"Custom" Vintage Air Install Progress

[Oiluj]

Vintage Air's Gen II Mini does not have a fresh air intake.

I like the option for fresh air to be pumped through the fan into the cabin, so I did a bit of fabrication. * No original Datsun parts were damaged in this installation.

First thing I needed was a fresh-air inlet into the squirrel cage fan. That was easy, just cut a hole and invalidate the warrantee on my evaporator. (see pic)

I started by making a plenum to attach the hose, but found it worked just as well to insert the hose in the hole. (2nd pic).

[Oiluj]

The vintage air unit was too long to fit the stock fresh air valve. As a result, I needed to make a “low profile” assembly to replace it. Attached is a pic of both old & new valves.

I cobbled-together a sliding gate valve using stuff already in my garage and with a few items from the local Ace Hardware. It’s constructed from 1/8” acrylic sheet, 1/16” fiberglass sheet, 1/16” aluminum, epoxy, rivets and some self-adhesive, fuzzy pad material.

The aluminum bellcrank allows the 2-1/2” diameter valve to open/close fully with only a 1” push/pull of the cable.

It operates smoothly, doesn’t rattle and is actually more air-tight than the original flapper valve assembly.

I admit it's not "pretty", but since it’s hidden up above and behind the glove box, it’s not visible.

Attached is a picture of the new valve installed in the car, along with the Vintage Air remote heater valve. I used 3M exterior mounting tape to attach the unit under the dash. It’s rated for exterior automotive use and more than strong enough for this application.

Also, you can see that I have installed elbows at the firewall on the heater hoses to allow a tight 90 degree turn without crimping the hose.

[Oiluj]

Next are the dash & ducts. The original heater ducts would not mate easily with the vintage air unit.

Happlily, the heater ducts are a two-piece assemblies. I simply removed the end that attaches to the heater and the 2-1/2 ducting for supplied by Vintage Air happened to be a good slip-fit over the existing hoses. A little duct tape to assure an air-tight seal and those were good-to-go.

The defroster connections and hoses are the same size as the stock Z parts, so no problem there. Attached is a pic of the ducting installed in the dash.

I still need to fabricate an adaptor for the center vent, but that should be very easy. I’ll post a pich of that and the controls set-up in a couple weeks.

[Duffman]

Great idea, Julio! I have the Hot Rod Air a/c unit, and miss the fresh air option as well. I have not been pleased with the amount of actual air flow from my vents, but I don't believe the installer (not me!) did a good job of attaching the vent hoses tightly to the vents, etc. Am waiting for the hot summer to cool down so I can go back to work on it! Will definitely look at adding your fresh air option!

[=Enigma=]

Nice work Julio! I just ripped out my old evaporator unit and was wondering what to do next. Your pics are definitely providing some inspiration.

[Pop's Z]

Hi all, I just finished installing a HotRod Air system in my '73. I ordered the fresh air system, but returned it as I just could not figure out how to install it around the hoses for A/C and heat. Because we have the fender vents into the car I figured it was no big deal, and so far it isn't. I thought that if I needed vent air with fan support it was time to turn on the A/C. The A/C is so efficient that I have to keep it turned way down to avoid freezing my nu-nus off. I also decided to fully insulate the cockpit and that has helped the efficiency of the system as well as quieting down most road and engine noise. The heater also works very well. One of these days when I get more time I am going to do a write-up w/ pictures (I took a bunch) and post it. I have been very happy with the service and help from the folks at HRA. One nice feature of their kit is the compressor mounting bracket speciffically for Z cars. If anyone has questions about my install, please send me a pm or post it in this thread and I'll try to answer as soon as possible.

Cheers, Mike

[Richard Oben]

Hot rod air here also. I opted to not worrry about the fresh air. If I need it will pull open the vents. I just sealed the cowl vent and will run the heat and air with cabin air only.

My observation on HR was they were a bit of a pain to make the controls work and look OE. I had to send it all back and have them redo it. The smashed the original control panel to bits, I had a spare which is a good thing. I have not finished the install but I hope to have it up and running in another couple of months. The 1970 controls are a lot different than any of the later model stuff, so that was part of the problem.

My only regret is the hot rod air is very tight to the upper cowl. I will try to get some pix soon. Cheers Richard.

[ezzzzzzz]

I installed a vintage air Compact (gotta love servos over cables) into my 240Z. It works fine but the center vent is severely restrictive by the OEM design. I hope to correct that somehow someday. Here are a few photos showing how I incorporated fresh air. The stock fan housing was modified and relocated 2.5" over. The vintage air fan was removed and the heater core piping was modified to clear the fan assembly.

Edited August 31, 2009 by ezzzzzzz

[Oiluj]

Nice!

I thought of trying to keep the OEM air valve, but didn't think of switching-out the fan the way you did. Good idea!

[Derek]

I wasn't happy with my stock vent either. I'm adapting a 5 series BMW vent.

Here's a link to the discussion.

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=152457

Derek