Thread: A/C Condensor Aftermarket, or Built into Radiator?

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So I am putting a/c in my car. As it is a custom system, should I buy a condensor from the mfg of the a/c kit I choose, leaning towards vintage air because of the electric controls, or when I have my radiator built, order it with a condensor. Thoughts or reasons why one would be better than the other.

Thanks,
Mike

I'd recommend ordering the condenser from VA so that your condenser is sized for the AC system and the radiator (per your measurements) as opposed to being simply sized for the radiator. The condenser will be a separate piece, in front of the radiator core, regardless. Should be about equal in price, I'd say.

Separate If you have a problem with either one then they are both bad and not being able to remove one for repair without the other Will be a problem one day/

Originally Posted by cffisher

Separate If you have a problem with either one then they are both bad and not being able to remove one for repair without the other Will be a problem one day/

A person can buy a radiator with an integral tranny cooler, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone offer an integral AC condenser core in the radiator. Have I missed something?

For proper cooling the condenser should be matched to the system therefore it should be purchased as a kit.

Did you mean order them Separate as two unites or together as one unit with two components??

Originally Posted by rspears

A person can buy a radiator with an integral tranny cooler, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone offer an integral AC condenser core in the radiator. Have I missed something?

Me neither.

I don't think 'integral' or 'built in' was the question, but as supplied by the radiator manufacturer - i.e. such as what Walker does and seen here on mine and currently unused:



This condenser is removable and will be if I ever have to pull the front end apart. As far as size - it's plenty big enough for any a/c I would ever install on mine.

Dave, I think the confusion is not in his question as you suggested but it is in the title of his thread,"A/C Condensor Aftermarket, or Built into Radiator? I was in the automotive heat exchange industry for many years and as Roger mentioned, I've never seen a radiator with a built-in a/c condenser. BTW, I ordered the radiator for my '32 from PRC with the condenser and Spal fan with shroud included as a 'bolt together unit' so everything would fit together as one assembly, plus PRC is well known for excellent quality!!

Mike