• Notice for iPhone users: DO NOT use the image size reduction option when uploading photos to the forum. This causes portrait images to post as landscape. We have added a warning to the image insert pop-up as well.

Factory A/C vs. Aftermarket

Chipster1990

Chipster1990

BENEFACTOR
Gold Member
Lifetime Member
SOA Member
City
Birmingham
State
AL
OK... What's the consensus? Install a good factory A/C unit into my CJ8 or go with an aftermarket new version? My CJ8 is fairly original looking and has the original drivetrain, 4.2, T-176, Dana 300, blah blah blah... It has never had A/C. What do you experts think?
Thanks,
Chip


 
If youre going for "original" then go original. If you dont care, go for an aftermarket. I will be going aftermarket, eventually.
 
I use Vintage Air on all the frame ups / New Fiberglass bodies with heat/defrost/AC. I pay a little more for The VintageAir, but the problem free installations and factory support is worth it. :wave:
 
I used jeep-aire in the one I'm putting together. They sent the compressor and fittings to fit my vortec setup. It was easy to install and fits good. I haven't charged it yet so I can't say how it performs.
 
MrBeep said:
I use Vintage Air on all the frame ups / New Fiberglass bodies with heat/defrost/AC. I pay a little more for The VintageAir, but the problem free installations and factory support is worth it. :wave:
Click to expand...

What model do you install in your CJ's?


 
Chipster1990 said:
What model do you install in your CJ's?
Click to expand...

Compac II when I use the half top on the 8s. For the full top I use the "Cruiser Coup" model (I think that is what they call it, I do some checking). They seem to work very well and trouble free. :wave:
 
I prefer oem. For looks also. The original underdash units don't stick out like even the early replacements and dealer installs, but yes those do a bit better job of directing the cooling air from places other than your knees. The new units are essentially like that but look to bulky IMHO.
 
MrBeep said:
Compac II when I use the half top on the 8s. For the full top I use the "Cruiser Coup" model (I think that is what they call it, I do some checking). They seem to work very well and trouble free. :wave:
Click to expand...

Do you have any photos of the one installed with a full top, cruiser coup?



 
I got lots of a/c stuff in Franklin tn if you end up wanting to go factory. A good factory condenser is probably the hardest piece to find.
 
I have used Vintage Air Compact on two Scrambler builds that works great on hard 1/2 cabs even in Louisiana. I installed my vents in the dash.
 

Attachments

  • 72.JPG
    72.JPG
    795.7 KB · Views: 124
  • IMG_0600A.jpg
    IMG_0600A.jpg
    231.7 KB · Views: 126
  • IMG_1233.jpg
    IMG_1233.jpg
    218 KB · Views: 124
I went with the Jeepair system. Looks factory and does a good job of cooling the jeep. My biggest install gripe was that I had a clearance issue with my expansion valve and the stock air duct and had to modify the air duct to get it to fit. I've had issues getting the belt tight. I finally figured out the process. You have to remove the alternator to get to everything tighten the AC, then do the alternator.
 
On one that I did, I made a sealed off plate underneath it, and installed the cowl vent over top of that, so that in the rare case that build saw rain or pine needles or dirt, you could still remove the vent and clean underneath.


 
I also used a 26 Gauge SS sheet between the Vent and the body. Looks like the normal vent but no water leaks.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1374.jpg
    IMG_1374.jpg
    247.1 KB · Views: 63
Or make it all disappear-

3f21361cfc128cb3774475a7d84793cd-1.jpg


Sent from my SM-G920V
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top