Vintage Air Install

[OhioFJ]

This unit was installed by the PO in my vehicle. The position of the blower blocks the kick vent from closing, unless the spring is removed. I called the vintage air folks thinking maybe they made a custom spring that would fit around the blower. The person I spoke with had no idea what I was talking about.

Has anyone else had this issue or found a workable solution?

 

[bdiemer]

Just installed mine in my 72. Spring and vent are fine. Blower is VERY close to kick vent spring and works fine. It’s a VERY tight fit for the unit!

 

[OhioFJ]

Hmm.. makes me wonder if mine is installed incorrectly.

can you post a photo of the area?

 

[OhioFJ]

Here's the spring hitting the blower shroud. Seem like even if it was moved over quite a bit it would still impinge.

 

[George Amonette]

Tried a different thread, so I'll see what you all think.
The old A/C system mentioned earlier is not working. It started leaking water into pax compartment. Cleaned drain hose, and tried sealing the plastic casing. Now it's no working. I found a new evaporator by Nostalgic parts for $280ish and hoping it would fix this old system with smallest cost, and this is a no heater vent one. Compared to VAC evaporator for $850ish and losing the classical heater system. Looking for more experienced advice. Tried of nickel and diming my pocket. Atlanta ACC wants $5K to install a complete new unit.

 

[PacificaFJ40]

I have factory AC, but I do not have heat. Any heat suggestions?

 

[mcjb]

I have factory AC, but I do not have heat. Any heat suggestions?

Jonathan Ward at Icon used a Steve Moal heater painted to match vehicle. Not sure how well it works, but I like how clean it is:

Toyota 4x4 Land Cruisers

Guess depends on how oem u want to go since u have factory ac.

 

[PacificaFJ40]

Jonathan Ward at Icon used a Steve Moal heater painted to match vehicle. Not sure how well it works, but I like how clean it is:

Toyota 4x4 Land Cruisers

Guess depends on how oem u want to go since u have factory ac.

Thanks, I’ll check this out.

 

[jjh123]

@OhioFJ It sounds like the installation was done 1/2" too close to the passenger kick panel. I have installed a few of these in 40 series trucks now and have not had this issue.

EDIT: I also have only installed the latest version of VA with the circular vents. If your unit is older with rectangular vents the overall dimensions could vary.

 

[OhioFJ]

@OhioFJ It sounds like the installation was done 1/2" too close to the passenger kick panel. I have installed a few of these in 40 series trucks now and have not had this issue.

EDIT: I also have only installed the latest version of VA with the circular vents. If your unit is older with rectangular vents the overall dimensions could vary.

thank you - yes that must be the case. It’s an annoying problem as I’ll have to take the whole thing down to fix the issue.

 

[George Amonette]

I took mine in for an new evaporator and compressor. Repair shop pre order the unit and had it on hand. Not sure of the company, my mistake. They couldn't get it to fit and ended up calling Vint. Air. It took 47 days for the unit to arrive. It's now installed and working. I'm hoping this is the last of the A/C or heater issues for a long time (ever). I originally wanted to get a unit so I could keep the OEM heater unit. My 82 had an aftermarket unit installed by the dealer, but is no longer available. So I ended up with Vint. Air. which seems to have become the acceptable option. At least I have the one thing that my wife request "air".

 

[mmw68]

FYI - Vintage Air is quoting ship times of 12 weeks for the FJ40 units. They are telling me it's a supply chain issue. - Mark

 

[emac]

It's too bad CCOT doesn't still make their ac unit. It has worked well in my 40 for several years

 

[fj40fillet]

FYI - Vintage Air is quoting ship times of 12 weeks for the FJ40 units. They are telling me it's a supply chain issue. - Mark

Yeah, I just ordered their fj40 kit for my '79 with the blower upgrade. My fj already had a non-working a/c unit on it. I have to determine if my fj has the 55 amp alternator on it or not.

 

[Vae Victus]

Working on a VA air install on my 10/75 (aka '76) FJ40. It's a frame off resto, so I'm putting this in first, along with wiring loom and electronic power steering as first items. The new condenser/alternator bracket system and new-ish version of the main under dash control unit and fly-by-wire control knobs seems much improved over the old mechanical system (looking at the OPs installation).

I've posted a question to the main 40 thread asking if it is necessary to relocate the mounting studs for the radiator bracket to allow room for the condenser radiator. So far, that's my only stoppage. That and I need to get some proper o-ring lube as they failed to ship any that I can find in the 4 boxes.

It's a long install, but it's detailed - 50+ pages combined. I just wish they had a color version of the instructions online - color photos are so much easier to follow.

 

[sogncab]

Just for clarification, the Vintage Air setup has heat, right?

 

[DangerNoodle]

Just for clarification, the Vintage Air setup has heat, right?

Yep, heater and A/C.

 

[sogncab]

Yep, heater and A/C.

Thought so, but then I read something contrary. It made zero sense to me that it wouldn't, but.....

 

[knuckle47]

Just got done reading the post here from 2009 over the years and as the post has grown, I saw my 1974 FJ40 with the Downey Toyota 1/2 cab and a/c unit in my mind ….cruising on 90 degree days with the super cold interior. I was 20 back then and I am 69 now hoping to enjoy a few years with the ole’ FJ. I have no clue about the a/c unit manufacturer but it was a dealer installed unit that had rectangular vents under the lower dash.

My new 1975 FJ40 left this morning from the Pacific North West on a flatbed and is on its way to my house in South Jersey. Can’t wait to check it out and get started. But in reviewing some questions posted in this remarkable thread I do remember… I never insulated any part of the cab interior, my future wife and I traveled 9 hours each way between her parents and mine with no issues, my truck had the Man-a-fire headers and Rochester carb, Mallory dual point distributor, Jackman wheels and Armstrong true track tires.

waiting to hear about buying the a/c unit posted here. I feel like I’m 20 again

 

[1MAC]

Working on a VA air install on my 10/75 (aka '76) FJ40. It's a frame off resto, so I'm putting this in first, along with wiring loom and electronic power steering as first items. The new condenser/alternator bracket system and new-ish version of the main under dash control unit and fly-by-wire control knobs seems much improved over the old mechanical system (looking at the OPs installation).

I've posted a question to the main 40 thread asking if it is necessary to relocate the mounting studs for the radiator bracket to allow room for the condenser radiator. So far, that's my only stoppage. That and I need to get some proper o-ring lube as they failed to ship any that I can find in the 4 boxes.

I moved my radiator back by drilling new holes in the little brackets that the studs drop into. Much easier and faster. It does violate my rule of always modifying the cheaper part though!