Trueblue Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Just bought my first Monte Carlo, but it does not have air conditioning. How difficult is it to add air conditioning to a 70 Monte? And where would I find the aftermarket parts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72-CLASSIC_RIDE Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 I believe there are a few Companies who make aftermarket complete A/C units with one being Vintage Air. If your looking for (OEM), I don't think they are commonly found and the installation would be very difficult and costly IMO............ I'm sure others will reply with more complete information for you. Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCfan Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 James, congratulations on buying a '70 Monte Carlo - great choice!! Seven years ago I was looking for a '70 with a big block and a factory 4-speed. The only one I could find at the time had no AC and no power options, including no power steering. However, since I was living in SW Florida when I bought it, adding aftermarket AC was a top priority. I have since installed AC, power steering, power windows, power door locks and power seat back releases. Installing an aftermarket AC system is a breeze compared to installing factory power windows ... I diligently searched for possible DIY kits but Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air seemed to have the best offerings. Things may have changed since then, but I chose Classic Auto Air over the Vintage Air system, although they were similar in many respects, including price. I found the sales and support staff at Classic to be much more helpful and interested in my first gen Monte application (which was just a minor adaptation of the Chevelle system for both companies). I could download the installation instructions from Classic and see exactly what it was going to take to install their system before I had to make a decision or spend any money. If your '70 has no factory AC, it has Astro vents instead - both upper and lower. The Classic system uses only the upper Astro Vents and leaves the lower vent completely functional on both sides so that was a plus for me. At that time (may have changed since) Classic used a larger evaporator coil that could be field serviced while Vintage uses a smaller sealed unit that had to be returned to the factory for service. Again, that may have changed by now but I am sure there are both physical and operational differences you will want to consider when you compare them. I made a crude photo journal of my installation project after the fact and put it out on Photobucket - here's the link if you are interested: Installing Classic Auto Air System I strongly suggest that you call each of the companies you want to compare and talk to them about your specific '70 Monte Carlo application. If they tell you their standard kit for a '70 Chevelle will work, it probably won't unless they ship you a foot longer hose to reach your compressor. Classic ships a longer hose with an un-crimped connector on the end so you can custom fit the hose and have the connector crimped in the exact orientation to prevent hose twist. You will need to take it to an air conditioning shop to have the system initially charged anyway so they can crimp that connector in place for you. Be aware that you will need a new 3-groove crank pulley and Classic can also provide that. I picked mine up at a swap meet because they don't generally come in the kits. I installed the entire system myself over about a week because I didn't want to rush and screw something up. Classic also used to have installation services through several locations but I didn't use them. Bottom line is that I have been very pleased with my Classic Auto Air system and I know that others have been pleased with their Vintage Air systems so you probably can't go wrong with either one. Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueblue Posted September 3, 2017 Author Share Posted September 3, 2017 Thank you for the informative post. I had checked into Vintage, but now will also look into Classic Auto I will also look at your photobucket thread. Will try and post pic of the car when I take possession. It is being shipped from the east coast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bell Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 MCFan, that is one rare care you have there, a big block with no power steering. Of 145,976 cars in 1970, only 2,482 didn't have power steering. With a 4 speed, I would imagine it was a bear to drive. I believe starting in 1971, it became standard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCfan Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 MCFan, that is one rare care you have there, a big block with no power steering. Of 145,976 cars in 1970, only 2,482 didn't have power steering. With a 4 speed, I would imagine it was a bear to drive. I believe starting in 1971, it became standard? Yes, Paul, it was a bear to drive - not so bad at speed but very difficult to turn around or parallel park - needed both hands on the wheel and another on the shifter. When I rebuilt the front suspension, I bought the power steering box, pump and hoses off a small block '70 that was being parted out then ordered the big block brackets from Leo and a pump rebuild kit from Advance Auto. That minor upgrade quadrupled the enjoyment of driving my big block, 4-speed Monte! (Before and after pics below.) The surprising thing about the swap was that the salvage yard guy remembered I had a manual steering box and asked to buy it from me for his '70 442. He not only preferred a manual box, it was an improvement over the power steering box he was running WITHOUT the pump running - now THAT is brutal! Original manual steering Upgraded to factory power steering 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 James, this summer I installed the Classic auto air Perfect fit system in my non ac Monte. I have to say it was fairly simple to do. the instructions are easy to follow. I told them it was for a Monte and they sent the hoses non crimped. and they also had a LS kit cause I was adding it to a 5.3L. Give Greg a call and he will do his best to answer any questions. BTW It's a huge difference driving the Monte with AC. i still like rolling down the windows and letting the sir flow But i really love that cold air that system puts out. Dennis thanks for your help we had talked about this a year ago and i finally did it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCfan Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Hey, Vince, Glad to hear you got your Classic Auto Air system installed and are happy with it. Mine still works as good as when I first installed it over 6 years ago. BTW, your Monte is really stunning! Love that shade of blue and the new wheels really set if off nicely! Bet your Monte is more fun to drive with the new motor and trans. Did you install the shifter detent plate, also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 James Ill try and post a pic or two of the system all put together. Dennis Detent is installed and a blast to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueblue Posted September 18, 2017 Author Share Posted September 18, 2017 Thanks, that would be very helpful. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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