First time for me working on automotive HVAC. My 47 has an almost complete Vintage Air setup on it, but it's never been plumbed at all. All the other lines on the car are braided stainless, so I'd like to continue the look with the A/C and heater lines. Not to sound like a complete idiot, but until now hoses to me were 1/2", 5/8" and so forth, and used clamps. I'm not so familiar with all the 8 AN and 10 AN stuff, and it's tough to figure out what fittings I need to put it all together. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
AN fittings are named in 16's....-2 is 2/16 or 1/8". -8 would be 1/2". You can use regular teflon lined SS braided hose for AC lines on your car, with appropriate fittings, not the rubber lined SS hose. I've found them a bit difficult to make without leaks on AC systems, as the R-134 has pretty small molecules, so they sneak out easily. I prefer doing it all in hard line, with just flex hose (SS braided or barrier AC hose) between the engine and ch***is/sheet metal. Lots less chance for leaks.
Vintage Aire or Air has a guide book/catalog that is worth having. Lot's of good info, suggestions for installations. Also shows what parts are available to complete a system. Headache relief. Luck.
I have installed a few of the Vintage Air systems in different cars. I have always used the standard rubber hose. But in dealing with Vintage Air their expert help is just a phone call away and they are always more than willing to give good advice.
vintage air has a good website where you can print out their simple diagram with the hose sizes and what you may need . just dont forget the charging ports on the hoses and thats about it. everyone i spoke with locally says the s.s a/c hoses leak .so if you want that look its back to the old rubber hose covered with the s/s covering you slide over it
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