Anyone do Classic Auto Air?

[RIBS]

Thinking about a Perfect fit system for my 71 convertible…quote is advertised price $1599, no additional brackets or pulley needed, $100 shipping, and about $200-300 to evac and charge…

did you do it? How was install?
I am about to remove dash and rewire so it seems like the right time…
anyone integrate with AAW harness, and AAW fusebox location?

 

[71ProjectJunk]

There is a video on YouTube with some info, but not a complete install, but it is informative:


Here is another video on YouTube:

 

[71coop]

Yes, I've installed it and like it. A similar thread here has a lot of feedback:

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/classic-auto-air.31707/#post-388706

My only complaint is the controller looks like it belongs in an 80/90s era car. I modified mine to look a little more period correct (Pictures in the thread I linked to).

 

[Bobby]

I replaced the factory air system with Classic Auto air repro set. It works okay but the fan does not blow very hard. If you go with a new system, get the modern version. You would then not be reliant on the engine vacuum to properly duct your air where directed.

 

[tony-muscle]

Another good thread here: https://7173mustangs.com/threads/classic-auto-air-question.35918/page-2#post-369823
I consider it to be an easy job. Just follow the instructions, be patient and take your time. The most frustrating part for me was removing the A/C box, which I did without removing the dash. The other issue was a leak that was not detected during vacuum test. I lost refrigerant very slowly over the next month. I eventually got a refrigerant detector, found the leak at a fitting, redid the fitting, and all good so far. I already had the Sanden compressor adapted so that was not part of my kit.

 

[mrgmhale]

We installed Classic Air A/C on both of our 1973 Mustangs. The 1973 got its A/C first. A year later we acquired the 1973 Mustang Convertible, and liked the Classic Air A/C so much we got it for the vert also. No regrets. Both systems work great. We we to get another Mustang or Shelby with no A/C we would not hesitate to get another Classic Air A/C system.

 

[RIBS]

Thanks all for replies and links, my order is in.

 

[Austin Vert]

Hi Ribs,

Sorry for the late reply. With all due respect to the guys that have installed Classic Air, my experience was not a very good one. My story was i bought it in from the US around the 2012 period. I employed a professional air guy to do the install. The whole dash was removed to do all the necessary work. As i recall, the overall install did not go smoothly. A certain part with the kit was sent incorrect, and had to be replaced straight up, and lastly, when you turned the air on in summer to cool down the interior, the air system drained a lot of noticeable horsepower and rpms from the engine. My engine idle rpms had to be turned up, so the engine didn't stall while pulled up at any set of traffic lights. Oh i forgot the biggest disapontment of all - the air speed or air blow force coming out of all the front dash vents is very weak and wouldn't blow the skin off a custard - even on the highest speed setting. Customer service at that time was very poor as well. I was expecting a high performance system with all the modern engineering atributes to make it a good modern style performing system,(low horsepower drain and high air output) but was very disappointed in that regard. Sadly, my experience has not been good with Classic Air, and i would not buy that brand again. By the way, as the years have gone on, i have tried my best to make sure every detail has been taken care of properly with the install and the running and upkeep of this system by professionals, and there is nothing that can be done to make it run to a good or better standard than it ever was from the start. I have tripled checked everything to make sure no mistakes were made or anything overlooked.

However, all that said and to be fair, i have learned over the years past, that Classic Air had different productions runs and some were not up to standard. Maybe i was one of the unlucky ones that ended up with a dud system, i don't know. I know there are a lot of Forum members that like the system and say it performs well. That's great. For me, it was not the case, and i know that Classic Air were not interested in my feedback and disappointments back then when i put my case to them. Their attitude back then was basically, so sad - too bad, love it or leave it.

How it will perform for you i can't say. By all accounts, based on others feedback, it should be OK, and i hope it does work well for you.

Greg.

 

[tony-muscle]

Hi Ribs,

Sorry for the late reply. With all due respect to the guys that have installed Classic Air, my experience was not a very good one. My story was i bought it in from the US around the 2012 period. I employed a professional air guy to do the install. The whole dash was removed to do all the necessary work. As i recall, the overall install did not go smoothly. A certain part with the kit was sent incorrect, and had to be replaced straight up, and lastly, when you turned the air on in summer to cool down the interior, the air system drained a lot of noticeable horsepower and rpms from the engine. My engine idle rpms had to be turned up, so the engine didn't stall while pulled up at any set of traffic lights. Oh i forgot the biggest disapontment of all - the air speed or air blow force coming out of all the front dash vents is very weak and wouldn't blow the skin off a custard - even on the highest speed setting. Customer service at that time was very poor as well. I was expecting a high performance system with all the modern engineering atributes to make it a good modern style performing system,(low horsepower drain and high air output) but was very disappointed in that regard. Sadly, my experience has not been good with Classic Air, and i would not buy that brand again. By the way, as e\the years have gone on, i have tried my best to make sure every detail has been taken care of properly with the install and the running and upkeep of this system by professionals, and there is nothing that can be done to make it run to a good or better standard than it ever was from the start. I have tripled checked everything to make sure no mistakes were made or anything overlooked.

However, all that said and to be fair, i have learned over the years past, that Classic Air had different productions runs and some were not up to standard. Maybe i was one of the unlucky ones that ended up with a dud system, i don't know. I know there are a lot of Forum members that like the system and say it performs well. That's great. For me, it was not the case, and i know that Classic Air were not interested in my feedback and disappointments back then when i put my case to them. Their attitude back then was basically, so sad - too bad, love it or leave it.

How it will perform for you i can't say. By all accounts, based on others feedback, it should be OK, and i hope it does work well for you.

Greg.

Interesting Greg. They may have upgraded or improved. Although the air speed in high is not comparable to a modern car, it has been satisfactory for me. One of the issues I see is with the corrugated hoses themselves, which will be naturally inefficient for air flow. After I installed mine, I read somewhere to straighten them as much as possible during install so they are smoother on the inside.
My install had a few wrinkles but unfortunately, I have come to expect that with anything "bolt-on" for our cars. However, the customer service was very good in my case (this was last year so they probably improved). The issues I had is that the control lever for temperature was reversed. I figured this out during the pre-assembly test - very important not to skip the pre-assembly test. I called and had to send the controller back to them. They fixed it and returned it within a week. The only wrinkle here was that even though it was their mistake during assembly I had to pay for shipping per their policy. This sucks but at that time $12 for shipping was not worth fighting for. Then, one of the hoses was too short and one of the air louvres was not of the right size. Again, another call and they sent a longer hose and the correct louvre right away.

 

[Austin Vert]

Interesting Greg. They may have upgraded or improved. Although the air speed in high is not comparable to a modern car it has been satisfactory for me. One of the issues I see is with the corrugated hoses themselves, which will be naturally inefficient for air flow. After I installed mine, I read somewhere to straighten them as much as possible during install so they are smoother on the inside.
My install had a few wrinkles but unfortunately, I have come to expect that with anything "bolt-on" for our cars. However, the customer service was very good in my case (this was last year so they probably improved). The issues I had is that the control lever for temperature was reversed. I figured this out during the pre-assembly test - very important not to skip the pre-assembly test. I called and had to send the controller back to them. They fixed it and returned it within a week. The only wrinkle here was that even though it was their mistake during assembly I had to pay for shipping per their policy. This sucks but at that time $12 for shipping was not worth fighting for. Then, one of the hoses was too short and one of the air louvres was not of the right size. Again, another call and they sent a longer hose and the correct louvre right away.

Hi Tony,
Sounds like you had your fair share of install and parts problems like me. Interesting. Regards air vent flow or output, i recall my '73 Mach 1 was running the original factory air compressor and whole factory system, which on todays standards is heavy, outdated, power hungry and fairly inefficient with performance capacity. However, the air volume and air speed flow in that original factory system was noticeably better than the Classic Industries air compressor/ system. I bought a Classic Air dud, that;s for sure.
Regards customer service and help. That changes over the years as staff and management come and go. They were a dud team back then when i was dealing with them.

Greg.

 

[Bluesky10]

Thank you for the added input, as I am thinking of an aftermarket system too. My MACH I is a factory air car, and in the distant past it worked, but like older systems, the loss of R-12 to operate it correctly, I am having to consider my options now. I may have converted it to 134A in the past, but that would have been in the late 80s or 90s, but either way, 134A is not as efficient in an R-12 system as R-12 is. I discovered by doing conversions on R-12 to 134A car and aircraft systems way back when, running the head pressure a bit higher helped with the cooling capability.

With all that, has anyone here conducted this 134A conversion?
If yes, how well did your system work?

Although I have 4 or 5 cans of R-12 remaining, I would rather convert now since any loss of freon would lead to a re-flush and oil change. I do have 2 of the old Ford "York" huge compressors, but would need to locate a new evaporator and condenser, since mine most likely are in need of replacement due to age, storage, contamination, etc.

All feedback is welcome and requested.

Thank you

 

[rcadd1ct]

Mine is in. Pretty easy to do until you get to mounting the compressor and routing the cables. There are no diagrams on hose routing provided.

I am probably going to have to redo the compressor mount was the tensioner pulley is interfer with my blower drive…..but I doubt you will have that issue.

 

[tony-muscle]

Mine is in. Pretty easy to do until you get to mounting the compressor and routing the cables. There are no diagrams on hose routing provided.

I am probably going to have to redo the compressor mount was the tensioner pulley is interfer with my blower drive…..but I doubt you will have that issue.

Not to hijack this thread nut i cant resist to ask more information about your blower setup.

 

[Bluesky10]

rcadd1ct, that is one cool looking set-up.
I am guessing you installed the Classic Auto Air system.
What is your opinion of the operation of the AC system?
Did it meet your expectation for cooling?

Thank you and all others for your input. This is a huge purchase and requires feedback from others who have installed and used it.

 

[rcadd1ct]

Not to hijack this thread nut i cant resist to ask more information about your blower setup.

It is a B&M street supercharger 174 cid. I got it in the early 90’s. Never have gotten far enough to start it yet.

waiting on Holley at this point.

 

[rcadd1ct]

rcadd1ct, that is one cool looking set-up.
I am guessing you installed the Classic Auto Air system.
What is your opinion of the operation of the AC system?
Did it meet your expectation for cooling?

Thank you and all others for your input. This is a huge purchase and requires feedback from others who have installed and used it.

I am waiting on parts to start it for the first time, but so far the stuff I have played with seems pretty good.

 

[Bluesky10]

Thank you, and please keep me informed.

 

[tony-muscle]

At one of the car shows someone told me that ideally you want to get the CAA system but find a bigger condenser. I think I agree with that statement since sometimes I wish it cools more. However, that also means less cold air into the radiator and possibly some cooling issues.