I need to talk with whoever might have installed the VA Gen 5 in their 56 about the wipers..

 

These are the instructions from Vintage Air which I've done but now can't get my wipers synchronized to work properly. I would not advise anyone on purchasing this kit for a 56..
Spent a good part of the day just to get the rod from contacting the defrost duct tube..

 

Hi John, thanks for all your information and advice on this situation.

Do you think because of the size difference (?) that the

Vintage Air Gen II Mini Heat & Cool System

Vintage Air Gen II Mini Heat & Cool System

would have the same problems ? Thanks very much.

 

That's what is in my panel and pickup, it's tight but easier to install compared to the Gen 5 . The unit itself fits in without a great deal of difficulty but on the 56 the right side defrost vent needed a lot of modification. I showed what I had to do regarding that in this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...3-56-f100.html . The ducting takes up a lot of space and is right up against the wiper arm on the right side even with changing it as per their instructions. I was able to squeeze it enough with Ty-raps to clear the rod . Trying to get the wipers to work now is driving me mad. I'd like to know if they themselves ever installed one of these in a 56, I know they did in a 53 but the vent ducts and wiper system is different than the 56 . I'm sure this unit is likely an improvement over the Gen 2 which I was told they no longer make. Right now it seems I have one of two options, do without defrost vents or have only one wiper ..
This is the space I'm dealing with before the ducting was installed..

 

John, will you drive that truck in rain? If you do Rainex and a driver's side wiper will do.

Or will you drive it when there is frost or ice on the windshield? Or when the windows fog up?

 

I drive them up to the day before the first snow fall abe and definitely need the defrost. I've been in rain several times too and forced to use the poor wiper system in these trucks, can't drive over 50 mph if there is any kind of a headwind because the wipers start to lift off the windshield..

 

I guess I must be the only one with a Gen 5 Vintage Air unit in a 56...lol
I've worked out the bugs and with videos I sent to V.A they are now aware that doing what they say needs to be done modifying the wipers doesn't work.
I'll be talking with them again tomorrow to discuss what I've done to make it work.
So anyone with a 56 and thinking it's a sure fit ,think twice and be prepared to do a little extra work...lol

 

I have a '56 panel truck project so I have been following your "adventure" but for my needs the Gen II that I have installed in other projects would be adequate. Especially as the truck is a gift for my new Granddaughter for when she turns sixteen. That is in fifteen and a half years from now so I should have it finished by then. (maybe).

You are correct about the Gen II availability, none at amazon.ca and maybe three only on eBay. I would like to get a A/C kit now so I will have it when I am ready to make brackets, vents, etc. I have kind of looked at other makes for less money but have been unsuccessful. Do you have any recommendations on any thing else that I could use? Thanks, Ray.

 

Vintage Air no longer make the Gen 2 Ray. I've managed to figure out the bugs on the Gen 5 to fit the 56. Whether they make the changes and add them to the kit is up to them. I plan on speaking with them this morning.

 

My opinion I tried them in my 1953-55 Ford F100 builds---NEVER AGIN all them are to big they say they will work--you lose your cowl vent handel--glove box --not worth all the work and expense--- I install under dash unit heat and ac SUPER COLD AND HEAT --- STILL KEEP MY ELECTRIC WIPER--COWL VENT HANDEL--GLOVE BOX---
GOOD LUCK

 

What make and model please? THANK YOU !

 

I've heard you shouting from the roof tops a dozen times how you dislike the Vintage Air units, I DON'T LIKE THE UNDER DASH UNITS BECAUSE I THINK THEY ARE UGLY..
This thread was started to discuss an issue with the fitment for a 1956 F100 so doesn't matter to me what you put in your 1953-55 F100 builds.
Vintage Air is realizing their mistake regarding the 56 with the help I'm giving them. I will need to change out the ECU and I've made changes to the wiper control arm under dash on the passenger side. I have no problem trying to figure out problems..

 

Can you still use your Cowl vent?

Has anyone tried the Restomod air AC?

 

I eliminated the cowl vent in all my trucks but they can still be used if using the dash extension that comes in the kit but I also make my own dash extensions .

 

I have everything working now and installed complete with the unit inside the cab, wipers now working properly with the mods I made . Vintage air was certain the wipers would work going by their instructions but I made a display I set up and videoed and sent them the evidence of how wrong they were. With discussions I told them I was going to try flipping both plenums opposite of there instructions and using what was meant to be for the floor for the defrost and the defrost for the floor. I different ECU was needed to allow the controls to work in this manner. I had to modify the wiper control arm on the passenger side to clear the unit.






Previously I had to modify the defrost plenum in order to fit between the unit and dash