Vintage Air A/C Dash Vents

[Scott2]

I am finally starting to install my VA system. I’ve been searching for tips and info and have learned a lot! For example, if I had done this research earlier I might have routed hoses differently to hide them or integrated the vents into the dash. Oh well, next project or next redo of this one.

So, since I’m using the standard VA dash vent setup that mounts under the dash - I’m debating either leaving it black and hoping it fades away into the carpet in the background, or painting it to match the dash so it looks more integrated and deliberate. Thoughts? Any pics of painted ones?

Thanks!

[e015475]

Old Air Products makes a plenum or duct system that blows through the grill that covers the center speaker on the dash. I am not going to use that for a speaker, so that's what I'm going to use.

Perhaps this option could be adapted to the VA unit too

[mr48chev]

All I am going to say is the less blatantly visible the better. I'm no fan of AC vents or controls taking over the dash on older vehicles but I am sure going to have AC this time around.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Are you talking about an AD or TF truck?

[e015475]

His build thread says 51

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

All I am going to say is the less blatantly visible the better. I'm no fan of AC vents or controls taking over the dash on older vehicles but I am sure going to have AC this time around.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Are you talking about an AD or TF truck?

Sorry - it’s a ‘51 AD truck.

[clegg]

You look to have a nice build going. I would paint it to match. Look at SEM products for plastic prep and paint/dye.

[e015475]

Here's what Old Air Products says about their hidden AC duct system..............

"Custom louvers, blower switch and thermostat mount behind original speaker grill. Cables for Defrost & Heater functions can be mounted in unused choke & throttle holes or under dash. NOTE: installation requires 1947-53 speaker grill w/ hoizontal slots,"

Link to catalog

http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalo...ge-p-4485.html

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by e015475

Old Air Products makes a plenum or duct system that blows through the grill that covers the center speaker on the dash. I am not going to use that for a speaker, so that's what I'm going to use.

Perhaps this option could be adapted to the VA unit too

This looks interesting - thanks! I’ll give them a call tomorrow.

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

All I am going to say is the less blatantly visible the better. I'm no fan of AC vents or controls taking over the dash on older vehicles but I am sure going to have AC this time around.

I agree on both counts! I’m definitely going to have AC but would like it to blend in as well.

[e015475]

Scott-

If you research the Old Air option, please post the results.

Phil

[e015475]

It wouldn't be too hard to build a plenum that fits behind the dash where the radio speaker and put a couple of adjustable vents in it and direct it through the speaker grill. But it would sure be nice if Old Air has done it for me.

Unlike the AC in your house, a car AC relies on a lot of moving air hitting your upper torso and face, especially starting up after a heat soak in the sun. I know here in Phoenix I aim the vents in my cars right at my face when I get in the vehicle after its been parked in the sun in the 115F summers, but after a few minutes of driving I have to turn the fan down and turn the ducts away when the sweat is evaporated and the ducts and evaporator are cold.

I'm a little concerned that blowing through the grill will add turbulence to the airflow slowing it down and I wonder if the Old Air system addresses this concern. If it blows through the entire radio speaker opening, which is pretty big, the velocity of the air might not be enough to cool me after a summer heat soak.

[mr48chev]

I'd agree there, I like the cool air to hit me in the upper body when I get in the car an try to cool off but as soon as the interior of my daily cools off I change the setting to the floor.

Had a Mark IV under Dash ac unit in my 59 El Camino in the early 70's and that bugger would freeze you out and you could keep your drink cold in the holder in front of it. Took up a lot of room though.

[Scott2]

Ok - I called Old Air Products and talked with them about the behind-the-grill option. The guy was a little iffy about it, saying that the setup comes with other parts of the system, such as controls, that wouldn't work with the VA system. It's also all set up as a package and he wasn't sure they were interested in breaking it apart and coming up with a price just for the plenum box and vents.

I also called my paint shop and they said all I need to do is spray the vent panel with some product (forgot the name already..) for adhesion and use the paint I already have (PPG Omni) and it'll match perfect.

All-in-all, I like the idea of the four spaced vents in the VA setup providing cool air across the cab and it's all set up for the VA connections and controls so I am going that way and will paint it the same as the dash.

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions!

[OrrieG]

Not AD, but I did not like the plastic ones either. I made a horizontal louver for the center, required modifying the "box" behind and use of a small screwdriver to adjust. I used Mustang round louvers for the side outlets.

[Black_Sheep]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Not AD, but I did not like the plastic ones either. I made a horizontal louver for the center, required modifying the "box" behind and use of a small screwdriver to adjust. I used Mustang round louvers for the side outlets.

Personally I think the plastic under dash duct is unsightly, your louver idea is a perfect solution!

[Desert1957]

Sorry not trying to Hijack this thread but, Do any of these kits have "Defrost Outlet" provisions? If so how do you install that?

[Kevin Mac]

Yes they do have defrost provisions. I think you have to order it that way. They are round holes on top of unit (VA is what I have) and use round flex duct to defrost vents. They also have vents on the bottom to blow down toward the floor.

Mac

[evilokc]

orrieg that's under dash grill is awesome. ive seen the plastic painted and left black. it looks much better painted to match. I agree with everyone else that the ac is usually detracting from the overall look but if you live somewhere hot then its a must. I'm going to paint mine to match the dash and call it collateral damage. sadly there are a lot of things we have to add to these trucks if we want to drive them.