I going to put AC on my 46 dodge. Are Vintage Airs compressors better than any others ( sounds dumb) I mean for the price. I see other AC compressors that say Sanden 508 " STYLE" style scares me abit . to save a buck Does that mean CHEAP **** copy ? I plan to use a VA under dash system. Is this the old story of you get what you pay for?
No they are not. a Sanden 508 is a Sanden 508... This very reason is why I went with Southern Air. Vintage has great units, but I saw a price increase for the same compressor.
Southern Air is NOT what you want. Cheap junk compared to Vintage. The worlds greatest truism is You Get What You Pay For.
I have installed and sold several different brands of AC kits. I keep going back to VA and pretty much use them exclusively any more. If you have a problem with their units, they stand behind them better than any one else in the industry. Of course, the last unit of theirs that I had a problem with was about 15 years ago.
I don't think he is askin that.... We are all true to our schools. He was questioning a sanden versus a Sanden is the way I took his question. I agree.
What I'm asking is, are the big name vendors selling Quality compressors? Or are they just repackaging cheap (china/ebay/****) parts at a higher price/ fancy box/ and a shinny new sticker ? If so I could save a few bucks my self. But I would rather have a quality AC compressor.
Sanden is what most OEM's are using on new cars and trucks. Proven reliability. I put a Vintage Air that came with the Sanden unit on my car and it works fantastic.
I would bet all Sanden 508s are the same, A Sanden 508 "like" compressor sounds like a cheap knock off. As long as you can return it if you don't like it, I don't see a problem with paying a few dollars less for the same item. Just figure out if Sanden marks there with a special number or something so you can compare each one. This goes right with the Hot Rod magazine article about Cheap copies of parts. Joe Joe
Yup, they are super-helpful. They sent me a few small parts, which I foolishly broke, being clumsy. I fully admitted this to them, and was prepared to accept whatever price replacement parts would come with. They refused to let me pay, not even for the shipping. I have been using Vintage Air products in the shop, for years. I am nothing but impressed, each and every time.
That's what I thought you where askin. If I was to do it again, I will probably buy the Allen Grove Brackets, and a Sanden 508 from NAPA, along with the condensor, and then the unit I choose from who ever gives the most bang for the buck... Summit sells V.A. stuff, along with Sanden comp. Your close, you can check-um out before you purchase
Beware of Sanden 508 like Compressors made in China by small children. Why would anyone not use a Vintage Air Evaporator? Thats the heart of an A/'C system. Brackets, Sanden compressors, condensers, and lines are all virtually the same. VA Evaporators are made in San Antonio Texas, not in Shanghai. Anyone know where Southerns Evaporators are made? VA also sells Allen Grove brackets, Sanden 508 Compressors and condensers.
Genuine Sandens are cast with Sanden. 'Like' implies non genuine Sanden (copy). I bough VA with Alan Grove brackets as a long way from here for a warranty claim
Mustang6147 , what with the Texas remark? The last I knew it was in the USA. I happen to be from Texas along with plenty of other HAMB Members including Ryan. Please elaborate. I doubt you want to start some kind of Yankee - Texan thing.
I don't think you needd to get your **** in a knot. I'm sure it was in reference to the extremes of heat and humidity in Texas. The irony of Texans, that I've noticed, is the desire to have it both ways. Depending upon the cir***stances, they're either a part of this great country or they stand apart in solidarity.
To elaborate.... Mine is stamped made in the USA. SO I called Southern. I asked where the condesors are made. He said Texas.... Just like Vintage AIr as you stated That's my elaboration.... Fact is, I doubt there is more then a few MFG of Condesnors, just like heater cores..... Why are you so defensive, my original post and all after state. a sanden 508 is a sanden 508... It don't matter where you buy it from... Summit sell-um, so he can ride 30 min and check it out before he buys it Ya, I have family in Texas. Plays in a blues band.... I would ask how a yankee comment can come out of that but, I just consider the source By the way. Summit has their scratch and dent sale this weekend. May be another excuse to take a ride, and perhaps get a deal You mention Ryan ... DAD!!!! He's pickin on me....WAAAA ! LoL
Yes there are (SANDEN knockoffs) I have installed them in O/T vehicles that car owners supplied and I would not recommend them. Usually very noisy and one never made it out of the garage before self destructing. So my advice is stick with GENUINE SANDEN and you will be much more pleased.
Working on friends a/c in dash system. He does not remember manufactures name. His low side fitting was leaking the one that threads on Sanden 508 compressor. Upon removing fitting it was tight and galled compressor threads. I removed compressor and drain plug. Turned upside down an collected oil for 20 minutes or so, but only 1oz of oil drained out. Replaced with new gasket and head. Now I'm puzzled on how much oil to put in compressor?
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