I'm going with vintage air for the evaporator. They offer 2 different models, the Gen II and Gen IV. The sales help was not very helpful so I wanted to get some opinions. Gen II has 3 different models, Super, Compac and Mini. Seems like the Super is enough for a wagon or large sedan and the Mini is good for a truck. Gen IV is just one unit and it's quite a bit bigger and the only difference I see is that it has a microprocessor controlled coil temp so they say no capillary tubes needed (?), and the controls for this units have infinite settings Gen II Super is 24x9", Compac 20x8", Mini 19x8" Gen IV 26x11"
And the controls are different, for the Gen II there are 4 knobs or 4 sliders and for the Gen IV there is only 3.
Sorry for all the posts and all the pics but makes more sense to me this way . . . So here is my stock AC that I got rid of since the motor was dying, taking up a lot of space and the doors weren't working right. The space left underneath has 27" lengthwise and 10-11" top to bottom and 12" deep.
Why ur changing to aftermarket setup seeing ur car had fac air? U say the doors not workin properly. Did u make sure they are getting vaccum? Did u test the vac motors to see if they are workin? Those test shud give u an idea of what u need to do. Vac motors can be replaced, thou I found all the ones on my car were workin cept the one over the pass side that brings in outside air. I replaced it w/ one for a Stang frm NPD. I used a vaccum pump frm Harbor Freight to test my motors and hoses. I also replaced the 2.5" heat ducts undet the dash and pack tray vents w/ new modern vents. Im no expert on this by any means, but I just upgraded to new 134 sys frm Classic Air and believe rehab the orig sys a lot easier than doing the AM swap to one of the Gen Sys. If ur evap is gone u may be able to get another frm someone here or have it rebuilt. JMO
I have considered this as well and the dollar(lack of) is the only reason I haven't done it yet. I prefer the GenIV evaporator unit due to the stepper motor distribution controls (same as the Ford GT by the way. VintageAir actually designed that system). My only reservation is the fact that you don't have the ability to pull in outside air at the unit. You would have to fabricate something for that. I like pulling in outside air most of the time except on very hot days or when the pollen count is in the 4500ppm and up range (common in GA springtime) Outside air is generally better for defrost functions and for more stable temperature control. I have a friend that works in a restoration shop and the only complaints that they get are usually the control knobs moving on their own, probably due to vibration in the car. I really like the infinite adjustability tho. If you don't get the GenIV, I would go for the largest unit you can fit under the dash for the most cooling ability. You are in CA, right?
I threw the old AC unit away. Perhaps it would have been wise to keep it and fix it but too late. And yes, I'm in california.
I thought it would be nice to have outside air coming in also. I'll just be cracking my window I suppose.
Lookin at the pix of ur old unit it looked servicable. It's a moot point now - Best w/ ur new setup. Im sure u will make it work and as usual post some excellent pix and details on how it was accomplished. Im sure a lot of folks here cud benefit frm ur upgrade.
A Maverick interior has more sq ft than a full size pickup and almost the same as a new Cadillac. I had a dealer installed A/C in a new ‘79 full size Dodge Van and I think the dealer used the smallest unit he had on hand. The air would be 40* or lower coming out the vent but by the time the air got me it felt like the heater was on. I even put a curtain behind the seats to keep from trying to cool the whole interior. It was cooler inside if I rolled the windows down.
I upgraded the blower motor with a 00 Taurus motor and squirrel cage(had to modify the housing) when my motor died, and when I turned it on, it pulled all of the loose foam out of the evaporator housing and blew it in my face. Airflow is tremendous but it easily pulls more air than the evaporator can cool so it's useless on high. The factory units will work fine in normal climates but in the GA summertime I really need more insulation, tinted windows and as Craig Selvey just found out, better door seals. (thanks for sharing that info, Craig) After all the time I have spent sealing the housing, refoaming the doors, modifying the blower housing and optimizing the refrigerant system, I wish I had just broken down and bought the GenIV. Good luck, looks like the making of a good tech article.
all stock inside except for blocking off the...fresh air... stock GM compressor, 134A, Peel and Seal, all new rubber... this temp reading was taken with the windows down...so you could say the...fresh air...was on... I will take another reading with the windows up and the air recirculating...
My stock unit was very efficient, even on the hottest days I had no trouble keeping cool until the fan started dying and the doors weren't working right. So I guess I'm still on the fence as to which unit is right.
thoes two things are two different things from the ...heater...A/C box... the fan bolts to the box (new from Mustang parts) the other...vacuum control switch...that operates the doors...
