62fuelie

Hi, C3 guys. After being a strctly C1/C2 person for many years, I'm probably about to expand my horizons into a 73-75 convertible. I assume I will become a regular visitor here since I haven't owned a C3 for about 30 years and will have a bunch of questions. I am looking at a couple of cars, one long distance and one locally. The local car is a 73 that does not have factory air. I have seen retrofit air systems advertised for 68-71 models, but nothing for the later years. Maybe I'm grossly uninformed, but I can't quite figure out why something that will fit a 71 won't fit a 73-75. Could someone enlighten me?
Thanks, Ed Jennings

UnDo

Hello Ed,

I recently installed an a/c system in my 1974 C3. I bought the complete kit from HotRod Air. It replaces everything under the dash and removes the huge heater box in the engine compartment. It also connects to your existing controls on the console. Works with factor installed a/c cars or non a/c cars. My car had factory air, but everything needed replacement. This system completely replaces your heater and a/c system.

The A/C side is VERY COLD! Will freeze your &^*# off... I live down south with high humidity and 90+ all summer and this is the coldest my vette has ever been.

Vince

I beleive their link is http://www.hotrodair.com or just seach google for Hotrod air.

OHSIXX

I just bought a Sanden 508 Compressor from Vintage Air. They also sell complete systems.
http://www.vintageair.com

GTR1999

Undo,
Do you have pictures of your install. I may be doing the same thing on my 72 with factory a/c. I have to decide which way I want to go with it. The aftermarket kits I saw used their own controls mounted under the steering column. If the kit you used retains the original controls and look, I may go with it.
Thanks,
Gary

62fuelie

Will this kit work with a car that did NOT have factory air?

UnDo

Gary,

Yes it retains your old controls. Actually all the vacum stuff is removed. They have a new set of switch's that mount to the bottom of your old control module. I purchased the kit about a month ago, the person at hotrod air, said they just came out with the new control. The old version did have a switch mounted to the dash etc... All the old duct work come's out also... has flex tubes that connect to your old air vents... When your setting in the car, you would never know it's not a factory system. I will post some picts of my install...

Vince...

62fuelie

I'd be interested in the pics as well.

OHSIXX

See this site as well:
http://www.corvetteclinicinc.com

62fuelie

Those appear to be retrofit kits for cars that already have A/C. Looks like a good system though.

74FLCONV

Will the 508 work with the stock Corvette A/C components or must you replace everything? I'm having a problem with my A/C and I believe it's the compressor. Don't really want to swap-out everything...

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA