Restoring and customizing classic cars is an absolute joy, but driving them during the hot summer months can turn that joy into a sweaty nightmare. In Australia, the heat is often unbearable, making air conditioning a must-have for any project car. However, the biggest challenge most car enthusiasts face is finding space to mount a traditional engine-driven A/C compressor — especially when you’ve heavily modified the engine bay. Thankfully, there’s a perfect solution now — electric auto AC, which allows you to enjoy ice-cold air conditioning without any mechanical limitations.
Electric compressors, commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) and truck sleeper cabs, have made their way into the project car scene. These compressors work independently from the engine, eliminating the need for belt-driven systems. This means no more sacrificing engine bay space, no more complex bracket fabrication, and most importantly — no more sweating through your shirt during summer drives!
I recently decided to install an electric auto AC in my 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, and let me tell you — it has completely transformed my driving experience. Here’s how I did it.
For those unfamiliar with how air conditioning works, it’s quite simple. Refrigerant gas flows through a closed-loop system that consists of a compressor, condenser, drier, and evaporator. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, turning it into a high-temperature gas. As it flows through the condenser, it cools down and becomes a liquid. When it reaches the evaporator, air is blown across it, creating the cold air you feel in your car.
In traditional setups, the compressor is driven by a belt connected to the engine. This requires significant space and a mounting bracket — something that many classic cars, like mine, simply can’t accommodate. This is where electric auto AC changes the game.
Since my Chevelle’s small-block engine bay was already packed with a supercharger, I had no chance of fitting a traditional A/C compressor. I stumbled across a 12-volt electric compressor designed for sleeper trucks, and I knew this was the solution I had been looking for. This compressor mounts remotely, runs on electricity, and doesn’t rely on engine power. However, it does draw quite a bit of current — around 100 Amps at full load — so I had to upgrade my alternator and install heavy-gauge wiring.
The electric compressor now sits discreetly in my engine bay, hidden from plain sight but still accessible for servicing or re-gassing. Unlike a belt-driven compressor, it doesn’t steal any horsepower from my engine, meaning my supercharged V8 can still perform at full potential.
Installing the compressor was only the first step. I also needed a high-quality condenser, evaporator, and drier to complete the system. I opted for a Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum evaporator, which is widely known for its superior cooling capabilities. This unit is mounted inside my dashboard, replacing the glovebox area. Sure, I lost some storage space, but gaining ice-cold air conditioning was well worth the trade-off.
The condenser and drier were installed behind my grille, alongside my intercooler and radiator. Since I was already making space adjustments for my forced induction setup, the electric auto AC setup fit in perfectly without causing any clearance issues.
One of the best things about installing electric auto AC is the simplicity of making your own hoses. I used a Speedy Air Spares DIY crimp kit that allowed me to cut and crimp my A/C hoses without any special tools. The fittings simply screw onto the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, ensuring a tight seal.
Unlike traditional press-fit fittings that rely on O-rings, these threaded MIOR fittings offer a much more secure connection. Once I had all the hoses cut to length and installed, the only thing left was to gas the system.
I decided to call in a professional A/C technician to vacuum and charge my system. The technician first evacuated any air and moisture from the system, ensuring optimal performance. Once cleared, he filled it with R134a refrigerant under high pressure, allowing the compressor to function efficiently.
Pro Tip: Never run your compressor without refrigerant. Doing so can damage the compressor and cause it to seize up. Always ensure your system is fully charged before firing it up.
One thing that many people overlook when installing air conditioning in classic cars is thermal insulation. Old cars often lack any sort of sound or heat insulation, allowing heat from the engine and exhaust to flood the cabin. This can make even the best air conditioning system feel underwhelming.
To combat this, I lined my entire Chevelle’s floor, roof, and firewall with Car Builders sound and heat insulation. This step made a massive difference in keeping the cabin cool and maximizing my electric auto AC’s performance. Now, my car feels just as comfortable as any modern luxury vehicle!
Once the system was fully charged, I turned on my electric auto AC for the first time — and WOW! The air coming from the vents was absolutely frigid, and within minutes my cabin went from boiling hot to freezing cold. It’s hard to describe the level of comfort you get when driving a classic muscle car with full air conditioning in the middle of summer.
The best part? The electric compressor doesn’t sap any horsepower from my engine, and I can run it even when the car is parked with the engine off. This is especially handy during long car shows or road trips where you want to stay cool without idling your engine.
If you’re struggling with adding air conditioning to your project car, do yourself a favor and look into electric auto AC systems. They’re easier to install, don’t require any engine modifications, and provide exceptional cooling performance. Sure, you may need to upgrade your alternator and wiring, but the trade-off is absolutely worth it.
Now I can enjoy my supercharged Chevelle year-round, without sweating buckets in the summer. If you’re building a custom car, hot rod, or classic restoration — electric auto AC is the ultimate game-changer!
So next time you hit the road in your classic ride, you’ll be cruising in absolute comfort — no matter how hot it gets outside.
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