First off I need to say, I have never driven my chevelle.

As I am in the process of restoring my 70 chevelle I am debating on installing a vintage air unit. I understand they require some fab work but I am not worried about that. I am planning on installing dynomat/ or a similar product on the firewall and most of the floor.

With all 4 windows down does it still get very hot inside?

I live in MI and I like to think i will drive this car quite often in the summer. I am the guy who likes to drive with the windows down but when it gets really hot (like the few heat waves we had last summer)I would like to turn on the A/C. I suposed I coule always install it at a later date but it would be nice to get some feedback first.

Brian

I like it without. I think a muscle car should always have the windows down.

I became a hot rodder almost the day I was born. Before I became 21 (in the early 60s), I fully recognized and desired the need for air conditioning. It was 1967 before I finally got AC in my own car. Since then I've never been without it.
As far as muscle cars are concerned when it comes to AC, all you have to do is turn off the compressor and roll down the windows. Just take one trip in the southern USA in the summertime and you'll see the benefit of AC in your muscle car.

Having an IMAGE muscle car is one thing, having a PRACTICAL muscle car is another thing.
I get zero pleasure out of sweating and being uncomfortable in my nice car that I like to enjoy.

I became a hot rodder almost the day I was born. Before I became 21 (in the early 60s), I fully recognized and desired the need for air conditioning. It was 1967 before I finally got AC in my own car. Since then I've never been without it.
As far as muscle cars are concerned when it comes to AC, all you have to do is turn off the compressor and roll down the windows. Just take one trip in the southern USA in the summertime and you'll see the benefit of AC in your muscle car.

Having an IMAGE muscle car is one thing, having a PRACTICAL muscle car is another thing.
I get zero pleasure out of sweating and being uncomfortable in my nice car that I like to enjoy.

yup 100% (except the being 21 in the 60's thing :D )

I know what it feels like here in michigan, do yourself a favor and install it now so you won't be sweating like a pig in awhgast (no, not a misspelled word there) installing it ;)

going to do either a vintage air or retrofit using factory parts but updated for the latest & greatest freon thats available when i get to it.

when we were young & dumb ... we didn't order A/C on our new factory muscle cars...... that why vintage air is in bussiness today !!!
now that I am getting older I like my climate controled while I'm loosing traction control :thumbsup:

Hot + Vinyl interior = no fun - Put the AC in & let us know how the install goes.

LK

If you have the chance to-go with the A/C.

Here in SC that's a no brainer!!! I even upgraded the compressor and condenser on my factory AC to make it cool better!!!

When I was on the power tour this year some of us were talking about gas milage. Everybody was telling what they got with the AC on vs with it off, I couldn't tell them what mine gets with it off!!!:D :beers: :D

Here in SC that's a no brainer!!! I even upgraded the compressor and condenser on my factory AC to make it cool better!!!

When I was on the power tour this year some of us were talking about gas milage. Everybody was telling what they got with the AC on vs with it off, I couldn't tell them what mine gets with it off!!!:D :beers: :D

Same for NC. I don't have AC, and wish I did. When most of the northern guys on this site are storing their cars for the winter, that's when it's finally cool enough to drive mine here and enjoy it :). I rarely get it out in the summer, it's just miserable to go somewhere and get out of the car soaked through with sweat.

If your female friends look better all sweaty and sticky from being in your "Hot" car, don't bother. If they look better cool and smiling, better get the AC one way or another. Way up there in MI, if its only a weekend cruiser you might get by without, daily driver, better get it. Here in TX its not a tough decision about staying inside in the AC or being out in the 105+ summer temps. There will be AC in my SS, no question.

Jeff
68SS in TX

Another vote for AC!

Gotta have A/C.
In FL it was a must have, and not having one in the '66 drop top made a huge difference in how much I was able to use the car. In the summer, sometimes even the nights were too hot.
In my Convrt Vette, I would routinely drop the top and crank the air to blow on my lap and feet. Shorts with sweaty legs on leather is not a good thing...
I would install A/C in the 'Velle, but don't know about cutting up the dash to install the ball vents or the center vent. Classic Auto Air told me, they don't have under dash vents to sell with thier kits. Haven't talked to Vintage Air yet...

If I had time and money, I would definitely put an A/C in mine. Where I live, it's not only a matter of being comfortable, it's a safety issue as well. In a warm and humid morning, it's almost impossible to get the fog off the windows sometimes, unless you crank the heat up all the way. Michigan is of course different, but I'd still recommend an A/C. Resale value is another reason. if I were to buy another Chevelle, I'd definitely prefer one with A/C.

I've put Vintage Air in my 66...........my wife wouldn't think of a 6 to 8 hour road trip without it. We arrive at a show ready to party instead of needing a shower and a change of clothes. Mine was a non AC car. It wasn't hard to install the AC from Vintage Air..........go for it, you'll be glad you did!