Thread: A/C System for 1957 Chevy 3100

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I guess a lot is going to depend on your definition of "not really expensive" and what your looking for. If you can do the install and charging youself it will save a bunch of money.

IF your looking for a behind dash unit with "factory" style in dash vents, Vintage Air and a few other make some units that will work. Vintage Air also has released a re-pop of the mark IV units that are under dash and pretty easy to install.

About the cheapest you can go (which is the route I often take) is to find a good used under dash unit you like, refurbish it and build your own system. For me I like the vintage look of the under dash units in a lot of cars. I also prefer the effency of a Sanden compressor over the older 60s untis. It's still not "cheap".

Under dash unit $50-100
New condenser $100-150
New Compressor
Sanden $400-500
Rebuilt A6 $200
Hoses $200-250
Receiver Dryer $30
Brackets/pullys $50-several hundred (depending on taste)
Referigerant/oil $40


Don't even bother with a rebuilt Sanden. from personal expereince they don't last.

I have been using Freeze 12 (available at Checker) for several years a little more expensive than 134A but a lot cheaper than R-12.