Installing Air Conditioning in Your Classic

Learn the basics of installing air conditioning in your classic car. Jim Richardson shows the parts and tools you'll need as well as how to make sure your car is mechanically ready for A/C. Then he goes through the installation process step-by-step. The A/C kits are available through numerous suppliers such as Old Air Products, Inc.

[@remguiller7593]

Its a very clear explanation for those who intersted to install a AC for non aircon vehicle..i've learn too much of your video.Thank you Sir..

[@zebraradio1610]

Glad you found the video useful.

[@Phonejag1]

Excellent step-by-step explanation, with good video to co-incise. Very interesting and informative. Thank you!

[@zebraradio1610]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tenatra]

You answered so many questions I had that all these other videos missed. Thank you.

[@filthbomb]

Although this is a VERY specific kit for vey SPICIFIC truck, it is a good step by step install

[@danhazen2195]

This looks like a great system. I have a 1964 Ford Pickup F250 and living in the San Joaquin Valley in CA., having AC helps one to survive the brutal summers.

[@zebraradio1610]

Dan; the A/C kit in the video was designed for a passenger car with a V-8 engine, not a pickup truck with an inline 6. So, Jim Richardson had to make a few modifications to get it to fit. You might have to do that with your F250.

[@simcard027]

excellent video you make this all look very clear and simple thank you

[@georgejohnson3262]

Very good instructional video clear and concise... Thank You

[@zebraradio1610]

Thanks, that was the goal; to demystify the process of installing A/C in a car that didn't have it.

[@oneofmany1087]

Excellent ! Very helpful video Thank you for your time

[@omeralhadi6455]

Thank you so much the video was very useful.I was wondering about the rear engine classics that don’t have a/c specially the air-cooled VW beetle .. my friend and I are restoring one and we wanted to know how to install an a/c in it !

[@zebraradio1610]

Glad it helped.

[@RowdyCStuff]

Great video! The tube and fin condensers don't work well with r134a. The high flow horizontal condensers cools better and like that new compressor is more efficient. Will need an auxiliary push fan in front of any condenser to max out the cooling.

[@atx103]

🎉❤🎉😂😮 shame had to watch a classic 📽️ to get now a days instructions he got a like from me 😂😆

[@erice5429]

great video thank you

[@zebraradio1610]

Thank you too!

[@billsbike9816]

I enjoyed watching your video. My question is about some of the hoses you installed. You pushed the hose onto the fitting and clamped them using regular hose clamps. On other hoses, you used a "bead" type fitting. Did everything work well like this? Thanks, Bill

[@zebraradio1610]

Bill- I only produced the video. I'm not the expert, Jim Richardson is. I know he used all the clamps that came with the kit and followed the installation directions. The only modifications he made was in putting the condenser in front of the radiator instead of behind it. This was because the kit was designed for a small block V8, not a longer 6-cylinder engine as his Chevy pick-up had. Also, the compressor was mounted near the bottom of the engine because of a lack of clearance at the top. This required a special bracket. You'll probably need to contact Old Air with your question. Keep in mind, this video was made 22 years ago and there may be design changes with the kit. The basic principles of installation are likely the same but the kit may be different. I do know that once Jim charged the AC and finished the restoration of his pick-up, it all worked great.

[@billsbike9816]

@@zebraradio1610 He may have answered my question at the end of the video. He stated he would be taking the vehicle, or maybe just the hoses to have the beaded style fittings installed.

[@zebraradio1610]

Ah, yes. Jim mentioned something about a couple of sleeves on the high pressure hoses that he was going to have the AC shop crimp on before they charge the system.

[@zebraradio1610]

You can purchase this kit from Old Air Products, Inc.

[@Ronjovi77]

Good video really helpful. I have a question one of the hoses going into the truck is high pressure you put hose clamps on both should one be beadlock crimped on the high pressure side.

[@zebraradio1610]

I don't have that answer. I only produced the video. Your best bet is to contact Old Air Products. This was their kit.

[@Wbfuhn]

I have a 86 Camaro that was converted to a drag car. The last owner cut out the heater core and AC but left the fan. I'm looking into everything I need to install a complete heater and AC system.

[@zebraradio1610]

Looks like you may have to find some of the model-specific parts for your Camaro in a salvage yard (heater core, vents) and then finish with new replacement AC parts. Either that or purchase a new universal AC kit.

[@macpherson3182]

great video. I have one question is it all right to run the pump with the belts hooked up when i drive the car to the a/c shop?

[@zebraradio1610]

It's been years since we made this video. If I recall, Jim took the belt off before taking his truck to the A-C shop. But you might want to call Old Air and confirm if that's necessary.

[@pbettselectric134]

Don’t you need A/C clamps or Bead Clamp ends on the A/C hoses?

[@zebraradio1610]

That I wouldn't know. You probably need to contact Old Air for that answer.

[@steveperchinsky5833]

Hi so I have a 1942 reo speedwagon truck midified that i need to put ac in. Should i go to old air for that one too

[@zebraradio1610]

I think Old Air would be a good starting point. I'd also check car clubs that would have members who have your model truck or similar and see what they recommend.

[@lroache9334]

have you ever installed an AC unit on a 72' Challenger, 440 pro sport?? if not, but you think you can... hit me up!!

[@macpherson3182]

ok thanks

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

Do you know an electric version that can integrate with factory air? I don't want it to directly load the motor down, as my car is a 2007 Kia Spectra, having a weak engine (which already can barely hold 2nd gear stick starts) with non-A/C factory air. I'm willing to install extra batteries.

[@zebraradio1610]

Ellenor; Unfortunately, I'm not the expert on A/C installation, just the person who produced the video. Your best bet is to contact those who make and sell after-market A/C kits, like Old Air Products, and ask them about a kit for your Kia Spectra and any extra pre-installation work you will need to do.

[@mictlancoatl2745]

What kit do you recommend for a little four cylinder car?

[@zebraradio1610]

Check the Old Air Products website. The video was just designed to show, in a general way, the installation process. This would apply to almost any car. www.oldairproducts.com

[@mictlancoatl2745]

@@zebraradio1610 thank you so much! I will check ot out!! Appreciate it!!

[@yourbabyjules]

I want to install AC into a 1980 124 Fiat. Does this apply?

[@zebraradio1610]

Julia: This video just shows the basics of installing A/C. The basics will apply. But each car will be slightly different, especially when it comes to reinstalling the heating and controls. Check the internet for after-market A/C kits for your Fiat. You will no doubt see some components in the kit that will be similar to those seen in the video and some that will be unique to your car.

[@yourbabyjules]

@@zebraradio1610 sounds good! thanks