Aftermarket A/C question "Update"

[stepinwolf]

For those of you who are considering the installation of an A/C system from " Vintage" ( see previous post titled " Aftermarket A/C question " ) the following modification will with a doubt, save you hours of grief during your installation. I had mentioned this problem in the original post, but had not documented the change.

Here is a picture of the hood-opening adaptor bracket that I designed to replace the manufactures recommended procedure. It's so ridiculously simple to make, and install, I can't understand for the life of me, why ( Vintage Air ) would not consider supplying it in their AC kit.

The problem with their installation method is with the LH plastic drivers side distribution duct, refer to figure 11 & 12 that they call a Louver, in their installation manual. It is installed directly where the factory hood/opening bracket is positioned, so the hood bracket must be moved inward exactly 3" lowered 1/2", and 1/4" towards the rear, in order to clear the distribution duct. However before attempting to install the hood/opening bracket, the instructions call for the distribution duct to be firmly bolted in place.

As a consequence, once the duct is in place, it becomes impossible to get your hand, or any tool for that matter, far enough under the dash area, in order to try and bolt the bracket to the under/dash Z-brace using the supplied nut's, bolts, and plastic spacers, ( figure 4 in their manual ) that is their recommend method.

My method calls for installing, the adaptor " check photo " , by bolting it to the cross brace using the holes shown on the left side before the installation of their diffuser duct. Then once the duct is attached in it's correct position, the hood/opening bracket, can be bolted to the adaptor using the threaded holes on the right side. Being threaded, there is no need to try to get a hand under the dash area to fasten any nuts and washers.

The hood opening handle and bracket, are now in the correct new position, and both it, and the distribution ( Louver ) duct are serviceable, should the need ever arise


Stepinwolf

 

[Subfixer]

Great picture Wolf. I just ordered the Classic Auto unit, but I don't like the driver's side outlet that is installed under the steering column. They engineered their's that way so nothing woud have to be relocated. Just doesn't look right. So after everything is installed, I'll get the Vinage air drivers side vent and use your suggestion for the hood release bracket.

I'm also working on a couple of ideas to be able to mix both warm and cold air so there's a bit more temperature control. Once I get stuff installed I'll keep all informed.

 

[soppeng]

I would like to compliment you on your bracket. I don't have a Vintage Air, but instead an Old Air Products A/C that was on the car when I bought it. They supplied a different/nonoriginal hood release pull that fit up in a corner over the duct. I decided to replace it with an original hood release, and fought the problem you describe. Your bracket would have made it much easier. If I have to remove the bracket, I plan on copying your bracket before re-installing. I would be surprised if Vintage Air and Old Air Products don't also copy your bracket if they happen to see the photo.

 

[stepinwolf]

Dimensions are right on

Soppeng, the dimensions are exactly as mentioned in my post.

3" moved towards the center
1/2" shoulder to lower the bracket
1/4" towards the rear of the car.

The only precaution to take is with the length of the mounting bolts that are shown. Because the bracket is mounted flat up against the Z-bar, the bolts, once tightened down on the adaptor, must not protrude past the rear, otherwise it will pry the adaptor away from it's position.

I did not make any threads in the spacer, but just in the plate, and it's thickness was enough to hold the hood/release firmly in place.

Stepinwolf