Thinking about installing A/C in my wagon

Hello folks. With summer around the corner, I'm considering installing an A/C system in my car. I've seen some aftermarket under-dash systems that look pretty good. I am hoping to get some advice from anyone who has undertaken this sort of job. Thanks!

 

Welcome from NW Florida. This may or may not be of any help. My son just installed Vintage Aire AC/Heat/Defrost direct fit system in our 55 Chevy wagon. It was a fairly easy install. However we still don't have the hoses crimped or the system charged. Heat worked great this winter in the wagon so I asume the AC will also. For a direct bolt in using original controls it worked out and looks nice. May be slightly higher than some. But it also adds to the value more than other makes. It is a popular brand with good backing.
There is another company in Tampa that is supposed to be good.

 

hello from hollywood here . i doubt they will have a direct fit for your wagon and they dont always work for my 59 it wasnt even close. not sure how could you like it but i have a vintage air monster cooler and it wasnt enough. on those hot days you wouldnt sweat but it was just barely comfortable . for last years power tour i added an underdash unit also and it is great now doesnt matter how hot it is i can cool the car off. wagons have a lot of roof and the old ones dont seal up from the outside good as the new ones . guess it depends on how cold you like it also and how much you use the back seats

 

Thanks for the input guys. I don't think I'll be driving the wagon daily, so I just want it to be comfortable when I do use it and with 5 kids, the rear seats will likely be used often. I used to use my VW's daily until one summer about 4 years ago. Like most old cars with vent windows, so long as you are moving, everything is "cool" . But one day I got stuck in rush hour traffic and it got so hot it felt like my skin was going to melt off. It was the last day I drove my VW during the week. 59 Wagon man, where did you buy your unit? I looked on line and there seem to be all sorts and prices range from $500 to over $1,000. Also, do you frequent any local shows (ie: tower shops)? I would love to see your car in person.

 

Thanks 59wagonman. Still didn't get the lines crimped so have no idea if ours is gonna work. On the plus side, I've been driving our 55 since around 1989 without AC and we don't have anyone in the back seat anymore. Rarely spend much time sitting in traffic except maybe Old Town Kissimmee.
Sadly I put the headliner in while in Illinois and can't remember if I added any insulation in the top.

 

the guy i bought my vintage air unit is out of business. the underdash was a turkey run special. if i had too do it over again i might just use the underdash it seems to move more air and if your gonna load 5 kids out back your gonna need the airflow

 

Another option, if you want to stay 'vintage' is to get one of those window-mounted 'coolers'.....

 

I've installed several under dash units,,both heat & air and just air.

They are pretty straight forward and fairly easy to do,,as far as having your lines crimped the solution is as close as your local NAPA,,most of them have a shop and the tool for this. HRP

 

might wanna check some of the auto store tool rentals its not that hard to do . i did the original system and then cut in the additional under dash unit

 

Yes, NAPA is very reasonable making or crimping many tyes lines. Had the MMII power steering lines made at ours for another vehicle.
But even found a better deal if my son ever gets with the program. He works at a garage that does it. Will get mine done free and only have to pay for the liquid to charge it.
Still can't believe V-Aire didn't cool the wagon for you 59wagon. I almost bought Southern Rods kit at Turkey Run.

 

I've had good success with Southern Air on 3 different cars but I have heard several people say they have had bad experiences with them.

I have used Vintage Air in a couple of Hot Rods,,One worked perfectly in my first 40 Ford Sedan and I was very disappointed in the one I used in my next sedan.

It was a in dash unit that I had invested many hours in fabrication to make it fit and after several weeks we came to the conclusion that there was a internal leak from the factory,,they made it right but the new unit didn't fit and the style that I had was different that what I originally had.

I guess what I am trying to say is from time to time every manufacturer is going to have problem with their product.

Vintage Air is probably the best known for their product,,all systems can get pricy and in my case Southern Rod/Southern Air is just down the road and I can save the shipping cost. HRP

 

The guys we often met at Southern Rod/Air at Daytona Turkey Run and Spring Show were always very friendly and informative. Bought other parts but not AC from them.
I had 39 Ford 4-doors and have a 41 4-door. Seems almost as large as my 55 Chevy wagon inside.
I don't expect the wagon to be super cool because I don't remember insulating it all that well. After all, it was never hot much in Illinois. We're not big on keeping cool anyway.... Just Kool!

 

AH Cat, Will this be your first summer at that latitude? Ask Big Daddy about A/C down there. Not positive but I think he installed an under dash unit in the swamp rat. YOU CAN'T DRIVE THAT FAST ON HIWAY19

 

As of this coming August we've existed here 18 years! Bought middle of June 94.
Brother Don G has his museum about 75 miles from here.
Speed limit on most of Rt 19 is 65 and most drive a respectable 75!
If you open all the vents and windows it's plenty cool!

 

a/c shmacy....thats why God invented windows!!!/.....

and you have a few

k...seriously?...ive been selling www.oldairproducts.com

for years and luv them....we just started selling 'Vintage air'....seems good too