climate controls

[SeanPaintsFlames]

So I was working on my interior over the weekend, and I've come up with the idea that I want everything super-modern. Has anyone ever seen newer climate controls retro fitted into a classic? I'll be installing a vintage air/heat/defrost system, and I'd like to get a used set of controls like this to fit the theme. How the heck would one go about doing this?

[coolair]

I doubt you would be able to get a controller like that to work with any aftermarket AC system. I would suggest looking @ the Dakota Digital climate controller for the Vintage Air Gen II universal evaporator. The Gen II Compac works great in this truck. Your other option if want OEM type control over your air flow and air temp is the Gen IV Magnum - it is a little over kill for the small cab (freeze you out) but works well if it will fit.

[SeanPaintsFlames]

Yeah, I saw that. It reminds me of those Apple computers from the 80's- before desktop screens and the internet. - or like it should only let you enter 4 8 15 16 23 42. (If you watch Lost)... but anyway- not nearly "cutting edge" enough.

Would I essentially have to find a car with a control panel design I like, and then get the panel, the wiring harness, the... crap... Everything? Maybe I could use a different compressor, evaporator, condenser...

Just thinking through this, but maybe I could get away with just the under-dash stuff? I don't really have a complete understanding of what A/C units entail-

[ampsyco]

ok, ill try to make this simple.

the automatic temp controllers like you have in the link work by controlling something else, usually by a mux voltage or on a bus system. they take inputs from all different stuff in your vehicle and figure out where to move the a/c doors and other stuff, cycle the compressor, all sorts of things.

the system you will install is basically on or off. determined by a temp probe in the evaporator usually. its not that sophisticated.

i dont think you could retro fit one of those controllers. your system will use a cable or actuator for mode door functions and temp control. most newer controllers dont use any cables. and you would have to figure out what voltages they run the actuators at and find actuators that work.

it may look cool but it would be a giant pain in the ass to get it to work.

[SeanPaintsFlames]

sux. Boo for old technology

[61hawk]

Originally Posted by SeanPaintsFlames

sux. Boo for old technology

Until you have to work on it.

[slow66]

Here is a link to controls I have been hunting, maybe you will like it. http://home.earthlink.net/~rlbpantera/HeaterValve.html Or maybe someone else knows of it and can give some more info.

[Bama_C10]

you would need a full system from a car to make it all work.and the schematics.

[SeanPaintsFlames]

That seems like a good option. I imagine once you get that hooked in you could rewire any control panel with Gm wire colors. I was thinking otherwise about getting one of those chrome knob/digital readout controls and ditching the ball-milled panel to mount it in a center console. I still have time for a decision.