A/C Hardware

[72ZDave]

I've searched and read the threads in here about a/c units and coolants. I'm restoring my 72 and it has air on it now, but it's a great time to upgrade the system. From the threads, I know not to expect much out of any of the systems, but what is the best bang for the buck without a lot of modification? Should I get a 280 system or the Vintage Air, or what?

[Derek]

I just purchased the vintage air GenII Mini. The size difference between the factory heater and aftermarket A/C was huge. I have a ton of room now behind the dash. The only drawback is the controls potentiometers driving servo motors so using the stock levers is going to require some mods. I'm planning on doing a new center section so it's not a problem for me. I'll probably have it installed and working in the next three weeks or so. I'll post some pics if you want.

Derek

[Pop's Z]

Dave, You should also check out www.hotrodair.com. They are similar to Vintage air, but appear to be a bit less expensive.

Derek, Please do a sticky on your install of the Vintage Air A/C system. There are a few of us who would be very interested in what you did and any pics that you took. Thanks, Mike

[Go240Zags]

Dave' date=' You should also check out [url']www.hotrodair.com. They are similar to Vintage air, but appear to be a bit less expensive. Mike

The Hotrodair controls look like they'd be a nice match for install in an early 240Z Heater Control Panel (the one knob, two sliders style). Might fit the lighted 1973 240Z panel better. I guess it would all depend on the control's actual dimensions. Gary D.

[Zup]

Bryan Holmberg (dat240zg) has one of these that I saw in his garage when last we visited.

He sent just the 240Z HCP cable controls (not the faceplate--the lever housing and levers behind it) to them and they sent back a factory modded panel using the 240 cable system to operate the electric servo motor controls for the "hotrodair" unit.

He didn't have it installed into his car (#248) yet, but when it is installed it will look normal from the outside. The HRA Model was an Elite Standard SE and measures 7-7/8"D x 19"W x 8-1'4"H and has provision for heat and air and defrost.

The heat and air can be mixed as well, giving it all the control functions of modern units. Here are some links:

http://www.hotrodair.com/index.cfm?ptype=product&product_id=100&category_id=29&home_id=2&mode=prod

and

http://www.hotrodair.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=34/category_id=9/home_id=2/mode=prod/prd34.htm

This outfit doesn't look like it's been around very long as their website is pretty incomplete, but if it is anythng like what it is cracked up to be it will be giving Vintage Air fits!

Bryan said he spoke with them and they were very accomodating and responseful to his questions.

By the way he picked the unit up used on E-Bay for cheap, told HRA as much and they still warrented it and the modifications for his 240Z.

If I don't go "original Dealer add on" in my car this is the one I plan on using!

Jim D.

"Zup"

[richard1]

Zup, my original 72 A/C system has recently been rebuilt after 35 year of trouble free service. It took four months to find the right rotary compressor and be sure it would fit where it is suppose to be.

The technician is a certified A/C guy who has done a great job at a very reasonable price and he found the right parts as the originals. It is quite a lot of work and not for faint of hearth.....believe me. He dismantled everything including the inside components.

It works nice and I refilled with R-12 under the recommendations of knowledgeable member on this Board.

I suggest you do the same to avoid any modification to the original system.