Retrofit Vintage AC Sytems - Old And Cold

This VIR Eliminator Kit is available from Old Air Products, converting the system to a cycling clutch system with accumulator orifice tube, compatible with R-134a.

These are the service fittings on editor Kevin's '63 T-bird, which is stock and uses R-12. The upper 7/16-inch fitting is the low side (the accumulator to compressor line) and the 3/8-inch fitting is the high side (compressor to condenser line). Both are screw-type Schrader valves. If you're retrofitting for R-134a, these would need to be changed for quick-disconnect R-134a compatible fittings. The T-bird fittings connect directly to the compressor rather than in-line, though the compressor would be changed too in this instance.

R-134a quick disconnect service fittings as supplied by Vintage Air for our project '49 Chevy. The red fitting is the 16mm high side, while the smaller 13mm fitting is for the low side. Note the larger fitting is on the smaller diameter tubing.

Though we're not covering new A/C systems here, this Southern Air kit intended for a Mustang could be installed under the dashboard in most rods or customs and keep a period appearance. Something to think about if your project never had A/C or the old system cannot be retrofitted.

Vintage Air's exact reproduction of what is probably the most popular air conditioner ever, the Mark IV, uses a steel case built from the original tooling, and comes with mounting brackets, built-in controls and a drain kit. Not exactly retrofitting but definitely retro!

Sanden compressors are used in most A/C aftermarket systems and make good retrofit compressors as they come pre-oiled and are R-134a compatible. They circulate oil throughout the A/C system rather than the older style such as York, A-5, A-6, RV-2, and Tecumseh, which contain their own oil and require oil to be added to the other system components.

The receiver/drier separates gas and liquid and removes moisture and dirt. The desiccant within older driers is not R-134a-compatible, so if you're retrofitting, a new drier, such as these from Vintage Air, will be required.

Newer receiver/driers use a desiccant called X-7 that is compatible with R-12 and R-134a.