[lee5572]

I just bought a PRC complete unit for my 55. Support, and all... What Is the best complete AC Unit to buy for my car? Is there one that you guys have used that i can buy minus the Condensor? If not, What is the best one to buy for ease of install, and long life? I have a RamJet 350 crate motor if that makes a difference.....

 

[Rick_L]

The only "complete" units are for cars that have a stock radiator and a stock or near stock accessory drive.

Otherwise you'll have to buy the underdash unit, and then spec out all the underhood pieces to fit what you have. Don't get me wrong, all the a/c companies and their installers will be quite willing to work with you to get a complete system that fits your needs. But there are going to be many choices depending on your preferences and budget.

 

[Jim '57]

I bought my VA unit minus the condenser, compressor and hoses. I already had them.
Jim

 

[jeffs55]

I went with a VA (Vintage Air) full kit. No problems.
A little tough getting to the fittings from under the dash, but otherwise it fit well.
If this is your first time doing this, I think you'd be better off getting a full kit.
That way, you know it'll all fit and work right.
I've tried doing the gather method on several occasions with other projects
and it usually bit me in the :reddy: :tongue:

 

[mickym521]

.
I've tried doing the gather method on several occasions with other projects
and it usually bit me in the :reddy: :tongue:[/QUOTE]

AMEN Brother!

 

[Rick_L]

Just the fact that Lee has a Ramjet engine and a PRC radiator means there is no pre-packaged kit. The answer is to work with someone who knows, if you don't know yourself.

One way to go on the Ramjet is the GMPP serpentine drive, which I think will interface correctly with the Ramjet and the throttle body. Or there are a bunch of accessory drives out there that will work. The VA Frontrunner and the others like it are a great choice for many. All those have a compressor or at least a way to mount one.

The PRC radiator will do best with a condenser you won't find in a kit. Probably the best and simplest choice there is to get a PRC condenser and mounts. Then all you need is the plumbing, drier, and binary/trinary switch. This is where a knowledgeable installer comes in if you can't do it yourself. Or you can do a combo deal where you get part of it from an installer and do part yourself.

Last thing is if you want the firewall plumbing different from the kits. The kits use plastic and rubber available holes in the firewall. If you want to smooth the firewall, then you'll have to do some custom plumbing at the firewall too.

 

[lee5572]

prc unit

I have a condenser... I bought the support with the condenser, fans, relay kit, radiator, catch can, and all put together.. I like the VA underdash kit, eith the electric controls, because of absence of cables! The kit i looked at is the GenIV kit.... But it comes with the condenser. I guess I can but the kit and sell the condenser. I kinda just wanted an OK from you old pro's, that the VA kit was a good choice. I'm still a long way away from setting the motor in... I am smoothing the firrwall a lil bit, and i Would like to sue an aftermarket bulkhead and run the hoses inside the pass. side inner fender. I will be putting the battery in the trunk, so I'll have more room there to work with. I'll look at the VA acc. drive kit...

 

[Bihili]

I just bought a PRC complete unit for my 55. Support, and all... What Is the best complete AC Unit to buy for my car? Is there one that you guys have used that i can buy minus the Condensor? If not, What is the best one to buy for ease of install, and long life? I have a RamJet 350 crate motor if that makes a difference.....

Why buy a complete kit? Shop around and build your own.

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/?cat=13

http://www.classicautoair.com/

http://www.vintageair.com/

http://www.southernrods.com/categor...ating-and-cooling-systems/southern-air-1.html

 

[acardon]

I have a condenser... I bought the support with the condenser, fans, relay kit, radiator, catch can, and all put together.. But it comes with the condenser.
I am smoothing the firrwall a lil bit, and i Would like to sue an aftermarket bulkhead and run the hoses inside the pass. side inner fender. I will be putting the battery in the trunk, so I'll have more room there to work with. I'll look at the VA acc. drive kit...

You can get the evaporator inside unit without the under hood parts. I smoothed the firewall and ran the hoses under the passenger fender. I have some newer photos but haven't downloaded them yet. This is a picture of the mock-up hoses. There's going to be a cover over the ECM wiring and hoses.
P.S. Most front runner systems come with their own compressor and alternator also.

 

[lee5572]

looks good

I was gonna put my bulkhead on the firewaal under where the battery originally sets, but i like it better on the fender like yours... I want to have some pinstriping done on the firewall, so that will give me more room. i think i like the VA kit the best. although i dont like the frontrunner kit because i already have an alternator, water pump, and i work @ a parts store so i can get a pretty good deal on a compressor, and other parts. Im gonna try to buy a serpentine bracket kit with out the acc. I used a kit from a 95 pickup on my 72 chevy truck , and i works great. I may try to find a car with a small block that i can use the brackets from. Any suggestions on what car to look for????

 

[lee5572]

fuel rail covers

Where did u come up with the fuel rail covers in the pic???????

 

[acardon]

Where did u come up with the fuel rail covers in the pic???????

I made the covers out of a piece of stainless exhaust pipe and had a cap welded to the end. Brackets bolted on to the rail mounting bolts hold them on.
Here are some pictures of the finished braided hoses and the hoses under the fender.

 

[Rick_L]

Don that's a nice setup, especially with the ecm and relays. You've got me thinking what could I do in a similar manner for a 55? I've got a scheme for the hoses but not for the ecm.

The inner fenders on a 55-56 are quite different from a 57. Maybe I can build a little tunnel for it, with a cover.