Chevy High Performance Rides Along with Restomod Air on Death Valley Challenge

January 27th, 2013

To demonstrate the power of the new AC systems from CAA’s Restomod Air division, we thought up the ultimate cooling test. We fitted a black ’69 Z-28 Camaro with Restomod Air’s Haymaker AC system and drove out to Death Valley for three days. In August.

Along for the ride were our friends at Chevy High Performance magazine, who helped out with testing and measurement. They were witness to the Haymaker’s awesome ability to keep passengers cool even with the windows open to the 125-degree heat outside. In fact, they professed to being “chilled to the bone” by the 45-degree air blasting through the vents and pumping inside the bucket seats.

Read the rest of this entry »


Placement of AC Vents in a 1965 Mustang 4+4 Fastback with Center Console

January 18th, 2013

It’s never too late to upgrade your classic ride with state-of-the-art air conditioning! We recently received an inquiry from a potential customer who has been the sole owner of a Mustang for almost 50 years and is now looking to add AC to his car.

Bought a Mustang 4+4 Fastback new in 1965 and am now restoring it. It never had AC but has the center console. I do not want to remove it to accommodate the new OE-AC vents. Will the Perfect Fit system allow me to keep the center console? This car has no power steering, the engine pulley has one belt groove, and the fan is the stock fan. I would like to use the stock heater control panel.

Read the rest of this entry »


Connecting a Serpentine Belt System to Factory Air in a 1970 Chevrolet C-10

January 11th, 2013

We’ve been working on classic cars for several decades now, so we’ve got a good picture of the quality of thousands of different parts made by scores of manufacturers. If we see that you’re working with equipment of dubious virtue, we’ll let you know, as this customer discovered.

I installed a serpentine belt system with an R4 compressor. What is the best way to hook it up to the factory A/C system? I would like to convert the POA to the cycling system and will need to make the necessary changes for the 134a switch.

Read the rest of this entry »


Weird Winter Tip to Keep Your Car’s A/C Compressor from Springing a Leak

January 8th, 2013

Don’t let the snow and cold temperatures fool you . . . summer will be here before you know it. By taking a little care with your air conditioner over the winter months, you can make sure your vintage car is cool before most people are realizing their A/C system isn’t working. Read the rest of this entry »


Mustang Monthly Mustang Value Guide

December 14th, 2012

December 2012 Mustang Monthly Mustang Value GuideHave you been wondering just how much your hours of work have added to the value of your Mustang?  Want to know how much you can expect to pay for the 68 convertible you’ve been dreaming about since junior high? A Mustang Value Guide in the December 2012 issue of Mustang Monthly takes some of the guesswork out of appraising that perennial favorite of classic cars. Read the rest of this entry »


Determining the Correct Type and Size of Condenser

December 12th, 2012

This inquiry from a Mustang owner reflects the challenge of constructing an A/C unit with parts from a variety of sources, and of finding parts that need to work with both original and non-original components.

I’m trying to sort out the components for an add-on A/C unit in a 64 F-100. I have a few early Mustang units so that’s what I’m using inside. I will mount a Unicla UP170 compressor low on the passenger side of the engine. I need to determine the proper size condenser for this given that I’ll be using 134a instead of the original R12. I have a 27″ x 16″ opening in the core support, and a non-original crossflow radiator that doesn’t mount like the OEM 64 F-100 unit did. I’d appreciate any input.

Read the rest of this entry »


SEMA 2012: CAA Featured on Street Legal TV

December 8th, 2012

Street Legal TV logoAmong the many highlights of last month’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas was a visit from Street Legal TV, who stopped by to talk to us about our new products.

Read the rest of this entry »


Looking for Hose Replacement Options for a 67 Fairlane

December 3rd, 2012

Making do with what’s available is a big part of restoring vintage cars, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. We often receive inquiries like this one from classic car owners who’ve found that a vital component has moved on to the Great Junkyard in the Sky. Luckily, CAA can still help.

I’m restoring factory A/C in my 67 Fairlane (289) and converting to 134a. My hoses are shot. Will the 67 Mustang (289) A/C hoses fit? I have a hard time believing there could be anything different, other than length. Please explain the differences.

Read the rest of this entry »


Meet the Classic Auto Air Team: Rick Wallace, Director of Marketing and Advertising – CAA Grapevine, Texas

November 27th, 2012

The next CAA staff person in our interview spotlight is an illustrator-slash-car nut. He’s the man behind CAA’s advertisements and instruction manuals.

How long have you been with CAA?

Two years and one month. I applied with actual samples.  I checked out what CAA was already doing and redid some of it. I brought revised illustrations for the instruction manual, so that I wasn’t walking in empty-handed.

Read the rest of this entry »


Restore or Upgrade? Options for Your Old A/C System

November 17th, 2012

Owners have a few choices when deciding whether to restore their vintage A/C system or rip it all out and replace it with all new components. This Blazer owner is wondering what combination is best based on the status of his original parts.

I have the original A/C that was removed during the restoration of my 1972 Chevy Blazer. I feel I need to replace the compressor, condenser, all air hoses, and evaporator. I have already replaced the drier and under-hood hoses. The directional flaps inside the air box are not in great shape and I question if they will seal properly. The sheet metal plenum is in great shape.

Read the rest of this entry »


Have A Question?

Classic Auto Air

Ask the CAA Car Guys

Call 1-877-342-5526
- or -
Fill out the form below:


Email Phone