Vintage air gen II compact system

[Jaspendlove]

I have been searching, but have been unable to determine this question.

Can a Vintage Air Gen II Compact system fit in a 72 240z?

If so, are there any pics, write ups?

I have seen the Vintage Air Gen II mini systems installed, I am just thinking of getting a little more.

Thanks

[Carl Beck]

Order one of their mockup's and see...

I have the Vintage Air Super Cooler in my Z - it's smaller than the original heater/AC set up..

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Derek]

My understanding is the Compact will fit if you remove the dash for install and make some minor modifications. I was able to remove the original heater unit and install the Mini without removing the dash or making any mods to the car.

The mini cools well but if you have the dash out anyway then the Compact may be the way to go.

Derek

[Carl Beck]

I put the Super Cooler II in , without removing the dash. You do have to remove the center finisher, with the old heater/vent control panel. No modifications needed to the car - just build a couple brackets to bolt to the existing nuts in the firewall.

The entire process is far easier than installing the old dealer installed units..

FWIW,

Carl B.

[zKars]

The Compact does "fit", I put it in my 73. Great cooling capacity.

It requires that the cowl area directly above the new fan be "modified" with a body hammer to raise the roof slightly, and the trans tunnel to be "lowered" slightly where the drain fitting sits. This is all in the name of getting it to sit as close to the firewall as is necessary to get it to fit behind the dash and sit level.

It is a tight fit, the mini fits much better as the fan is oriented differently making it shorter overall.

Reminds me to complete the document that describes all this and to post it!

Jaspendlove, send me a pm with your e-mail and I'll forward all my pics at least.

Jim

[Jaspendlove]

great info guys. I do have the dash all ripped out. I am doing a complete restore on the car. I just need to get the motor out and send it off to paint.

[Jaspendlove]

what brackets did you guys use in the engine bay?

[awsm73z]

Does anybody know of any shops that are experienced in installing these units in the Central California area? For as long as i've owned my car (34 years), I've never really dug into anything major as this. I'm also getting lazier as the years go by.

[Jaspendlove]

go to this website and try the search to see if you have anybody in the area.

http://www.vintageair.com/SearchableDealerDatabase.asp

[awsm73z]

Thanks, JASPENDLOVE. I contacted the two dealers that were recommended and it seems like they don't want to touch it. I may have to try the Southern California area. I prefer an experienced 240Z installer-enthusiast.

[Jaspendlove]

anytime.

[Carl Beck]

what brackets did you guys use in the engine bay?

I used the A/C compressor mount and the OEM compressor from the 280Z. It was the simplest solution, but not the least expensive. The Hitachi Compressors, even rebuilt, are relatively expensive. A rebuilt Hitachi runs about $175.00 around here, while you can buy new Sanden/Sanyo compressors for slightly less.

The aftermarket compressor manufacturers used to sell brackets that fit their compressor to your L6. A few of them can still be found in junk yards... but I don't know of any that are still sold by the aftermarket suppliers.

FWIW,

Carl B.