I just bought a running '53 f100 but realized that the entire heater unit is missing. Instead of installing an original, I'm considering my options in the ac/heat combination units. Has anyone had any luck with those? Of course, I know Vintage Air... but I've seen Southern Air as well. More of a universal unit, but MUCH cheaper. Any thoughts? What works best?

 

I have used VA and Southern Air. I would not buy Southern again. I have used three Vintage Air and have been very pleased.

 

Have heard of problems with Southern Air myself. I have a Vintage Air unit in my 53 and love it. Absolutely no problems in 3 years and probably 40K miles.

 

X 3 for Vintage Air

 

4X for Vintage Air. Look at the EZ clip hose from Vintage Air, I recommended it to another form member and he seemed to like it also.

 

Any thoughts on this one? http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=261607354624

 

I've not installed any such system. Be aware some configurations may not allow use of the cowl vent. Check all dimensions before laying out the money. And I would guess your truck is 12 volts?

 

Yes. 12v. But I noticed afterward that the unit wasn't complete. I need every piece included. Even with the bad reviews, Southern Air is sure tempting. WAY cheaper... but probably for a reason.

 

I would go with Vintage Air because their reputation is very good and they seem to have a lot of the market. I went with Hot Rod Air about seven years ago and have not had any trouble but the company has gone out of business. Trying to save a few dollars may not be to good in the long run. Lesson learned for me. You know the saying, Whack, I could have had a V8.

 

I did alot of research in this area before I decided on which company, and I can't remeber all the companies I looked at. I ended up with a Vintage Air. I did not use their kit because I did not use their under dash drop down part and the vents that were included. I pieced mine using all the major components of the kit but changed to the EZ Clip system and different vents. I have not added up the cost I have incured and compared to the kit price but really don't feel it was that much more. If you have a Vintage Air dealer near you and contact to see if they have the mock up unit to use or rent, worth every penny in installation.

 

Look up restomodair.com, there systems are a little smaller and have good reviews. When I get to this point I'm thinking of using this system. L8R ZFLASH

 

I used the Vintage Air Gen II compact in my 51. The only thing not in the kit was the condenser and the compressor mounting bracket. Very pleased with it so far.

 

Vintage Air is a proven product. Once you've installed the system you don't want to do it a second time. Pay a little more up front to do it right the first time.

 

We offer Vintage Air and Old Air.

Here are the pages from our catalog for both

Vintage Air
Old Air

 

Yep, that's where I bought my Vintage Air unit. Sorta got quiet on the line when I asked for a compressor mount for my Mercedes diesel.