[horvath]

1 - I bought an after-market heater/defroster replacement for my truck from Chevy Duty ... it's very cool looking and is gonna do a nice job of heating my truck.

2 - There's an *old* looking air-conditioner that was in the truck when I bought it 2 months ago ... I turned it on once or twice and it seems to be in good working order, but it's kinda beat looking ... it's also very large - 16" wide, 12" deep and 5" high.

3 - I would LIKE to put the heater/defroster unit as low to the floor as I can, and also as close to "center" of the cab as possible. Unfortunately that big ol' AC unit is in the way ... it's also too large to move to the right and place under the glove box.

Any ideas or solutions to suggest?

I'm thinking, buy another AC unit that's smaller and not so ugly - then I could mount it under the glove box, have a better looking interior and also have my heater where I want it. Anybody know where I can look at AC units on the web?

Thanks.

Alan Horvath
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/" target="_blank">http://AlanHorvath.com/</a>
Acoustic Rock ... for real.

 

[awsum34]

try www.hotrodair.com

 

[horvath]

Wow! Vintage Air sure has the options, eh?

THANKS, awsum34!!!

Alan

 

[snkbyt]

Check out Hotrod Air also, Just received one of theirs for my 36 3 window. But why can't you remove the old unit and install the new. Usually they don't have to be in the center. Thats what hoses and ducts are for. I have the Vintage air unit in my 52 Chev P/U with the defrost ducts and kick panel A/c ducts as if you need A/C in Alaska! Ray

 

[horvath]

Hey, snkbyt

I certainly could remove the old unit and replace it with the new ... I just *want* it placed more towards the center ... it's a visual preference as well as a practical one - the way the heater blows (left, right & front) and also, since heat rises, I want it lower, without it being in the foot-space area.

I did check out HotRod Air ... but I'm *real* excited about the under-the-seat and behind-the-seat models Vintage Air offers, and they're only $380, too!

I'm gonna call them today and ask some questions : Since my truck is already outfitted with air (compressor, etc.) I should only need to replace things that are IN the interior, right? I want to keep this operation as simple as possible.

PS - What a time saver this site is!!! I was hunting on the web for over an hour last night and found nothing but aggravation. I post a message here, and bingo! My pals who have been there and done that set me up in no time, flat!
<img src="graemlins/mwink.gif" border="0" alt="[mwink]" />

Thanks, HotRodders!

Alan

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: horvath ]</p>

 

[EBlack36]

I have used vintage air in both my 36 Pontiac and 57 Chevy and they work great and you do not see either unit. In the 48 Chevy pickup I am currently working on I mounted the HVAC unit behind the dash where you can not see the unit by making a bracket that bolts to some of the stock braces that are already in there. Then you can put the vents were you want them, plus you get defrost and floor heat. You will lose a little of you glove box, vintage even has a sure fit in which you do not even have to drill a single hole, that is what I used in my 57. keep cool.

 

[horvath]

Thanks, EBlack36 - That sounds pretty cool!

How much was the HVAC unit you're referring to? And which model is it?

I'd like to look at the vents to see what you mean about putting them where you like ... and also, to see what you mean by "floor heat" - that's one thing I'm trying to achieve - getting the heat on the floor!

Also, are you saying that you can turn on the defroster independently from the heater? That would be great.

Alan

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: horvath ]</p>

 

[[email protected]]

Alan: I am using an OldAir Hurricane heat/cool unit on my '53 pickup. It is made to fit in the round hole on the firewall and is a small square box that is similar in size to the original heater unit. I will put on one of the reproduction Chevy heater decals and it will look a lot like the original!

<a href="http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/main_default.php" target="_blank">http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/main_default.php</a>

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: [email protected] ]</p>

 

[horvath]

Well, Willys36, I see you're up to your usual stuff!

Too cool!

Am I right in thinking I can order just the "Inside Package?" I've already got the engine compartment stuff all in place ... right?

Also, where do you get the Chevy Heater decals?

Thanks, bro'!

Alan

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: horvath ]</p>

 

[[email protected]]

Yes, that's what I did. Got the Hurricane unit, fan, control switch, and defroster from OldAir. I usually get my condenser with integral fan from some foreign car and my Sanden compressor, both from the junk yard. Throw a new seal in the compressor, polish it and I am in business!

Get the sticker from Jinm Carter - for your truck it would be item #

DE212 - 1954-55 Chevrolet for recirculator heater.... $2.55

or

#DE210 - 1954-55 Chevrolet , for fresh air heater.... $2.55.

These are Mylar stickers, very good quality.

<a href="http://www.oldchevytrucks.com" target="_blank">www.oldchevytrucks.com</a>

[ March 24, 2003: Message edited by: [email protected] ]</p>

 

[horvath]

Thanks a million, bro'.


Alan

 

[EBlack36]

On my 36 I am using one of the Gen II systems that use the electric actuators (sp) instead of vacumn, with that you get true bi level overation like in a newer car. The sure fit mounts like the other gentlemen said. I am using that type in my 57 Chevy wagon. I don't know the current prices since I bought both units a couple of years ago. The one I am using in my truck is one I took out of my 36 when I put in the Gen II (it was not large enough for the sedan).

 

[horvath]

Thanks again, EBlack36

The Gen II sure is the best space-saver of 'em all ... I checked their prices, but the Evaporator Kit isn't included in their price list - only the Complete Kit - so I emailed them to get the price on it.

 

[EBlack36]

It is also the most efficent as far as I am concerned, I am using R134 and it keeps my sedan cool.

 

[38ChevyCoupe]

All you need is the unit that goes under the dash, it comes with the vents of your choice and for a little extra you can get a nice control panel, I wouldnt use the hoses thats on your truck now unless they are fairly new, the older hoses are not the barrier type and will not take the pressure very well of the 134A freon. You can get a hose kit for 95.00 and that includes the dryer and the bracket for it

 

[horvath]

Thanks, bro'

My hoses are new ... but I may need longer ones with the new install anyway ... we'll see.

I emailed them about the Gen II Evaporater Kit and they told me it was like $1000 - which is the price for the Complete Kit, so I emailed them back again asking them to please clarify.

I don't know why they don't put the price in their price list for the Evapo' Kit and it sure seem whacked to tell me it's the same price as the Complete Kit ... I mean the under-the-dash stuff shouldn't be more than like $375, right?

Alan

 

[EBlack36]

It is usually the best to go through a rod shop, try Yogi" out of Iowa, or Maybe Springfield Rod Shop out of Ohio. Both have web sites although I can not remember the address.

 

[[email protected]]

I got a partial kit - seems it was $400? + change, don't really remember exactly how much it was. I know it was way less than $1000. I really like OldAir's outlets behind the radio speaker grille. Their web site isn't as clear as it could be - just keep working with them until they get it right.

Also, I find it cheaper and get better results to get my hoses @ the local hydraulic equipment store. They service all the trucks and tractors so there should be a store in your town. Look in your phone book. You can get any length of hose and do-it-yourself end fittings - very easy to install and reuseable - in any configuration so you can custom fit it perfectly.

 

[EBlack36]

I totally agree with what Willys36 said in reguards to the hoses, you have to get them crimped anyway when you buy one of the kits, so why not buy the hoses and fittings from the same people. I get most of my AC items from O'Reillys and they then let me use there crimper, after they tought me how to use it.

 

[[email protected]]

Originally posted by EBlack36:
<strong>I totally agree with what Willys36 said in reguards to the hoses, you have to get them crimped anyway when you buy one of the kits, so why not buy the hoses and fittings from the same people. I get most of my AC items from O'Reillys and they then let me use there crimper, after they tought me how to use it.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

You don't need a crimper! AeroQuip makes a standard industrial line of screw on ends that stand a gazillon psi and can be reused many times. Looks are great too - bright cad plating and the collars are smooth hex, not the ugly crimp. All you need to install them is a box/open end wrench and a vice. Check them out.

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: [email protected] ]</p>