Installing the 1975 Corvette Air Conditioning

Continuing with my resolution to finally completely finish our 1975 Corvette convertible, I started one of the most challenging projects I’ve undertaken in a very long time – finish installing the air conditioning (AC) system.

With a new compressor already bolted to the front of the engine, I elected to install a new Vintage Air system. The staff at Vintage Air provided the following parts list:

Evaporator Kit, Part No. 564168, $1,130.00
Modified Hose Kit, Part No. 524173, $190.00
Condenser Kit for a ’73-’76 Corvette, Part No. 021073, $340.00
Safety Switch (if running electric fans), Part No. 11086-VUS, $42.00

The parts were ordered on March 4, and I began to dismantle the existing AC components as well as removal of the heater core, dashboard, center gauge cluster, shifter console, parking brake console, and dropped the steering column to provide enough room to install the new ductwork.

By March 15 all parts had arrived and there was a corresponding pile of discarded factory pieces on the floor in front of my car.

1975 Corvette with New AC-Heat Parts ©2024 Flashback Racing

The installation manuals provided by Vintage Air totaled 62 pages, and I spent just over 44 hours to complete this project. Except for hood removal and installation, I was working alone, and I was careful to remove all of the old GM parts intact in hope of reselling some of them to other Corvette owners.

When the local auto AC tech evacuated and charged the system, I was happy with the fact that I had no leaks.

Total Project Time: 44 hours, 15 minutes
Total Project Cost: $2,027.30
Cost Breakdown:
Vintage Air (tax + shipping) = $1,804.08
Heater Hoses and Clamps = $27.90
AC Hose Ends Crimped = $41.29
AC Charged (freon + labor) = $154.03

While the main cluster was out of the car, I also replaced the electronic card in the tachometer and recalibrated it, and cleaned up the radio wiring as well.

It feels GREAT to accomplish this major step to complete the rebuild of the ’75 Corvette.

And my wife, Connie, and I look forward to driving the Vette with cool air on the hottest days and warm air on the coldest days.