These are the interior components...
These are the interior components of Vintage Air's air-conditioning system for midyear Corvettes. New side console ducts are provided, along with new defroster ducts, while the underdash ducts look and operate like factory originals. All components are clearly labeled, and the instructions are clear and well illustrated. The only items not supplied with the kit are replacement heater hoses, the compressor belt, and the R134a refrigerant.
For quite some time, I wanted to install air conditioning in my '67 big-block coupe, but since this is a numbers-matching car, I didn't want to cannibalize the interior or engine compartment to do it. Vintage Air had the solution I was looking for: a custom-made air-conditioning system very close in appearance and fit to the original GM factory air that was offered as an option in 1967. I particularly liked the fact that it was a "noninvasive" system that could be deinstalled if some future owner of this car wanted to put it back to its original condition (of course, I'm keeping all of the original parts for this eventuality).
Vintage Air has a network of dealers nationwide who will install their A/C systems for you, and this is probably the best way to go if you're not a skilled mechanic, don't have a lot of time, or a decent complement of tools. As with most other Corvette projects, the working quarters are quite cramped and often difficult to access. For that reason, lots of patience, sweat, and persistence are essential ingredients of an installation like this one.
The glovebox is removed as...
The glovebox is removed as the first installation step. Save the Philips screws, since they'll be required for resecuring the glovebox at the end of the installation.
The two console side-panel...
The two console side-panel vent ducts are the next items to be removed. It isn't necessary to remove the shifter console trim, since the side panels can be lifted out after removing the Philips screws that retain them.
The side-panel vent knobs...
The side-panel vent knobs are removed by loosening the set screw; then removing the cable-retaining nut allows the control cable to be freed from each panel.
Because "a picture is worth a thousand words," this is a three-part how-to, so that I can illustrate in detail what this installation takes from start to finish. As with most projects, here in Part 1 I'll go over the components of the Vintage Air kit as well as the disassembly procedures. Let's get started.
DIFFICULTY INDEX ::: III
|
| ANYONE'S PROJECT | no tools required | I |
| BEGINNER | basic tools | II |
| EXPERIENCED | special tools | III |
| ACCOMPLISHED | special tools and outside help | IIII |
| PROFESSIONALS ONLY | send this work out | IIIII |
The speed nuts that secure...
The speed nuts that secure the heater box cover in the engine compartment are removed next. A stiff-bladed putty knife is useful for gently prying the heater box cover from the firewall, since factory caulking was also used for moisture-sealing purposes.
All control-cable clips are...
All control-cable clips are removed from the OEM heater box, as well as the bolt that goes through the firewall to secure the unit. The wiring harness plug is also removed from the blower motor at this time.
The two console side-panel...
The two console side-panel vent ducts are the next items to be removed. It isn't necessary to remove the shifter console trim, since the side panels can be lifted out after removing the Philips screws that retain them.
The factory heater-box cover...
The factory heater-box cover can be removed after disconnecting the harness connector and ground wire attached to it in the engine compartment. Once the cover is removed, the hoses can be disconnected from the heater core as well.
Here's the heater core with...
Here's the heater core with the box cover removed and hoses disconnected.