The Front Runner accessory mount system includes a new compressor, 140 amp alternator, mounts, brackets and stainless steel hardware for a clean, simple installation.The Front Runner accessory mount system includes a new compressor, 140 amp alternator, mou Driven To Success Even though the Vintage Air kit comes with a new compressor and the brackets to mount it all up, we decided to take the opportunity to update the front of our engine with one of their Front Runner accessory drive systems. That would eliminate the old v-belt system, replacing it with a contemporary serpentine belt and reconfigure all our accessories in one nice, tight package that takes less power to drive. It's available in natural aluminum or black, and with or without a new, small Saginaw pump that mounts tightly to the rest of the system. After removing the old accessories and water pump, four long, stainless steel studs support the system, starting with a new Stewart reverse rotation water pump and power steering bracket. Be sure to use anti-seize lubricant on all stainless hardware.After removing the old accessories and water pump, four long, stainless steel studs suppor Once the alternator and compressor are mounted on the main truss of the system, it's slid in place over the four long studs.Once the alternator and compressor are mounted on the main truss of the system, it's slid The PS pump pulley needs to be installed on the pump, so we made our own installation tool from a bolt that screws into the threaded shaft, then simply turned the nut/washer on the bolt to "press" the pulley into position. Our instructions also included the part number for the KD Tools power steering pulley installation tool. Never attempt to press the pulley on -- it must be pulled on.The PS pump pulley needs to be installed on the pump, so we made our own installation tool Next, we bolted up the PS pump and crank pulley, then installed the serpentine belt included with the kit.Next, we bolted up the PS pump and crank pulley, then installed the serpentine belt includ Rather than cobble together the plumbing for the power steering, we opted for this cool hose kit from Detroit Speed Inc. that simplified the installation and looks great too!Rather than cobble together the plumbing for the power steering, we opted for this cool ho Here's what the completed FrontRunner system looks like. We really like the tight packaging of the system, plus it gives the engine a modern, high-tech look. Mechanical upgrades include a 140-amp alternator, a small, high-efficiency compressor and an aluminum, high-flow water pump.Here's what the completed FrontRunner system looks like. We really like the tight packagin Making A Dash For It One of the reasons we decided to install the Vintage Air Sure Fit system is that it minimizes the modifications necessary to cool our classic Chevelle, and that it would give us the appearance of a "factory-original" setup. To achieve that look, Vintage Air created vent adapters, a glove compartment modification, and even a new control unit that looks "factory" and installs using the original mounts. The end result speaks for itself, and once the installation is complete the integration of new with the old is difficult to detect unless you're really paying attention. Here's the new control panel that comes with the kit. It's completely electronic, so it does away with the melange of cables, wires, and vacuum hoses associated with factory A/C controls. It also has a real OEM look and feel.Here's the new control panel that comes with the kit. It's completely electronic, so it d Since our '70 Malibu was a non-air car, we decided to install the upper, center vent from a factory A/C setup, and installed it at the same time as we bolted up the control panel.Since our '70 Malibu was a non-air car, we decided to install the upper, center vent from Once we completed the simple operation, here is what the new control panel and vent look like in their proper positions.Once we completed the simple operation, here is what the new control panel and vent look l The glove box needed to be shortened two inches to clear the new heater/evaporator box that bolts to the firewall. We cut ours using a pneumatic body saw.The glove box needed to be shortened two inches to clear the new heater/evaporator box tha A new cap is included to seal our newly shortened glove box. We filed and smoothed the cut before trial-fitting the cap to the box.A new cap is included to seal our newly shortened glove box. We filed and smoothed the cut These S-clips retain the new cap to the box, as it's slid in place on the outside of the cut.These S-clips retain the new cap to the box, as it's slid in place on the outside of the c With a few well-placed smacks with the heel of our hand, the cap was securely attached to the glove box. The capacity is diminished somewhat, but barely noticeable since everything that was in the glovebox before still fit inside.With a few well-placed smacks with the heel of our hand, the cap was securely attached to Hose adapters are also include with the kit, allowing you to retain the dash-mounted vents. The plastic pieces are formed for a perfect fit.Hose adapters are also include with the kit, allowing you to retain the dash-mounted vents « | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | » | View Full Article By Chuck Hansen Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
71Chevelle_4dr 5/15/2011 at 11:07 PM O U T S T A N D I N G. Terrific article on the installation of the Vintage Air Gen IV Sure Fit A/C system on this Chevelle. A great system indeed, made even more attractive by these excellent, clear and beautiful, step-by-step instructions & photos! As always, well done Mr. Hansen. Kudos for a well presented project with your personal and cordial observations.
