Vintage, or Classic Air? 1968 B Body without factory AC

[Billccm]

Hello All:

I've been without a B Body MOPAR since 1997, and it's time to get back to my roots. The market sure has changed since 1997, and I'm finding it is very difficult to get back into a car for under $30,000.

So, I am budgeting a Road Runner, or Super Bee clone (which is a LONG story for another post on another day), and cannot make a decision on AC.

My 'motorhead' buddies all say Classic Air is sub standard and advise against it. They all recommend Vintage Air. So, I called my local Auto AC shop that I've dealt with for years. They also say Classic Air is not good, and refuse to install, or even repair Classic Air. Of course, they are also a Vintage Air dealer.

So, my research on line at various forums (Corvette, Camaro, and Mustang forums I frequent) almost say the opposite. Most say Classic Air is easy to install, and reliable.

From what I can tell, Classic air is sold to the DIYer, and Vintage Air is only installed at dealers, and local mechanic shops.

I can get a Classic Air kit for about $1500, and I read the installation instructions tonight. Looks straightforward and doable by anyone that can turn a wrench. I can't seem to get a realistic price for Vintage Air. My local Auto AC shop said "it starts around $2800 without tax, but we always find we need extra items, or some custom fittings/hoses, so expect $3500". I sort of got the same answer from the recommended shops on the Vintage Air web site that I called today, too.

So, a few questions:

1) Any experience with Classic Air out there?
2) Should I budget $2000, or $3500 for AC?

I've kind of decided that $3500 might be out of the scope of the project budget and this car might go without AC, but living in Tucson, AZ really makes AC a necessity.

Thanks for any advice, and opinions.

Have a nice day, Bill

 

[Mike67]

I went with Classic on my wife's car...it's pretty straight forward I think it was <$1400, I did have a new polished sanden compressor already.. The only thing I did different were the lines.
I bought a crimper because I did not want to have the lines draped across the engine bay. I ran the low side with the high side to the condenser and went behind the fender into the evap.

I think you pay a lot more for the VA logos on the control panel and accumulator....I'm thinking the higher price was for an electronic version ( control servos).
There is a sponsor here called Restomod Air but I don't know anything about them...
Do you have the car now? Where are the pics????

 

[Dennis H]

Both good. Have Classic Auto Air, Tampa, Florida for ten years. 28f at the vent. Never needed a recharge.

 

[Derwud]

Wow, not sure who is quoting that price.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-971064/overview/year/1970/make/dodge/model/charger
If I had an A/C car, I might go Classic. I have a non A/C car and wanted to hide the lines and system more, I went with Vintage.

 

[Billccm]

Thanks for the replies. I should clarify the Vintage Air price is installed with labor.

 

[Derwud]

I would imagine that Vintage might take a bit more labor, but hose routing and controls are the only real difference in the 2 systems.

 

[RT4ever]

I was just running my classic air yesterday. I could feel the V-twin compressor pump when at the stoplight (at idle). Made the whole car shudder.

 

[rcb]

I've been contemplating the same question. I liked Classic's routing better, but ultimately would I even notice?

 

[Bart K]

Bill, I live in Green Valley just south of Tucson. I have a Classic Air unit installed in my 69 Coronet 4 door. PM me if you would like to come have a look and see it run. My car is currently down in Rio Rico having some work done, but I should have it back in a couple of weeks. The Classic Air unit looks good and operates well, no problem driving with the windows up on a 100 degree day on MEDIUM!

 

[Ruby67]

I just finished installing Classic's engine compartment upgrade kit on my small block. My car had AC and I wanted to keep the OEM evaporator etc so Classic was the way to go for me. I found the build quality good, and the system went together easily. The included brackets from Bouchillon were great and pulleys lined up perfectly. I did have a couple minor issues and Classic was easy to deal with and had them sorted out quickly. I was very happy with how it came together and would use them again.

 

[TxDon]

I don't have specific experience on Mopars but I installed a VA system on a Buick Riviera about 8 years ago. All the parts were high quality and the install was fairly simple if you are not scared by tearing things apart. I did buy the system from a VA dealer and was able to swap out fittings, have them crimp the lines and charge the system, which was an advantage. With today's prices and the amount of work involved I would say that $3500 installed sounds like a pretty good price if you want to go that way.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I asked the same question 2 years ago & most here steered me to Classic Air, so that's what I went with on my 68. Although they look a little different, I opted for their electronic dash controls. Everything was plug and play & the installation went fine. The only problem I had was that they neglected to crimp the metal ends on one hose. I found this out 15 months after purchase & they replaced it quickly. Just charged it up a little over a week ago & it works great.

 

[themechanic]

I have Classic Auto Air on my 69 Coronet. It was installed by the previous owner. It looks good and runs well.