Adding air conditioning to an antique car or truck is often challenging because these vehicles were not designed to have it, and often there is not a lot of space for the system. Using a vintage car AC installation kit is a good option because the kits have everything you need to install AC and get it working without hacking up the car.
AC Kits
When considering AC for your antique car, you need to look carefully at how it will fit and decide if you are willing to alter the vehicle to install the system. Some vintage car AV installation kits on the market will go in under the dash and use a self-contained blower box and vent system, and bolts in place to keep the car as original as possible.
The kits also typically include the necessary hardware to go under the hood and power the system. However, you may need to let the manufacturer know if the car still has the original drivetrain or a modern engine installed. The brackets, AC pump, and other hardware may be different if you have upgraded the engine to a small block V8 or some other engine option that didn't come stock in your vehicle.
Installing Your Kit
Once the vintage car AC installation kit arrives, take some time to check it to ensure all the parts are there and the directions are clear. The installation process is not overly difficult, but it is a good idea to go over all the details before you start the job. Doing so will ensure you are sure that you are not missing any steps and that you understand what the manufacturer wants you to do in each step.
Once all the parts are installed and the hoses and pressure lines are connected, you may need to take the car to an auto repair shop or AC shop to have the system purged of air and moisture, then charged with the recommended amount of refrigerant for the system. Because these after-market systems are made specifically for vintage vehicles, the pressure in the system may be different from a modern car and system, so follow the guidelines from the manufacturer to ensure you get the best results when charging your AC system.
Additional Parts
When choosing a vintage car AC installation kit for your car, ask about any parts you may need to provide with the kit. Some systems use stock AC pumps that you need to purchase from a part vendor, and there may be belts, pulleys, or other pieces that the system needs but will be specific to your engine and not provided.
Most manufacturers will include the information for additional parts in the instructions with the kit, but it is vital to ask so you know what you need before you get ready to install the AC system on your car or truck.
Speak to a vintage car AC installation service to find out more.