Vintage air in the 73-87 trucks questions

[i8tokyo]

Hi all, I ordered mine for my 1982 C-20 on Wednesday from Wheels of Time... They offer a 10% discount on their vintage air systems, $1199 plus Shipping. Should have it this week. As noted earlier, Vintage Air sells it for $1335.00 + Shipping. Every penny counts right now, so Wheels of time got my business.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by i8tokyo

Hi all, I ordered mine for my 1982 C-20 on Wednesday from Wheels of Time... They offer a 10% discount on their vintage air systems, $1199 plus Shipping. Should have it this week. As noted earlier, Vintage Air sells it for $1335.00 + Shipping. Every penny counts right now, so Wheels of time got my business.

but did you get the new electronic kit, or the old version?

[i8tokyo]

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

but did you get the new electronic kit, or the old version?

I ordered the new gen IV (electronic kit). I didn't want to mess with the cable/vaccum kit and have been holding out until the new kit was released. Wheels of Time had to have it dropped shipped from Vintage Air, but I should have it in a couple days. When it arrives I'll take some pictures of the contents and do a step by step as I install it.

[SBTork]

Originally Posted by i8tokyo

I ordered the new gen IV (electronic kit). I didn't want to mess with the cable/vaccum kit and have been holding out until the new kit was released. Wheels of Time had to have it dropped shipped from Vintage Air, but I should have it in a couple days. When it arrives I'll take some pictures of the contents and do a step by step as I install it.

very cool, I am looking forward to this, and thanks in advance!

[veinbar]

Originally Posted by i8tokyo

I ordered the new gen IV (electronic kit). I didn't want to mess with the cable/vaccum kit and have been holding out until the new kit was released. Wheels of Time had to have it dropped shipped from Vintage Air, but I should have it in a couple days. When it arrives I'll take some pictures of the contents and do a step by step as I install it.

I'm assuming you pre-ordered this kit? Did they give you an estimated time of delivery? I have spoken with a sales person at Vintage Air and they told me that the release date has been bumped a few times. They're guess a week or so now, but that's been the estimate for over a month.

[i8tokyo]

Originally Posted by veinbar

I'm assuming you pre-ordered this kit? Did they give you an estimated time of delivery? I have spoken with a sales person at Vintage Air and they told me that the release date has been bumped a few times. They're guess a week or so now, but that's been the estimate for over a month.

I actually pestered the poor guys at Vintage Air since March on the new Gen IV system for my truck. I'm sure Paul, Jon and Art are happier than I am that this system is out if for no other reason than to not hear from me. It has been one of those things where it will be available any day now, give us a call back next week. But as soon as it was ready, they gave me a call. It was released last Monday for the 1981 - Up trucks with factory air. I have confirmation that it shipped and hopefully will see it tomorrow or Thursday. I'm not sure which one they were discussing with you. But my guess is that it will be worth the wait.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by i8tokyo

I ordered the new gen IV (electronic kit). I didn't want to mess with the cable/vaccum kit and have been holding out until the new kit was released. Wheels of Time had to have it dropped shipped from Vintage Air, but I should have it in a couple days. When it arrives I'll take some pictures of the contents and do a step by step as I install it.

sweet, thanks for keeping us updated...sounds like you got a great price too

[gafiredog]

will this system cool a crewcab ok ?

[baclay9]

Anyone know if you can use a different compressor with vintage air systems then what comes with the kit? I have serpentine brackets off a 94' 5.7 liter on my 83' c10 truck and it has a place to hold a stock compressor. I will definately buy the new system if I can use the stock 94' compressor.

[TheApocalyptican]

Originally Posted by baclay9

Anyone know if you can use a different compressor with vintage air systems then what comes with the kit? I have serpentine brackets off a 94' 5.7 liter on my 83' c10 truck and it has a place to hold a stock compressor. I will definately buy the new system if I can use the stock 94' compressor.

Yes you can use a different compressor, but then you will need custom hoses made. Also, the compressor that vintage air uses is (from what I have read/what everyone says) is a better compressor. It has less parasitic drag on the engine and is better with a/c and more durable.


Also, I believe vintage air has a bracket that you can use to put their typical compressor in the same spot as the r4(which is what the 94 should have) for like $50 or less.

[baclay9]

Originally Posted by TheApocalyptican

Yes you can use a different compressor, but then you will need custom hoses made. Also, the compressor that vintage air uses is (from what I have read/what everyone says) is a better compressor. It has less parasitic drag on the engine and is better with a/c and more durable.


Also, I believe vintage air has a bracket that you can use to put their typical compressor in the same spot as the r4(which is what the 94 should have) for like $50 or less.

I talked to them today and you were correct. They do make a bracket to mount their compressor where the stock R4 goes. I am ordering soon...

[88Jimmy4x4]

I hope they release the version for 76 trucks soon. I would like to do the underhood changes before/during my engine install.

[Jonboy]

it should be out in a couple of weeks. You can probably start pulling the OE stuff out while the engine is out.

[baclay9]

I talked to them yesterday and he told me it was available now.

[Jonboy]

I know the 81-up kit is done. They are finishing up the 73-80 kits now.

[veinbar]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I know the 81-up kit is done. They are finishing up the 73-80 kits now.

Then I am waiting for the 73-80 Gen IV unit. I've got almost $900 saved up so far. This will come just in time to keep me from buying a newer car as my daily driver.

[BruthaMan]

I called Vintage Air this morning and they are shipping the 73-80 kits as of last week.

Anyone have pics yet? We've disassembled the engine to add some AFR 195 Street Eliminators and new cam, so figured I'd get the Vintage Air at the same time.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by BruthaMan

I called Vintage Air this morning and they are shipping the 73-80 kits as of last week.

Anyone have pics yet? We've disassembled the engine to add some AFR 195 Street Eliminators and new cam, so figured I'd get the Vintage Air at the same time.

sweet...thanks for the update

[boatpuller]

mine is the older cable opererated system.there's no vaccum control like the stock systems.while it works fine,i wonder if it's possible for me to update mine to electronic? anybody got a pic of the controller?

[Jonboy]

From what I understand, the control head will look very similar to factory. There is a small ECU that takes the inputs from the control head, and then controls the functions of the unit. I looked at it some at GoodGuys this spring, but haven't seen it in the truck yet.

[Jonboy]

I Will try and have pics tonight. It didn't go so hot last night......

[BruthaMan]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I Will try and have pics tonight. It didn't go so hot last night......

The install wasn't going good last night? Don't scare me like that! I just pulled the trigger about ten minutes ago!

[veinbar]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I Will try and have pics tonight. It didn't go so hot last night......

I hope the install is going better today. What was the total that you spent on the 73-80 system including shipping/handling? I am working this into my budget. Also, if you run into any snags along the way, please let us know.

[boatpuller]

mine wasn't too bad too install..the thing i had going for me was my cab was gutted and nothing was in the way.plus,it was a project not a daily driver.so,i could just walk away.i went ahead and dynamatted the heck out of it at the same time i was in there......hang in there jonboy you'll get it.

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by BruthaMan

The install wasn't going good last night? Don't scare me like that! I just pulled the trigger about ten minutes ago!

Do it! (see below)

Originally Posted by veinbar

I hope the install is going better today. What was the total that you spent on the 73-80 system including shipping/handling? I am working this into my budget. Also, if you run into any snags along the way, please let us know.

I think the kit retails for around $1300. I got a little bit of a brother in law deal since they used my truck to develop it. Since you are so close, I would highly recommend trying to go down there one day and pick up a kit. Everyone there is really good people.

Originally Posted by boatpuller

mine wasn't too bad too install..the thing i had going for me was my cab was gutted and nothing was in the way.plus,it was a project not a daily driver.so,i could just walk away.i went ahead and dynamatted the heck out of it at the same time i was in there......hang in there jonboy you'll get it.

Vintage Air used my truck for their prototype, so they actually installed the unit (and did a beautiful job, too). I brought it home last night from San Antonio, after spending the weekend there. When we got home, the main A/C unit in the house had gone out (it's actually still out and 90* in here.....). I did come home early from work, and snapped a couple of pictures. I still have a few loose ends to tie up from my engine swap, but I snapped a few pics this afternoon. My initial impressions are that it moves a lot more air than the original setup. The control head looks like it belongs there, and it smooths the firewall by getting rid of the evaporator box.

I have only puttered around my neighborhood so far. I think the gas has gone bad in the truck, and I do need to get another chip burned for it. No big deal, just need to find the time. I'm really just glad to have it back home. Anyhow, here are a few pics. If anyone wants any specific pics, let me know.