 will be out very soon, but not next week. Late January / early Feb is more realistic. It will have all the killer features in one. You will be able to use a abs plate or smooth and bulkhead if you like. Details are secret. but they promise it to be the hot ticket. Pricing sounds like it will be a couple hundred more then A Sure fit. We will keep all informed of the details as they develope

OK, talked to Vintage today, they think the Gen 4 will be out very soon, but not next week. Late January / early Feb is more realistic. It will have all the killer features in one. You will be able to use a abs plate or smooth and bulkhead if you like. Details are secret. but they promise it to be the hot ticket. Pricing sounds like it will be a couple hundred more then A Sure fit. We will keep all informed of the details as they develope

I guess you are talking about Vintage Air out of San Antonio? Wonder if they started using the blank bulkhead like they sent me. Put you hoses how you want them?