I'm new to this forum and was searching for recommendations for someone in the San Jose CA area to install an air conditioning system in my '48 Buick with it's original straight 8. All recommendations and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
I'm sure vintage air has some kind of under dash evaporator set up. You will need a condenser that fits your radiator/grill opening. There are lots of places that have those. You will need to get an A/C compressor. A York style compressor (Available from NAPA) would look old fashion. They are easy to make brackets for. You will need a 4 Seasons catalog or a NAPA A/C catalog. You will need a hose end crimper or a shop that can do it. The catalogs will have all the hoses and ends you will need. I would use a thermal expansion valve over an orifice as expansion valve systems are better at cooling a larger cabin.
Vintage Air has many California dealer/installers. Check their site www.vintageair.com for a listing in the back pages of their catalog.
you can get decent deals on york compressors on ebay BUT, since you are starting from scratch, you might want to consider a Sanden (rotary compressor). you can also scavenge an entire system from an old vehicle at a scrap yard somewhere. you will need an aftermarket style condenser to mount in the cab. here's a pic of mine so you can see basically what to look for. if you get the entire unit that will make installation easier.
I've thought about doing this and never saw why it shouldn't work even though some people have told me it wouldn't. What parts do I need to ensure that I take from the donor vehicle and where did you get your aftermarket style condenser from?
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