john costa Posted November 27, 2023 Share Posted November 27, 2023 (edited) Hello everyone, well I use to live in New England and then retired to Florida. I own a beautiful all original 1965 Buick Riviera with a 401 nailhead that's been completely and professionally redone. However it is a non A/C car, which was an option in those days. however living in Florida without A/C is not an option, for me anyway. I`ve called the top three A/C Co. Vintage, Classic, and Resto air. for a complete kit for the car, but none want to commit to the accuracy of a complete kit?? I am willing to pay for the kit (meaning everything). each company wants me to determine space measurements, choose kits and other questions I don't know? I have one mechanic that I trust, who says I have to get the COMPLETE kit. and he will install it. I am asking this forum for help/assistance to find a complete A/C system for my car. so I can enjoy the car in Florida. please and thank you all for your time Edited November 27, 2023 by john costa misspelling (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted November 27, 2023 Share Posted November 27, 2023 I have a folder with 6 MB of detailed pictures of this Vintage Aire installation and can't remember which forum member sent them to me. DR914? Maybe. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted November 27, 2023 Share Posted November 27, 2023 25 minutes ago, 60FlatTop said: I have a folder with 6 MB of detailed pictures of this Vintage Aire installation and can't remember which forum member sent them to me. DR914? Maybe. That's Texrivs car,he was one of the first to install the vintageair system.John Costa go to the ROA forum and you'll find the help you need. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gungeey Posted November 27, 2023 Share Posted November 27, 2023 1 hour ago, john costa said: Hello everyone, well I use to live in New England and then retired to Florida. I own a beautiful all original 1965 Buick Riviera with a 401 nailhead that's been completely and professionally redone. However it is a non A/C car, which was an option in those days. however living in Florida without A/C is not an option, for me anyway. I`ve called the top three A/C Co. Vintage, Classic, and Resto air. for a complete kit for the car, but none want to commit to the accuracy of a complete kit?? I am willing to pay for the kit (meaning everything). each company wants me to determine space measurements, choose kits and other questions I don't know? I have one mechanic that I trust, who says I have to get the COMPLETE kit. and he will install it. I am asking this forum for help/assistance to find a complete A/C system for my car. so I can enjoy the car in Florida. please and thank you all for your time Your car sits nice. The search function at the page top will show that this topic has been addressed many times on this forum specifically in the Riviera Owners section. Just my typing in "Vintage Air" brings up 301 results. Showing results for 'vintage air' in content posted in Buick Riviera. - Antique Automobile Club of America - Discussion Forums (aaca.org) The kit, pro install, the other parts needed (fan shroud, rear compressor bracket) $$$$ makes me sweat just thinking about it😂 And I'm up here in New England, where apparently we don't need air conditioners🤣 Welcome to the forum, John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted November 27, 2023 Author Share Posted November 27, 2023 Thank you sir. Yes a little history on my car. It was bought brand new in Mystic Conn. we’re I’m from. By a wealthy Doctor who lived on an Island (Masons Island) as his family’s summer car, at his summer home. However opted out of the A/C options??? Unbelievable. I appreciate your time, and will look on the Buick forums to get the complete information thank you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 Looks like you got everything I didn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 22 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: I have a folder with 6 MB of detailed pictures of this Vintage Aire installation and can't remember which forum member sent them to me. DR914? Maybe. That was my 63. John, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send you the photos plus other info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 3 minutes ago, TexRiv_63 said: That was my 63. John, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send you the photos plus other info. This is a good gesture, and one of the things I like about this site. However, the OP cannot access PMs yet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 On 11/27/2023 at 1:39 PM, 60FlatTop said: I have a folder with 6 MB of detailed pictures of this Vintage Aire installation and can't remember which forum member sent them to me. DR914? Maybe. What is DR914 to get the information, I’m sorry very new to this site, and computers in general. Thanks John Coata Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 On 11/28/2023 at 12:17 PM, TexRiv_63 said: That was my 63. John, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send you the photos plus other info. jjc1364@outlook.com 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 When I have time I’ll post the parts I used to install a intake Air system in mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr914 Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 The key is to get the interior to look right, hence you need to buy the controler and the panels with the blower nozzles THEN you can get the rest aftermarket (compressor condenser evaporator) and have a clean installation that will work with 134. That is what I did with my Dad's non air car although I used the original compressor, 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 4 hours ago, BulldogDriver said: When I have time I’ll post the parts I used to install a intake Air system in mine. Thanks I look forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 1 hour ago, dr914 said: The key is to get the interior to look right, hence you need to buy the controler and the panels with the blower nozzles THEN you can get the rest aftermarket (compressor condenser evaporator) and have a clean installation that will work with 134. That is what I did with my Dad's non air car although I used the original compressor, I saw that I do not have those bezels under the radio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 Just now, john costa said: I saw that I do not have those bezels under the radio. my 401 with no A/C….. but it will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 If your savvy enough and patient you can do all of this work yourself.You will need the outer balls and center vent.Your car already has the fan shroud,the bracket that Vintageair sells mounts your new compressor and alternator.I did my own with upgraded chrome compressor for about $2200.Again look at previous discussion on this system.Bulldogdrivers info and installation was very helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 (edited) Left & right balls are different. I have a center outlet along with the parts that go along with it. I MAY ALSO have the correct balls that I will install new felts into & restore. Not cheap, BUT complete. Tom T. Edited December 5, 2023 by telriv (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jframe Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 The bracket for the compressor that Vintage sells is made by Alan Grove. I put one on last year when I discovered that the front mount tabs on my factory a/c bracket were broken off. The Sanden compressor mounts to it and eliminates the need for the rear compressor support bracket. It's a nice piece, and comes with all new hardware designed for the Sanden small compressors. All I had to do was paint and install; lined up perfectly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted December 6, 2023 Share Posted December 6, 2023 Looks like this. Ray 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted December 7, 2023 Share Posted December 7, 2023 On 12/5/2023 at 6:58 AM, john costa said: jjc1364@outlook.com John, I just sent the photos, there will be two separate e-mails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted December 7, 2023 Share Posted December 7, 2023 John, here is my old forum thread from 2008 on the Vintage Air conversion. If you elect to go this way research everything to update to current availablity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jframe Posted December 7, 2023 Share Posted December 7, 2023 As an aside, does anyone have the part number for the duct that can adapt the a/c duct hose to the black plastic rectangle that is behind my center vent? My VA system works good except for airflow in this area, because when it was installed, someone just cobbled the hose to the plastic with a/c tape. Not really the solution I'm looking for, and thought I read somewhere that they offered an adapter for the round hose to the rectangle box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted December 8, 2023 Share Posted December 8, 2023 43 minutes ago, jframe said: As an aside, does anyone have the part number for the duct that can adapt the a/c duct hose to the black plastic rectangle that is behind my center vent? My VA system works good except for airflow in this area, because when it was installed, someone just cobbled the hose to the plastic with a/c tape. Not really the solution I'm looking for, and thought I read somewhere that they offered an adapter for the round hose to the rectangle box. Yes there is,I used one on my 63 install.Im pretty sure I ordered it from vintage air?I'll do some research and get back to you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john costa Posted December 8, 2023 Author Share Posted December 8, 2023 On 12/5/2023 at 8:49 AM, BulldogDriver said: When I have time I’ll post the parts I used to install a intake Air system in mine. That’s what I need sir, I’d appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted December 8, 2023 Share Posted December 8, 2023 20 hours ago, jframe said: As an aside, does anyone have the part number for the duct that can adapt the a/c duct hose to the black plastic rectangle that is behind my center vent? My VA system works good except for airflow in this area, because when it was installed, someone just cobbled the hose to the plastic with a/c tape. Not really the solution I'm looking for, and thought I read somewhere that they offered an adapter for the round hose to the rectangle box. What I did back in 2008 was purchase two of the small VA under dash vents and removed the back sections that the round hoses attach to. I then attached them to the rear of the OEM vent housing with clear silicone. Worked great. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XframeFX Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 On 12/5/2023 at 9:35 AM, dr914 said: That is what I did with my Dad's non air car although I used the original compressor, So, what is the deal with the rear A6 AC Compressor bracket with cast valve cover again? I recall there's a conflict. A Special 2X4 Bracket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 For aluminum valve covers there was a different rear bracket that is rare from what I have seen. I believe that a non-aluminum bracket can be modified to work. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelman Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 Cast valve covers are taller and more square at the top. Sheet metal covers are shorter and rounder at the top. Regular bracket can be modified to work. Have to remove material on the inside of the bracket on three sides. Close to a quarter inch at the top of the arch of the bracket. Work slow and check often for clearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XframeFX Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 (edited) On 12/12/2023 at 6:45 PM, BulldogDriver said: For aluminum valve covers there was a different rear bracket that is rare from what I have seen. So I thought. I would like to avoid modifying my bracket especially for when I make my in-operable AC a project which may entail a 508 style Sanden SD5H14 compressor. Reason, I may try to exchange my new camshaft for something else at Barrett Jackson next month. Cast Valve covers come to mind. On 12/5/2023 at 6:49 AM, BulldogDriver said: When I have time I’ll post the parts I used to install a intake Air system in mine. On 12/5/2023 at 9:35 AM, dr914 said: The key is to get the interior to look right, hence you need to buy the controler and the panels with the blower nozzles THEN you can get the rest aftermarket (compressor condenser evaporator) and have a clean installation that will work with 134. That is what I did with my Dad's non air car although I used the original compressor, Quick answer to original question, there's no AC KIT for 1st generation Rivieras. You already have a Fan shroud. So, to continue, yes, you'll need OE Vents for correct look. Desert Valley Auto has dashboard vents to start the project. Beware, wrecking yard quality. Edited December 14, 2023 by XframeFX (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 Vintage air offers ball style vents as well as a rectangular dual center vent that can be retrofitted. A complete unit. Compressor, condenser, drier, hoses, evaporator, hoses and connectors, vents, and a control panel. Call them and ask for a catalog. There is no specific kit for the Riviera so you’ll have to build one from a universal kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted December 18, 2023 Share Posted December 18, 2023 On 12/5/2023 at 8:49 AM, BulldogDriver said: When I have time I’ll post the parts I used to install a intake Air system in mine. Here is the list of parts I used in my installation of Vintage Air AC. 671400-VUZ- Gen IV Magnum- Heat, Cool & Defrost Model. 63016-VUL- Double louver assembly 11.375”x2.5”. For2.5”hose 49870-VCI- $9.75- 2.5”to 3” hose adapter 151102- Buick 401/425 Nailhead (1963-65 Riviera only) (passenger-side) 04808-VUA- Double V-groove pulley, standard finish Sanden SD 508 Compressor, the larger compressor was strongly suggested not to use 07322-VUC- Painted drier with binary switch and mounting hardware 071130- Heavy Duty Double-strap drier mount with welded stud, washers, and nut 03263-VUC- Condenser with brackets, 14”tall x 24”wide x .83” thick 112002-SUA- SureFitsystem “Cable Converter” slide pot unit Qty-3 StreamLine Aluminum Bulkhead Plates - pick what you want 623013-VUA- for Gen II Super Smooth diverter duct for Super directs heater air to left side of car when evaporator is mounted to extreme right side. Accepts 2” hose. Qty-2 for redirecting floor vents further to the left and right of trans tunnel and center console Hoses for ac and heater would be determined by how you want to install them. I did not see any reason to use hard lines anywhere and also I ran the heater hoses down between the right side intake and cylinder head. A 90* hose that reduces 3/4” to 5/8” would be Gates #18075 -60”. Center vents you have to modify the V/A part. They sand down fairly easily and I used pieces of aluminum for the sides to hold them onto the center vent. I would strongly suggest that you think about how you want the floor vents to be. If left as from V/A, the air doesn’t get past the center console. I made brackets to mount on the evaporator and on the driver’s side modified the V/A part. You do want to mount the adapter and hoses before mounting the evaporator permanently. If do a search on me I think anything not explained here will be in my other posts. If not just ask and I’ll explain. Ray 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5632 Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 I have gotten to old to install mine own a/c unit. If there is anyone in the Phoenix area that would do an installation I would to pay you to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now