simple ac controls

hey guys,
I'm trying to find a simple ac/heat control retro-fit that is computer free, un-like the vintage air units, etc. Has anyone used a 60s 70s control panel that isn't made of billet or plastic that fits into the scheme of things nicely, better than the high tech crap thats out there.

I'm thinking simple on/off, not 72 degrees, high/low, not 72 degrees, cold/hot, not 72 degrees. waiting for a sensor or relay to blow is not the way I want to go.

 

Early aftermarket units all used a temperature sensing cappillary tube switch, that turned the compressor on and off. It was adjustable, temperature-wise. Not calibrated, and marked with degrees, just hot->cold. But they worked well.
If you're creative, you can even work the aftermarket controls (heat/cold, and fan speed) into your factory heater bezel. Not difficult on most cars.

 

What kind of car you got? Vintage air can retro fit your original controller to work their units in some 50's & 60's cars.

 

My coupe has an old ACS a/c unit. A/c only. The temp control and fan control are in the same switch. I can frost the windows on a hot day. One switch runs the whole unit. You could use a switch like it to run most any a/c unit.

 

I just did a shade tree low buck repair on the wifes OT driver. It consists of a toggle switch to turn the compressor on. No temp control on the A/C it is either all the way on or all the way off.

Two things to bear in mind, you have to turn the compressor off when the car isn't running or it will run the battery down and you have to run the fan while the A/C is on or you will freeze up the evaporator.

 

I have a Vintage Air unit in my 59 Chevy and it uses the factory lever controls.

 

You can use the capillary tube controller for the compressor which installs in the condensor, then cycles the compressor. Use a relay to turn on the compressor circuit through the fan speed switchm compressor on when fan on. Power on through ign/run circuit. Fan switch can be rotary or through dash controls if you have them. A few ways to using some simple electrics-switch, capillary tube, relay.

 

Ummmm. That cap tube thingie goes on the evaporator, not the condensor.

 

Oops, my mistake. My Dyslexia rears its uugly head again.

Yes the evaporator under the dash, switch can mount to the evaporator housing.