Aftermarket A/C & Heater question

I'm getting to the point I can start planning for creature comforts. Just curious if there are any recommendations on what aftermarket system is best. I'm talking performance, value and both ease and appearance of installation. I know of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Air and Old Air Products. Are there any other suppliers to consider? This is going into a 52 Chevy Sedan with a Cadillac 425 engine. I have modified the front to fit a full size radiator so I do have room for a large condenser. I'm looking for something to fit under the dash and have just the registers showing - not one of the big hunking things that have everthing together and hag out from under the dash.
Bob

Those three are the ONLY ones I would consider. I installed a Vintage Air Gen II system and I could not be more happy with the installation or operation. I have heard their tech line is very good, but I had no reason to call them.

Vince

Vince is right on...

Vintage Air.....
I used a Generation II Mini.......



This is a 32 Ford.......way smaller than a 52 Chevrolet......



IF I can made a A/C unit almost invisible in a 32 Ford......you know you could in a 52 Chevy



Looking thru the door window ......you cannot even see anything but the vents....I have the center vent and controllers....just not in the photo..

.

Nice looking work on the 32. I'msort of at the stage you are in your pics. Floor going in, etc. Thanks for the info.
Bob

I've installed Old Air, Hot Rod Air, and Vintage Air. All are good. My current favorite, that I installed in a 55 Chev 2 yrs ago, and just installed another in my 36 Ford is Classic Auto Air. By report they are the only company with separate heat and AC coils. The electric servos are smooth, it's a true blend system. You can use aftermarket or stock compressors with it. Just my $.02. Bill

Duece, I like that unit, real nice and discreet. About how much did that run you?
Im looking to maybe do something like that if its within my price range.


Brad

http://vintageair.com/catalog.asp

Look at page 18 for actual size dimensions.....
Just the stuff on page 18 was $450 or so......
That includes what you saw in the photo, ducts and the controls ( off/on/heat/cool switch with a vent ) and fittings for the inside of the car.

It was the smallest unit I could find that I knew could do the job. My buddy has put one in a 40 Ford sedan and a 32 Ford sedan with excellent results.....so I know it will cool the smaller coupe

I notice that people want their A/C installs to be out of sight. That's fine, but does it really matter if some of your A/C-Heater case is visible below the dash? Look at any late model vehicle. There's some of that stuff visible below the dash in almost any car or truck. You can always make a shield to cover it if you want. The important part is how well does the system work. I like Old Air stuff because of the volume of air that they move. The only problem is that they don't have ducts in the unit that blow a good volume of air at the floor with the heater on. You have rig your own ducts for that. Look at the Mustangs built by Unique Performance. They all use Old Air systems, and they have the choice of lots of brands.

It is a matter of choice. Some folks just buy a hang on unit also. In a early rod, I believe they look a lot better when you do not notice them...for only a small amount of effort at construction. Installing A/C on a already built rod is a whole another deal....you have to just take what you can. On a new, fresh build....I like to plan ahead and " make the A/C all but disappear.

Just me.....