one of the largest problems in the world of AC is "untrained persons" attempting to install a product that is supposed to be installed by a licenced tech. the next unit i install will be put to the test with desert heat, 115+ 20% humidity and it will most likely be made up of OEM parts. sure hate paying for all those fancy "in house" facilities when their is the option not to.
I dropped by the Southern Rods trailer at the Shades of the Past rod run in Piegon Forge, Tenn. this past weekend and had a long talk with Tom about all the problems with automotive air conditioning,,,both his and other companys,,, They all have problems every now and then,,some are factory defects others are created by people not sure of what they are doing. I also ask Tom about getting a new blower motor and a new case for my air conditioner,,,and I explained I had mounted it under the seat in my 32 pickup but with my big ol' butt and my wifes considerable smaller frame bouncin' down lifes highways the bottom of the wooden seat base had flexed more than I realized and had busted the case and damaged the blower housing and fan cage,,thus no heat or air. I feared I would have to replace the entire unit,Tom informed me that it wasn't a problem,,just drop by the shop and pick up the parts I needed,,,I don't have to replace anything I don't need,,, That attitude goes a long way with me,,,and the fact that this unit was purchased about 7 years ago for another project but was just installed in my pickup 3 years ago worked great until this happened! HRP
Given this and your prior posts, sounds like you are a fan. Almost too much of a fan.A few years ago at Lville, I ran into a gentleman from the east coast in a true 50s era 34 ford three window. Started talking, and he is a middleman for chinese manufacturers. He takes parts, arranges for chinese cottage manufacurers to knock them off, and arranges shipping, etc. I asked who his clients are, Southern Rods one of his biggest. I go to SEMA every year, and see the foreign booths with car parts we all see sold here. All Im saying is I try to support US companies that innovate, develop their own new products,make them here, and service what they sell. Knocking off someone elses hard work and selling the chinese copy cheaper still sucks.
I flew on Southern Air once. Think it5 was a Martin Liner. Martin 404. Don't remember where I started but we went to Nashville. I guess this is Off Topic.
I really don't know how to take that smart assed remark! I guess in this world if someone stands behind their business,,,as Tom Joseph in this case,,and someone else says they have been delt with in a professional maner then in your eyes the customer is what? a happy customer?,,a dumbass? gay? what the HELL are you trying to say? Greg,,pull your head outta your ass,,,every company uses off shore made components,,Ford,Harley-Davidson,even your computer,,I'll even step out on a limb and say Southern Rods is not the only company that uses off shore componentsm Most Americans want to buy American made products,,,trouble is very few things are made without a part that has been manufactured overseas. HRP
I dig American parts for sure.. Im not buying the cheap autozone type parts...but, I dont care where my A/C is made... just that it looks good and works.. now brakes, engine parts, drive train, blah blah blah... I buy American made. 100%
My head is outta my ass and writing you. First, Harley, Ford, etc dont copy somebody elses parts and knock them off in China. Second, theres an old saying in business; make one customer happy and he'll tell three people, make one customer unhappy and he'll tell twenty.Id guess more than twenty have heard my comments.
We have used Southern air and will continue to use them as we have not had a single problem to date. we have used Vintage Air in the past and happen to like the price of Southern Air. Here is one we put in a 1938 Chevy truck and it barely is visible once installed. You would have to get on your knees to see the bottom of the unit as it is nice and compact and we even hid the controls and vents. It blows 39 degrees and with this cab well insulated the owner and his wife stay nice and cool on the way to the local ice cream stand. We will be ordering another one soon as the 71 Cuda is almost ready for wiring and interior.
"Most Americans want to buy American made products,,,trouble is very few things are made without a part that has been manufactured overseas. HRP" Most Americans want to buy American,but only want to pay Chinese/Walmart prices.
This thread is pretty old..... I see your a new guy. Better introduce yourself before the thread police catch up to you. I really like my Southern Air "Super frost" unit, Their tech dept has been very helpful as well....
Well,since this thread has been brought back from the dead,I have finished the wagon and I installed the Southern Air unit in the boss lady's "Ranch Wagon". The car has been on the road for two years now and I have absolutely zero complaints about the air conditioning. Bottom line,,use what you want,,Tom is a friend of mine and as long as the product he sells gives me good service he has my business,,when and if it doesn't I'll look elsewhere. HRP
I say Vintage Aire. Mine will run you out (freeze you) of my Ranchero if you not carefull with the settings. I love it and their service is friendly service cannot be beat.
I installed Southern Air in my coupe in the early nineties and no complaints. I also installed Hot Rod Air in my pickup. The main reason I went with HR Air in the pickup was because I could buy at a Good Guys show w/ no tax or shipping and it too works great!
I wouldn't waste my money on Southern Air with their goofy looking control panel. You can't beat Vintage Air's Gen Four Sure Fit unit that bolts up under the dash. The Gen Four units allow you to use the cars original controls with wires instead of cables. I have the VA unit in my 63 Bel Air and it will freeze you out. There's a reason the Southern products are half the price of Vintage Air. You get what you pay for. Vintage has been designing A/C units for decades. Anyone know where the Southern units are manufactured? Wanna bet its China?
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