The Keisler Project Maximum...
The Keisler Project Maximum Overdrive Corvette gets a new Vintage Air A/C system.
This month, we're revisiting the Keisler Project Maximum Overdrive '65 coupe to cover a Vintage Air in-dash air-conditioning system install. In our previous stories on this Vette, we talked about the virtues of the General Motors Ram jet fuel-injected crate engine coupled to Keisler's Tremec five-speed conversion. The Ram Jet and five-speed clearly brought this souped-up midyear into the 21st century. All we needed now for total creature comfort would be a dependable A/C system that looked like it was factory installed.
The Vintage Air A/C system was our choice because of its direct fit and easy installation. We also incorporated the Vintage Air Frontrunner accessory-drive system so the A/C compressor could be directly connected to the Vintage Air A/C system. The Vintage Air kit is a well-thought-out evaporator and heater assembly that fits in place with no cutting whatsoever. As part of the system, we would have A/C, heat, and a defroster from the new Vintage Air assembly that uses the original dash-mounted heater controls. How cool is that? Most midyear owners start to be concerned when they see any type of cutting or drilling tools whizzing away on their pride and joy. There is only one additional 11/42-inch hole necessary for an evaporator drain that is placed in the floorpan on the passenger side; that is the extent of any cutting or drilling on the original fiberglass.
The complete installation kit comes with an evaporator/heater assembly that allows the A/C-heater hoses to come through the original heater-core opening for a clean install. Their use of custom-fabricated high side and discharge aluminum lines show the dedication to detail that makes the kit look seamless once installed. All you need to add is refrigerant to finish the install as all the necessary hardware is included. The concise instructions make the install relatively simple, but you will need someone with A/C experience to evacuate the system and charge it after assembly. Installation time varies, but in most cases can be completed in a couple of Saturdays while not rushing the job. While the original heater pieces are out, the firewall can be cleaned up and any missing insulation replaced to help the cooling and avoid noise infiltration.
Don't forget about your cooling system. Overheating will cause higher-than-expected A/C outlet temperatures. If you decide to use an electric cooling fan, Vintage Air has switches to install in the system to control the fan with A/C pressures for precise cooling control.
The Vintage Air A/C system works much better than even the factory-installed A/C systems because of their high-airflow rate and more efficient cooling designed for R-134A refrigerants.
Once installed, the system worked well to keep us cool on a west Texas June afternoon sitting in traffic. What a difference the car is with a superior A/C system in the car. Now, the miles go by a lot easier thanks to all the upgrades, making the Keisler Maximum Overdrive '65 Corvette truly a new-age Corvette.
| Difficulty Index ::: NNN |
| ANYONE'S PROJECT | no tools required | N |
| BEGINNER | basic tools | NN |
| EXPERIENCED | special tools | NNN |
| ACCOMPLISHED | special tools and outside help | NNNN |
| PROFESSIONALS ONLY | send this work out | NNNNN |
To start the project, the...
To start the project, the original heater plenum case is removed following the service manual info. While the area is clear, the vent door should be checked for proper operation. The vent door uses a foam-rubber seal around its circumference to seal external air from entering the passenger compartment. A leaking seal will dilute the cold A/C and cause condensation. Now is the time to do it as it's impossible to service once the A/C system is in place.
The next step is to install...
The next step is to install the supplied defroster duct assembly using the original hardware. We had to modify ours slightly to keep the wiper motor arm from hitting the new duct assembly. We modified our duct assembly with a heat gun, then installed and checked for interference when the wipers were on. This is another one of those areas that is difficult to check or modify after the A/C evaporator is installed.
The Vintage Air system uses...
The Vintage Air system uses many micro-electrical switches that can be damaged if care isn't taken during installation. The switches are very reliable, but watch for wiring or braces that can catch the switches during installation. We were instructed to install and adjust the temperature-control cables before installing the evaporator assembly.
The evaporator unit goes in...
The evaporator unit goes in under the brace and uses one of the existing glovebox hinge screws to retain it. This is another area to check for wiper-arm interference before final wrap-up to make sure the wiring and cables are clear. We routed the wiring out of the passenger compartment once the unit was in place.
Before we ran the hoses out...
Before we ran the hoses out of the firewall opening, we installed the supplied firewall blower motor cover. We used strip caulk to seal the cover to the firewall and then tightened down the cover using the supplied inner bracket.
Now we install the heater...
Now we install the heater hoses and A/C hoses to the evaporator/heater assembly. The large A/C refrigerant hose (suction side) gets very cold and condenses moisture so it must be taped with press-tite tape to prevent internal water drips. We found it easiest to install the hoses through the cover before installing the hoses.
At the time of this install,...
At the time of this install, we were using an early Vintage Air FrontRunner accessory-drive system so we had to crimp the supplied fittings to the VA hoses. Currently, Vintage Air has improved the kit so the fittings are already crimped on and ready to install whether you're using a V-belt or serpentine-drive belt. Most A/C specialty shops have crimping tools if necessary.
It takes a little wrangling...
It takes a little wrangling to get the hoses to align properly as the cover is moved into position. A light coating of silicone spray helped the hoses slide as we positioned the cover. Once the cover is in position, a helper can install the nuts on the inside while the screws are put through from the outside that retain the cover.
Vintage Air provides a circuit...
Vintage Air provides a circuit breaker for blower fan high-speed and system protection. We decided to put it in an accessible location on top of the provided cover. Be sure to install the rubber cover that protects the terminals as they have battery voltage all the time. The power-supply lead was connected directly to the starter positive terminal.
Vintage Air supplies the correct...
Vintage Air supplies the correct brackets to install the A/C condenser without any hassle. We're installing the brackets per the instructions, then the complete assembly will be dropped in place. Save yourself some time and make sure you have the condenser fittings in the correct orientation before installing the brackets. The large fitting goes at the top and connects to the A/C compressor discharge hose.
Be sure to use the supplied...
Be sure to use the supplied A/C-system lube to each O-ring before installing and tightening the fittings. Firmly hold the line in place to prevent any rotation while tightening the fitting. Tightening the line without holding the line stable can tear the O-ring.
The condenser is about ready...
The condenser is about ready to drop in place. All we need to do is to tighten all the fittings. We try to keep the caps on the drier and condenser until the system is ready for complete closure to prevent moisture intrusion. The desiccant in the drier is sucking up the moisture in the atmosphere while the system is open.
The driver-side vent looks...
The driver-side vent looks very similar to a factory-air A/C outlet and installs in the vicinity of a factory-air-equipped midyear. Vintage Air supplies spacers to drop the hood cable down so the vent housing clears the dash. We installed the hood cable bracket bolts into the brace to make installation easier. We also had to move the headlight door switch to the factory A/C-equipped position on the bottom of the dash.
Now back to the inside while...
Now back to the inside while the system is being evacuated. The first step is to connect the distribution hoses to the A/C-heater assembly before installing the vents. We're measuring the hoses with the tubing stretched out for each duct.
Once the hoses are cut to...
Once the hoses are cut to the proper length, they can be installed on the A/C evaporator-heater case. We found that squeezing the passenger-side hose into an oval shape helps glovebox installation. Vintage Air's A/C kit allows you to use your original glovebox assembly for a true factory installed look.
We wrapped up the interior...
We wrapped up the interior with the supplied A/C center console panels. Distribution hoses are connected to the console side panel, and then the panel is installed. It's a good idea to loosen the console plate screws before you try to slide the panel in position. The console side panels can be painted to match your interior color, and you can save your originals in case you want to go back to Bloomington Gold standards.