Whitby Vantage Air Conditioner Install

[hrosenthal]

I'm installing the A/C unit that is sold by Whitby.

I've read through the instructions which are pretty clear considering there are no photos. I've also looked at the KitCarMag step by step install (http://www.kitcarmag.com/techarticles/142_0501_quality_roadsters_hvac_system_install/photo_01.html).

There are a few items I need some clarification on...

1. In the KitCarMag install, this image (http://www.kitcarmag.com/techarticles/142_0501_quality_roadsters_hvac_system_install/photo_23.html) shows the condenser fitting very nicely into the space of the radiator. In my case, with the FFR supplied radiator, it's not such a comfortable fit. The Whitby instructions say to create a foam shroud, using the square foam weather stripping from my kit. However, since I have not gotten to the point of using the weather stripping, I don't want to use up any of the FFR supplied weather stripping in the event that I may need it later (even if there is extra, I find that I have to redo things quite often and may need it). Is there any alternate weather stripping that anyone recommends - ie, can I go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy the stick on weather stripping for doors and windows?

2. The instructions to mount the vent assemblies don't indicate how they should be secured to the 2x2 crossmember. The KitCarMag site screwed them in through the vent openings (http://www.kitcarmag.com/techarticles/142_0501_quality_roadsters_hvac_system_install/photo_13.html). Since the vent assemblies are plastic, it doesn't seem like it will take much from someones knee to break the back of the assembly and knock it off the crossmember. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions for installing the vent assemblies? I was thinking securing a piece of right angle aluminum to the back of the assembly with silicone and a couple of rivets, then securing the protruding right angle of the aluminum to the bottom of the crossmember. This seems like an even bigger problem for the drivers side where the only half of the rear of the vent assembly has contact with the crossmember.

I think that covers my problems for today, but I'm sure I'll have some new ones tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Blue MK3]

I suggest you contact Jeff Collins at Whitby's. He (or his staff) certainly can come closer to answering your questions that others on this board. Have you contacted him?

[CraigS]

this will do the job fine
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-E-O-3-4-in-x-7-16-in-High-Density-Rubber-Foam-Weather-Strip-R734H/100047977
I agree that the outlets are exposed to a kick while getting in and out of the car. look at the three different 'louver' section here to see if you see anything you like.
http://www.vintageair.com/catalog.asp
The problem is that you want to be able to direct heat down to your feet but AC to you chest. You could put a "Y" into the hose and run one of the louvers in the dash and something else aimed at your feet/legs. Close off the dash louver when you want heat.

[DaleG]

I just selected spots and drilled through the vents as instructed, marked the locations on the 2 X 2 and drilled/tapped. Applied silicone to the back of the vents and installed the bolts through the vent holes. I can't imagine them breaking if they are "knee'd".

[cobraguy13]

I installed the supplied vents with four screws through the vent openings. I have found living in Texas that I appreciate the footwell vents during the summer to keep the legs and feet cool. I have had no problem with knees into the vents so far. But I have only been driving mine about a month. As for the condenser i mounted it without the foam "shroud" and my head pressures at idle in the shop are perfect. This is with the fan operating. No problem with cooling driving around town and at lights but the temps have not been above 92 so far this Spring.

[hrosenthal]

I installed the supplied vents with four screws through the vent openings. I have found living in Texas that I appreciate the footwell vents during the summer to keep the legs and feet cool. I have had no problem with knees into the vents so far. But I have only been driving mine about a month. As for the condenser i mounted it without the foam "shroud" and my head pressures at idle in the shop are perfect. This is with the fan operating. No problem with cooling driving around town and at lights but the temps have not been above 92 so far this Spring.

Do you have the FFR provided fan, or did you put in a double fan as suggested by Whitby?

[DaleG]

The Whitby unit comes with the double fan integral to the unit; at least mine did.

[2bking]

The Whitby unit comes with the double fan integral to the unit; at least mine did.

Dale, Whitby's installation instructions says the FFR condenser fan is inadequate and should be upgraded to a higher CFM fan. I think the double fan is in reference to an additional fan to help the increase the air flow. I'm going to use the FFR fan until it is evident it can't deliver enough air flow. I have a Breeze fan shroud that may help.

[DaleG]

Dale, Whitby's installation instructions says the FFR condenser fan is inadequate and should be upgraded to a higher CFM fan. I think the double fan is in reference to an additional fan to help the increase the air flow. I'm going to use the FFR fan until it is evident it can't deliver enough air flow. I have a Breeze fan shroud that may help.

King,

I (in error) thought the reference was to the AC/Heater fan blower unit, not the radiator fan.

I also am using the FFR-supplied rad. fan until I see need to do otherwise. I had previously read something that encouraged me that the supplied fan would be more than adequate with the AC unit, just can't recall where. Also using Breeze's fan shroud. Also using Replicaparts' nose aluminum and will use a radiator-to-body upper shroud, so there will be very little air bypass around the radiator.

[hrosenthal]

Thanks for all the advice.
I am going to stick with the FFR supplied fan and Breeze shroud for now.
(Yes, I was referring to the radiator fan)
H