Classic car air conditioning for $800, installed? Let's find out how!

No sponsors, no partners, no hype. Just the straight scoop on how to purchase and install a new, quality AC system into your classic car on the cheap. I reveal the vendors, prices, and installation. If you need AC on a budget, this is the video.
The kit I use is from ECC Auto Shop, and the bracket is from Alan Grove Components.
#whattherust #lowbudget

[@brianandrews7099]

I would also suggest that anyone installing an under dash type air conditioner into a 60 plus year old car is that air leaks into the passenger compartment due to old, failing door and window seals and gaskets … and even leaking under dash vent seals … will effect the ability of the unit to maintain the temperature inside the car. Basically, leaking seals will be forcing outside air into the passenger compartment as you are driving at highway speeds and forcing the a/c to compete with outside air being pumped into the interior. You might find yourself confused as to why the interior is so warm when your still measuring cold temperatures blowing out the vents with a digital thermometer. It is just because your ice cold a/c air is getting “defrosted” by the air leaks. You might need to reseal the doors and windows to resolve the issue. Also, the under dash units will remind you why car manufacturers began install dash vents nearest the driver and passenger side windows. You’re going to learn just how important those really are in keeping you cool! Lastly, by the 1960s, most new cars ordered with factory A/C included tinted glass. Although it was not tinted to today’s standards, it still went a long way to make air conditioning more effective. So, if your car doesn’t have tinted glass, you may also realize that the A/C is also fighting the effects of UV coming through the glass. This may be less important if you live in colder climates with shorter, cooler summers but will be more important if you live in hotter climates with longer warm seasons.

[@kalybnielsen4183]

A common sense bit of advice, door seals, window seals, holes in the firewall, it all adds to how the hvac works, also makes your drive more comfortable just for sound and smells

[@fishypictures]

I know that I’m driving an old car so I wouldn’t expect it to hold a specific temperature with an auto climate control like a modern car. In the hot climate I live in , I just need a blast of cold air aimed at me. Run it full blast the whole time with the windows down. It’s not hurting anything in fact it helps keep the A/C in tip top shape. I just romp it around town anyway, it’s a big block , fun, not for long trips…. If that’s what I’m gonna do, we’ll take the wife’s car. You are trying to help teach thermal dynamics and I commend you for that. We all have different needs. We were not built for comfort, we were built to overcome adversity…… stay young, keep Hot rodding!

[@myronlevy9323]

Sir, I am refurbishing my 1052 Ford custom line. It has heat,but no AC. This video was just what I needed to see to convince me to tackle the job I was hesitating to do. Incredibly video. Thanks a bunch .I'm now a subscriber and I'm running my mouth about your channel. Keep up the helpful work.as far as I'm concerned, old guys and old cars are the only fun thing the planet has left to offer.

[@morewhattherust]

Right on! Glad the video helped you, and thank you for the support.

[@danobrien3109]

Great video Richard . I’m an hvac guy in Canada and did the cost conversion. This system would be roughly $1,600 Canadian. Even with shipping and export charges it likely comes in under two grand. A/C compressor alone here is $1,200- $1,500. This looks like a user friendly setup and installation as well. Really enjoyed this. Keep 😎 cool. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@morewhattherust]

Glad you liked it, Dan.

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Good video. I am not big on electric fans in general. Yes, sometimes they are much needed, but in a non high HP cruiser, I think they are more of an issue waiting to happen than they are worth. I MUCH prefer a clutch style fan with a well built shroud. They rarely give any issues and you do not need a monster alternator and wiring to feed them. Yes, most of the late model everything uses fans, but they also have highly upgraded computers that control everything and wiring that can deal with higher amp alts. Just my .02

[@morewhattherust]

I agree.

[@Lupusharv]

Thank you for sharing this installation and the company you ordered from. I went to their web site and looked at kits, called after hours and still talked with Oscar and he helped me decide that the full kit was not a good fit and got me set up with everything I would need to finish my pre existing Vintage air/ ecoboost swap. Its hard to get that kind of customer service today.

[@dalehartley-vd9qo]

The AC looks good you done a great job installing it it works it has good cold air coming out of it well worth the money if you ask me awesome video Richard thank you for sharing this with us

[@morewhattherust]

You're welcome Dale. Thank you for watching.

[@rickjackson3414]

I’m building an old 67 Chevy truck……we already have a 72 c10 I did 12 years ago, it has no ac…..I’ve got the wife convinced on putting ac in the 67 build……im dreading telling her the cost of the vintage ac kit…….this may be a great option for me….i loved the video. Great job of show and tell.

[@morewhattherust]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JohneeB]

I am so happy to have found this! Now I don't have to pay another company 3 times this amount for my AC! Thank you

[@morewhattherust]

I am happy to hear that. Good luck!

[@frankmarti8984]

Going to their web site now great value thanks for sharing

[@markdanderson8263]

Probably the best video and instructional video I’ve seen you do! Excellent explanations and honest non biased installation. Great job Richard. Keep em coming. Thx, OzarkMark

[@morewhattherust]

I appreciate the support, Mark.

[@briankennedy5578]

A fan shroud will make a huge difference. Even with your old fan. changing to a cross flow radiator big difference also

[@rpod1246]

Very well done, much appreciated. Made the decision I was pondering for a time, and this video absolutely helped in going forward with the project. Your video was concise and your level of details was great! Thanks for sharing the links as well. Subscribed.👍

[@morewhattherust]

I am happy it was helpful for you. Good luck with your installation.

[@robertmccully2792]

Thank for explaining it all. Nothing worse than before and after videos

[@Bruceanddenise]

Great review man! Best way to make a classic a daily driver.

[@ron7447]

Good looking machine. The logo on the doors, nice touch.

[@morewhattherust]

Thanks! That Chevy has been good to me.

[@user-hj5ep1oc2k]

Hello Richard !! Gotta tell you , that was one of the BEST installation/critique videos I've ever seen ! The kit was pretty impressive , in my 50+ years of playing cars , it seems that universal fit fit means that it won't fit yours any worse than it fits anything else ! But this seemed to be an exception to that rule. There have been very few more major projects I have done that there aren't things that I can point to and say " if I had to do this over again , I could do this better " thanks for sharing that with the hose. Always look forward to your videos ! Always the Best !

[@morewhattherust]

Thank you for the support!

[@laurensjan8425]

Nice work Richard! Keep up the good work💪🏻

[@280zone]

I have used Alan Grove brackets for years, I have always found them a GREAT solution and great quality.

[@morewhattherust]

I had not heard of them before this job, but I am impressed. It is refreshing to have a live person pick up the phone.

[@ricgross5815]

You chose the right bracket company, I have used them for years and never been disappointed. They know their stuff! Great job on the install, you'll both be so glad you did it, especially once you get some insulation in it.

[@morewhattherust]

Good to know you have experience with them. Thanks Ric.

[@wyattoneable]

Well done. The video was very informative. I'm contemplating a system for my 68 Cadillac so this helps.

[@morewhattherust]

Glad it helped. Good luck with the install.

[@bigbill709]

Nice work on the install

[@morewhattherust]

Thanks 👍

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Richard :) also think that kit for Air Conditioning and worth too ! Plus think lots people should get this done to no Air Conditioning vechile and be wise especially Hot Summer season weather get Hotter each year!

[@richardgabel33]

Probably one of your best videos. Thank you. The premise you are building cheap should fit a number of viewers. Are you going to have a defroster when you connect water lines ? Having heat inside a cold car usually does not clear fog from glass. Couple things you did not do for cost savings like trim plates at penetrations would have improved the looks. Have fun and stay safe.

[@morewhattherust]

You're welcome. Yes, I will have an update for the heat and defrost, but it will be a couple of months out.

[@stevelangston2359]

Many have seen or owned vehicles back In the day with units like this one. Excellent tutorial Richard!

[@morewhattherust]

Much appreciated, Steve.

[@charlespartak2435]

I have a resto mod 1951 chevy 3100 with a s10 chassis swap with 283 v8 ,and yes Alan Grove brackets. I installed a Coldmaster inc unit. Sanden style compressor, v belt drive..

[@user-roadwander]

Great install Richard. Gave me the push to accomplish my own install.

[@morewhattherust]

Right on! Good luck.

[@TSBTC]

Thank You. Great Video and Great Savings. I will call them and see if they have an LS set up for the compressor. Nicely Done

[@bobeaseshop9389]

Nice Simple Install. I've put in 5 A/C systems, 3 with heat, and it is not nearly as bad as it seems. Like you did just take little bites and it will work out. I have come to love SPAL fans and I get aftermarket shrouds for the mech fan. Most of the time I get upgraded water pumps and bring the thermostat down 10º or so. I have learned how to do the whole system with a RobinAir vacuum, got some quality high/low gauges/manifold. My VintageAir has been on my 1957 GMC for almost 20 years and I think I've charged it twice. They say the compressors leak to keep the bearing oiled and I do find my freon sniffer confirms that. The other thing is a cabin filter or finding a way to clean you evaporator as it will get clogged in a few years so keep that in mind along with the condensate tube clogging. I run some NuBrite over the coils (be very carful with that stuff) and that does the job and it is amazing how dirty the evap core gets along with the condenser. Overall I agree that it is just the cats to have this system and the bonus of clearing the glass in the winter, even without defrost vents, is also key. In my truck I just run the air for a short time on winter day drives and it clears the windscreen fog. Nice video....

[@morewhattherust]

Thank you for the useful info. I will look into the filter. Thanks!

[@user-tr4sl3lg6b]

Talked to you at the rumble I'm ordering a AC unit tomorrow thanks

[@morewhattherust]

@@user-tr4sl3lg6b Good to hear. I think you will like it.

[@glentucker4250]

I’ve never seen one of these kits fully installed before, and the fact that you did it anonymously,

[@terryeustice5399]

Richard a great job. In the AC heater. And agree very reasonable. Thank you for sharing. 💯💕👊👍

[@morewhattherust]

You're quite welcome Terry. The heat has arrived in Tennessee, so this installation happened just in time.

[@terryeustice5399]

@@morewhattherust And it’s cooking in Kentucky as well. 💕🥵

[@MiguelLopez-uy2uu]

Thank you , you have inspired me to install one on my 64 Nova with small block 350.

[@morewhattherust]

Awesome! Happy to hear it.

[@perryberens618]

Excellent install instructions. Great pace in allowing viewer to wrap their head around what they are looking at . It was like real time confident diagnostic thinking about all that has to be done from picking up the piece to how you want the end result to look and perform well and be serviceable as well. I thought you were in my head. I love to pay attention to detail. That crimping tool wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be. I was thinking on taking hoses to a hydraulic hose shop. Or ( real crazy) try my PEX plumbing crimp tool. Either way victory or defeat. That tool is worth having in a person's shop. The price turned out very reasonable. I am having to fix my A/C on a KEI Class mini truck . Your video closed the deal on doing what's best in the long run. Rather than buy an expensive, hard to find compressor and then the next part down the line breaks and the system doesn't perform well in between breaks either. A complete replacement is the way to go. The thermister placement was a good tip. I learned in my limited A/C experience , if The thermistor isn't working properly it affects the blower speeds. And that's another expense down the road ( and sweat labor) avoided by taking the route you did. Congratulations!! Also addressing the radiator and coil placement I am going to look at that phase differently in my install. My 86 Toyota extra cab was set up like yours. I am with you a full shroud covered the radiator and fan was in the center. Cooling wasn't an issue. I am going to subscribe to your channel as I will watch again. ( I like both your old Chevy's) They are going to look awesome restored correctly as possible when finished. Also your right about ECC Auto they are old school in knowing their stuff and selling a good product. Again thanks for a really well done tutorial

[@morewhattherust]

Thank you for the feedback and welcome to the channel!

[@deltabrogden3350]

Thank you for sharing this. It is a perfect video and exactly what I was looking for. Great job!

[@morewhattherust]

Glad the video helped you out!

[@garyalleccia2793]

Well done Richard. Nice clean install. Like a pro!

[@morewhattherust]

Thanks Gary. Your advice was invaluable.

[@davida.p.9911]

Very cool system! 😎 The information was extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing, Richard!

[@morewhattherust]

Glad it was helpful David. Now that I have done the installation once, I would be able to do this again in 25% of the time.

[@danchamberlain6069]

The price is very reasonable considering factory installed A/C for a 1967 for ranch wagon was a 700.00 dolllar option .

[@frankkirby5763]

What a great video. Best wishes and blessings.

[@python357magnum100]

Great video, a very affordable AC system. I will be buying for my 67 Mustang.

[@morewhattherust]

Good to hear. I think you will like it.

[@awakeariseandwatch5976]

Great video Richard after watching this I believe I will look into a unit for my 55 chevy truck. God bless

[@morewhattherust]

Glad you liked it. The installation on your truck should be very similar to this one.

[@derrickelgin6984]

Thank you for the video I bought this same kit and was looking help on the install will help a lot on my install

[@morewhattherust]

Glad it is helpful. Good luck!

[@TheDutchVanMan]

Coool 🥶video , Richard , thanks for a budget friendly solution 👍

[@morewhattherust]

You're welcome. Glad this video helped you out.

[@jeep4752]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@almiller5757]

Very well done video, Liked and Subscribed! The Pilothouse pickup in the background also caught my eye - same color as the 49 I'm working on... hope there will be some videos about that one! You might consider putting links to the various stuff you used in the video description. I'm definitely going to check into ECC for my Pilothouse!

[@morewhattherust]

Welcome to the channel. Thank you for joining. I have videos of that Pilothouse truck on the Channel What The Rust youtube.com/@whattherust?

[@ovalwingnut]

Very COoL (no pun intended). We apprecate your reluctance to add "additional hole" to your classic steel. Thank you for the video! You RoCk! p.s. I tried to tell my last GF that a 1 1/2" can make a big difference but she wasn't buying it Well, she ought to know, she's the professional And I think that bracket & crimper were a steal for the $ :O)

[@morewhattherust]

Thanks very much. Glad you liked the video.

[@jamesharris2615]

Good information provided. Thanks for sharing.👍🏿

[@jaysaw8151]

good video you went over alot i was stressing over ..i might put the unit in the trunk and run line all the way to the front .. they sell the tool so it should work ...i hope to stuff it under the hood

[@morewhattherust]

Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with your installation.

[@Hotrodford]

Great video. Very well explained in layman’s terms. Thank you!

[@morewhattherust]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@Mackze]

That plug could have been bad news, given how important to remove it is, I would have expected them to include some information about it. Nice detailed video!

[@morewhattherust]

Glad you liked it. It is my hope that people use this video to supplement the instructions. Using both, the installation should be simple for most anyone.

[@ralphsnow2337]

Your over heating might be because you are running 2 fans. They might be fighting each other. For example one is pulling air and the other is also pulling air. The engine fan pulls air through the radiator from the outside in and the electric fan might be pulling air from the inside out. therefore cancelling each other out when sitting stopped. If you will notice all cars trucks only use one fan not two. The engine fan at higher rpm and vehicle speed can overcome the electric fan.

[@LilYeshua]

Nice. If you can have a front bezel made to match the radio speaker grill to go over the front of the evaporator unit that would be awesome plus make it curved to hide that square box shape and get some chrome switch knobs

[@morewhattherust]

Agreed. I found two knobs at a swap meet. Maybe there is something I can think of for the front.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

17:13, could you have mounted the compressor 90 degrees counterclockwise to orient the hoses closer to the firewall and core support.

[@morewhattherust]

I thought about it, but didn't go that route. It is possible to do it.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

Good job when i worked for Montgomery Wards can't remember how many i installed back then most Toyota's and other imports didn't come with A/C we insatlled in dash units in those looked factory but i always liked the ones that hung under the dash they would get the coldest, we always back then used the hose clamps and never had a problem with them coming off

[@bigbill709]

Where did you work for monkey wards ?

[@morewhattherust]

Interesting job to have.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

@@bigbill709 Dothan Alabama

[@user-by4jo7ot7k]

I like those

[@bigbill709]

When I was still working one of our customers sold and installed aftermarket air condition in cars trucks good luck trying to find a replacement fan belt when the time comes.

[@r1lark]

Very good video, great detail and camera work! And great job with the install. Don't think you should have included the crimper tool in the total, it's a tool that you will use again. A bucks down guy could take the assembled hoses/fittings to a local shop that makes hydraulic hoses (even some of the chain Auto parts stores do this) and gotten them crimped for a small fee (or even free if they are a regular customer). Great job!

[@morewhattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@bigbill709]

When I worked at the datsun dealership early seventys we sold dealer installed air conditioning the had one mechanic all he did was air condition work for the most part

[@Channel-gz9hm]

Did you ever consider the fully electric universal car AC system kits they have on fleebay? The ones with the electric compressor so you would not need a belt drive or bracket changes. All you'd need to do is get an upgraded alternator to push some extra juice to fit its electric needs. Could be even simpler for people who can't modify their belt drive

[@morewhattherust]

I had not considered those. Up until I published the video, I was not aware the kits existed, but a friend of mine has been talking about them recently. It might make a good subject for a future video.

[@JayHutchG]

EXCELLENT vid Rust-Man! I am about to put AC in my 1946 Chevy PU (RestoMod). It has heat, so I'll be able to get rid of that huge heater under the dash on passenger side. One speed = turbo & noisier than my SBC engine ;-) Your vid is very helpful in process and part choices. Thank you for taking the time. Small cab of 46 Chevy pickup should be very easy to cool. 1 question tho? You didn't cover condensation drainage from the evaporator under dash. Just a simple tube with hole thru the floor board? When you were in the middle of your stuck in traffic torture test did it freeze up?

[@morewhattherust]

Glad you liked it! Correct, a small drainage tube comes off of the back of the evaporator, and I ran it through a small hole in the transmission cover on the floor. The kit comes with the tube, but I neglected to include the video I took of it. The unit never froze up, even when being used constantly with temperatures in the high 80s.

[@randydarcey2947]

Great video. New subscriber. Love this set up and the price. Can i get the link for crimping tool? Thanks

[@morewhattherust]

Welcome to the channel! This is the crimping tool I used: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7VK3Y3B?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@user-cz1jr1mq9k]

But it's still a great video thanks for the info 👍👍👌

[@jonathangemora9380]

Hi Richard. I have an old 57 chevy 283 sbc and wanted to or planning to put an a/c. Where can I get that a/c kit again? Suppliers name info. Plus I don't have an a/c bracket. Thank you so much.

[@morewhattherust]

The info is in the vide description, but the company is ECC Auto Shop. The compressor bracket is from Alan Grove Components.

[@redchevy3307]

Good video, I'm going to put a/c in mine one day. Where did you get the air cleaner?

[@Retired683]

How's the electric steering? I have a 2018 Odyssey with electric steering. No fluid, no maintenance, and it has a great turning radius

[@pl747]

What temperature air does it blow? I would hope 38-40 degrees.

[@TheGreatOne16439]

I know this may sound dumb but your electric fan maybe blowing in the wrong direction. Most are mounted on the other side of the radiator. That could be why your engine was overheating.

[@morewhattherust]

That is a good call, but I checked that as a part of the installation. It is all good.

[@tcmits3699]

Couldn't you have mounted the evaporator vertically? Do they offer evaporator in square form?

[@morewhattherust]

I would not have had the room to install it vertically. I did not see a kit on their website that had a vertical unit.

[@jaysaw8151]

looking to do a 37 ford sedan ..i did a super cheap amazon heater install late last winter but now its summer its way to hot to try and drive this thing on a long trip...idk if im gunna do a short water pump conversion and change all these brackets someone installed with a old 350 truck motor or go full electric

[@morewhattherust]

Good luck. It should be a straight-forward install once you get the correct compressor bracket.

[@lildudechevman]

I noticed there was no drain for condensation shown,was there a drain in this kit? Because I had an older unit that I removed & wanted to use it later,that had two hoses on each side of the unit.

[@whattherust]

Yes, there is a drain on each side in the rear of of the evaporator. The kit come s with a hose to run from the drains through the floor.

[@ronaldstorzbach1924]

Could you send a link to the Amazon spacer kit? Thanks Ron

[@morewhattherust]

Here you go: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2GXLWYD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@jamesthev5607]

No Power Tour coverage, since that short live?

[@morewhattherust]

It is coming.

[@user-cz1jr1mq9k]

You put in the wrong price for the unit you used 545 that was the cool only 587 was for the one you used to with heat

[@morewhattherust]

Correct. Cool only was the intent of the video, so I used the price for that unit.