null Skip to main content
The Inventors of Performance Air Conditioning

Vintage Air Builder Series

Custom Climate Control For Any Ride

The Vintage Air Builder Series offers everything you’ll need to install a great functioning climate control system. Whether you are simply replacing a non-functional OEM system or starting from scratch. If you need further info or technical advice, we have a full-time tech team just a phone call away.

Step 1: Choose An Evaporator

Based on the specifications for your vehicle, you can probably determine which evaporator is best suited to your car. This chart suggests a starting point for some early-model vehicles, but you may compare your vehicle’s cabin size to make a decision or call one of our tech reps to discuss your specific needs. The most important criteria is to select the largest unit that will fit into the space behind your dash.

After removing the existing heater or A/C system, carefully measure the space you will mount the evaporator into. Bigger is always better because unlike home A/C systems, entering and exiting your vehicle will rapidly lose most of the interior conditioned air. Plus, your car continually generates heat and the cab will never be as airtight as a modern building. You’ll want to exchange out as much heat as possible in the shortest possible time. Between our all-new Gen 5 Magnum, Super, Compac, and Mini systems, we have a unit ideal for even the most unusual applications.


Step 2: Choose Your Control Options

Each of our evaporator units requires model-specific control panels. Each type of unit offers a wide range of choices from basic under-dash knob pods to a variety of ProLine upgrade in-dash custom panels. See our selection of dozens of great optional in-dash or under dash all-electronic controls.


Step 3: Choose Your Louver Options

You can select from dozens of louver options, from basic under dash louver pods, to dash installed “standard” options, and on to ProLine upgrade in-dash options.


Step 4: Engine Brackets

We offer a wide line of economical steel bracket kits for most popular American 6-cylinder and V8 engines as well as our pioneering, all-inclusive Front Runner bracket packages for the most compact and highest performance mounting systems available. Your bracket choice is dependent on whether your vehicle maintains its original engine or now features a custom engine swap.


Step 5: Rest Of The Package

You will need to select the proper compressor for your application, a refrigeration line kit, or components to “plumb” the installation, options such as bulkhead plates and driers, the right condenser, an engine-driven fan set-up or electric fan unit, and most importantly, a safety switch kit to protect the entire system.


Step 6: System Options For Optimum Performance

The last thing is to look over the many options and components on our site which will give your installation that professional look, and your system deliver the best possible performance. We offer alternators in a variety of finishes, hard to find engine drive pulleys, and many decorative switch knobs and bezels to finish your dash design on the website. Insulation Note: EVERY air conditioning installation should require the complete insulation of the entire cab. No modern climate control system will provide proper function without adequate insulation and door seals.

Insulation Note: EVERY air conditioning installation should require the complete insulation of the entire cab. No modern climate control system will provide proper function without adequate insulation and door seals.

Builder Series-components to customize your system