Original AC Dash differences

[JpRngr]

Definitely don't need that tube, but you do need the vent that it goes to, as JonH alluded to. They connect all the vents to their manifold with flexible tube. Sounds like you're looking into this at the right time, before all your paint and body work is done, so you can modify the firewall as needed to make it look more like it's supposed to be there.

Corey

[70 Challenger Lover]

Definitely don't need that tube, but you do need the vent that it goes to, as JonH alluded to. They connect all the vents to their manifold with flexible tube. Sounds like you're looking into this at the right time, before all your paint and body work is done, so you can modify the firewall as needed to make it look more like it's supposed to be there.

Corey

Exactly! Good to know I wouldn't need that tube. Thanks!

[anlauto]

Okay...These are the "Classic-Air" dash vents included in the kit for a car with NO factory AC.
My opinion: Installation wasn't that hard on the bench, would hate to do it in the car
                  The Vacuum formed bezels are really flimsy and the large one is kinda banana shaped  which I couldn't straighten out.
                  The bezel is really shiny black compared to the UR dash pad, I guess the assembly (dash pad and vents) could be completely painted to match
                  Over all looks okay, but it looks pretty "after market" in my opinion.
Also, this was an ABS plastic core dash, not sure how much harder it would have been with a steel core ?

[70 Challenger Lover]

Thanks for the photos. I agree it looks okay but certainly not as good as the original. I think it's worth the extra expense of collecting the original AC vents and going that route.

So regarding the lower map light trim piece at the bottom, why is that found on AC cars? Is it supposed to hide the larger box hanging down under the dash? I like the look but it seems that I could get a nice result without it and add it later down the road if I wanted.

[anlauto]

As far as this Classic Air kit is concerned, it would be virtually impossible to attach the flexible tubing from the kit to factory AC dash vents, just for a heads up, some sort of adaptor would have to be fabricated or the kit for cars WITH factory AC would have to be purchased.

Yup the lower dash trim was likely added to hide the box, and it can simply be added at anytime. 

[70 Challenger Lover]

I'm actually thinking that is the best route to take. I'm not sure I want the classic air set up. I know Vintage Air has a kit to hook up to factory vents and that is the one I'm considering. No one has been able to describe why classic air is better.

I know the Vintage Air will take more effort fabricating brackets to hold the box to the firewall supports but I'm not worried about that. I'm shooting for a clean look and of course function. I don't know if these guys rate their systems in terms of cooling capacity. I assume they are about the same. In a perfect world, I want to feel uncomfortable chilly inside on a hot day.

[JpRngr]

I know the Vintage Air will take more effort fabricating brackets to hold the box to the firewall supports but I'm not worried about that.

The Vintage Air comes with brackets for mounting. Biggest thing for you besides the vents is the hole in the firewall for the hoses to pass through.

Corey

[anlauto]

I like the Vintage Air kit, better, but my customer supplied this kit

[Skid Row]

  I probably have most of what you need but,Wish this post originated 6 months ago having just about finished all wiring my "Project"

[70 Challenger Lover]

Would you happen to have the vents too?

[jamesroney]

Is somebody looking for these?

PM, or e-mail jamesroney@yahoo.com

[anlauto]

@70 Challenger Lover  was looking for some I think

[70 Challenger Lover]

@jamesroney  pm sent.

[70 Challenger Lover]

Just got my black dash vents from @jamesroney  and they look fantastic! Very nice price too. This forum is a real blessing to us E body guys.

[70 Challenger Lover]

I was just looking at the Vintage Air kit and in viewing the photo, I didn't see any sort of adapters that would connect the new round flexible duct tubing to the back of the original rectangular dash vents. Is that just missing from their stock photo or will I still need the original plastic ducting inside the dash? I think the original ductwork still has some rectangular outlets though.

Anyone use the Vintage Air in an e body that originally had A/C? It won't be a deal breaker if it doesn't have something to adapt to the original vents. I was just curious what solution Vintage Air provides or recommends.