I want to install A/C on my 1951 F1 has anybody used a kit from Southern Rods or Southern Air, they seem to have good prices but I dont know about quality. Any sugestions on kits is welcome. Thanks

 

The PO installed an Old Air system in my Panel. If I were doing it over, I'd have used a system that had hose connections that could be hidden rather than coming straight thru the firewall. I don't believe there is much difference in the components, none of the companies make their own, they just custom case stock components.

 

I have a Southern Air in my 46 Coupe, first and last one. Bought Vintage Air for my 53 F100. Nobody[including myself] I have ever talked with about Southern Air has been happy.

 

51,

Joe's comment "First and last" are the very exact words of my friend who has a 55' I have never bought anything from Southern Rods but all the feedback I have seen here and on other sites like streetrodding.com has been to avoid them due to inferior quality and even worse customer service. I have been researching all summer long on a replacement unit for my 55'. I have a used OLD AIR unit that was purchased new in 1991 and then by me in 2003. after it had sat for about 5 years. It just does not put out the air volume I want. It get down to 48 degrees but Mama won't ride til it is better. SO I have researching the following companies

Air-tique.com (King Cool Model)
Classicautoair.com (Street Rod Cooler II)
Danhard.com ( 00204-HC and 00205-HC units)
OldAirproducts.com (I know I know but maybe new will be better IP-2100 or who knows maybe a simple fix to my existing already installed unit)
Rainbowproductsonline.com ( Mike Brown, who is always at the F100 Nats sells all brands I was looking at any of his underdash units)
Coyoterodders.net (AC7072 Model. They had this running on display at Knoxville. It was putting out both good volume and cool air in an open environment)

I think the units Coyote and the Rainbow has on special are made by tbiproducts.com out of Mooresville, NC. If I can't get my Old Air unit operating to satisfy me. My plans this winter are to do one of two things

1. Either buy the Street Rod Cooler II. I think the SEPARATE heating and AC coils will make a difference. Price wise $425 for cable controlled is right around the price range of most competitors.

2. Or buy an underdash mount AC only unit and reinstall the stock heater for both defrost and heat purposes. I drive my truck pretty much every month of the year. we have mild weather here in Middle TN. My truck will never be a show/trailer worthy truck. That is just not what I want. In the past two weekends. I have put over 1500 miles on it and received countless priceless thumbs up as I motored down I-40. So I favor function over looking good while sweating. I know I wrote a book but this has been an ongoing research for me this year to find the right unit that will function first to meet my needs. Also you will probably wonder why I did not mention the big VA as in Vintage Air. Nothing against them. Seen many of them in trucks. Shoot I even bought one off Ebay last winter and sold it before using it. Just want to see what else out there will truly work. Those in dash Surefit Compac units fit but will they truly cool you off and keep the cool more than comfortable??? That's the big question. Best of luck with yours

 

The guy that I have always looked to for advise used Vintage Air in his vehicles. His 39 Ford Coupe with VA not only cools as good as a new vehicle, but rides and drives as well also. As an aside, it does this with a dropped axle and Ibeam mounted power rack. I have another friend with a 55 F100 with an under dash air unit[ don't know the brand ] that will freeze your teeth, and the original heater that will toast your toes. On one hand the under dash unit had some appeal to me for simplicity, but I did not want to have to fight it everytime I need under the dash. I installed a VA Gen II unit. Have not completed wiring yet. Can't decide about where to put controls. Sure do like the new control panel VA has that might just go in the narrow flat area at the top of dash. Decisions, decisions. Joe

 

I too am a fan of Vintage Air, have used a lot of their stuff. I especially like their ''loaner program'' of set up parts.

 

I put the Vintage Air Gen II in my 56. Pretty tight fit and you lose your glove box. I had a problem with the heater switch when I fired it up two years after purchase. I called Vintage Air and asked what might be the problem. It was determined to be the switch and they sent me a new one with absolutely no hassle even though it was two years later. Great customer service. I have also heard that Hot Rod Air will retrofit control panels out of late model cars to work with their units. I like that idea. Don't know if Vintage or any of the others offer that service or not.

 

I was able to use the "shortened" glove box from MID 50's. Not much room, but some for essential paperwork.

 

Mine also had the sortened glove box, 2" deep. Hence I closed it off along with the ashtray. I will add storage in either the underdash console or above the windshield.

 

I checked with Classic Auto Air and they have a Perfect Fit Series that is made for the 48 - 52 ford pu. He is sending me some info. I went to there web site and it looks like a nice system, plus they have a place in FT Worth close to home I can get parts , or installed . I had the truck 3 years with no A/C, but the humid ride home from Good Guys sunday was enough. I must be getting old.

 

Small tip, but it might help somone...if you buy the Vintage Air, and have installed a power antenna in the stock hole on the right side, even though you wouldn't think, the VA unit will rub on the antenna housing. I found out too late, but hopefully it won't squeak too bad.

 

? for you all. Has anyone run an underdash air unit and maintained the stock heater for the purposes of heat and defrost? If so how long have you been running this setup? and does it work well. I know Scot said OLD Air as unit had opportunities. After 3 seasons of trying to get either good ac or good heat I am about ready to abort the mission and go with the stock Heater and install an underdash unit. I know they will cool the cab and then the stock heater could work for both heat and defrost. I was in my 55' today and I got cold air when I was trying to get heat. Heater shutoff valve is wide open. So it should have heated. Oh well will wait for responses

 

Could someone install the parts of the A/C that go in the vehicle someplace besides the dash? Maybe under the seat?

 

I have heard of under the seat mounts. I am not sure how one would do that though

 

We had an Aerostar van with rear A/C in it. They put the evaporator in the rear side wall and ran the refrigerant lines under the floorboards from the engine compartment.