Thread: Heating/AC system help

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I'm building a 51 chevy and am unsure on what to use for the heating and AC. What kind of newer car can I pull a whole system out of and modify it to work on mine? I'm trying to find a solution that's not going to cost me a thousand bucks. I have access to several salvage yards with a variety of 70's and newer cars. Thanks

I would reccomend a GM from the late 70s/early 80s. Easy vacuum system, easy wiring and the AC isnt ungodly large. Also, there are a large variety of aftermarket systems on the market.

Been thinking about the same thing for my 49. I dont want the heater box hanging off the firewall,so I would think just about any car with an under dash setup would work. Say like a unit from a PT cruser ,mustang,etc.I used one out of an older mazda in my 40 coupe, been working grate for the last 20+ yrs.

Having had to install heat and AC using junk yard parts before the good stuff became available, I will have to say that a package from Vintage Air, or one of the other manufacturers, is the only way to go. For appearance and fit, it is very hard to beat the package of quality components these folks put together. If appearance and properly mactch components is important too you, or if you value your time at more than a nickel and hour, it's by far the best deal. Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade but I definitely agree with Dave on this. If you have AC experience you already know adapting a junkyard system can be done but is a MAJOR undertaking. Regardless of what system you use fabricating a decent ducting system and nice looking vents is a huge time eater. Additionally unless you into redoing the system over and over you are not really going to save a lot of money to PROPERLY install the system. At a minimum you will want to replace the compressor, accumulator/receiver dryer, all the hoses and the heater core (it's a lot of fun to finally get the system installed only to have to take it out 6 months latter because the used heater core pucked, or the quality used high pressure AC hose you reused ruptured spraying refrigerant and compressor oil all over the interior).

If you go ahead with a junk yard system the Mustang II/Pinto units are pretty compact. On any of the units plan on spending anywhere from 2-6 hours removing it from the donor car. An alternative if you want to retain a nostalgia look would be to check the 50's/60's cars for an under the dash unit you like they are realty the simplest to install and my experience is they are the more efficient than a lot of the factory units.

".......... I'm trying to find a solution that's not going to cost me a thousand bucks......."

Cost of junkyard system.............?????
Rebuilt Compressor....................$100-400 depending on the unit
New hoses.................................$150-200
Receiverdryer/accumilator......... $35-75
Refrigerant (R12 or 134).............$20-160
Heater Core ...............................$35-100
Misc ducting vents belts etc....... $100
Professional looking installation..priceless

Total $440-1035

AIN"T CARS GRAND

I have a friend that has a wrecked mid nineties honda. Would that come right out and be adequate? I'll check into that vintage air system too,