Classic Auto Air "Perfect Fit" system experience

[dpstark2]

I'm installing a Classic Auto Air "Perfect Fit" system in '72 Dart. I know it's an A-body, but I feel like the experience is relevant.

1. The brackets for hanging the HVAC box under the cowl did not fit. Different from the pictures, didn't fit in the car. Tech support was no help. Sent pictures to them, no response. Ended up bending them to fit and making it work.
2. Instructions are terrible. Lots of missing information. Pictures from multiple cars, one of which is far from factory. Grainy black pictures of black cars in a dark engine bay are no help to anyone.
3. Heater core tubes on their box are the same size. Factory tubes are 5/8" and 3/4", so I had to use an adapter. If they would supply one- fine. But they didn't.
4. The temperature control cable is a full foot too long and the mode control cable is about 6" too short. I requested new cables of the appropriate length. No response.
5. The wiring and wiring diagram are terrible. I mean, if you have two wires that will cause the system to blow fuses if not hooked up correctly, DON'T MAKE THEM BOTH BLUE AND ATTACH THEM TO THE SAME SWITCH. Tech support did know exactly what was happening here when I called them.
6. The condensor "sandwiches" between the radiator and core support. It's just sandwiched in there! How hard would it be to bolt it to the factory locations (which is what I'm going to do) or the radiator bolts?
7. Their silly round "cover plate" that covers the blower hole in the firewall and lets the four HVAC box fittings into the engine bay would not fit the hoses on the box, and didn't even come close to lining up with the four factory mounting holes in the firewall. I had to bend two of the pipes to get them through the cover, and drill new holes to mount it.

Overall I'm highly disappointed. I chose this kit because of the reputation of the company and their support (which I had no doubt I would need). I've also seen it used several times. In my experience, the kit, service, and fitment are all severely sub-par. It's should be called a "Sorta Fits" system.

Maybe the B-body kit is different. Good luck if you try it.

 

[Dennis H]

Sorry you had this experience. Did the FABO site users give you a heads up? My 69 B non-air was not a problem according to my installer and it has been 32 degrees at the vent for 8 years now without a recharge. How long ago was the kit purchased?

 

[dpstark2]

I tend to stay away from FABO, but I did search there and found few, but positive, comments. I bought the kit a few months ago. I know they can't cover every car and every option, but the sheer lack of support from a company boasting their support system is what really gets me.

I'm sure it will "work" when it's done, but that doesn't change the fact that I've had so many issues- and so little support from them.

 

[Jim's Maxie]

Ever hear of "one size fits all " ?

 

[HawkRod]

I bought the B-body kit for my car. It is not installed yet since my car is getting restored, but I did mock up and cut the firewall based on the new HVAC box. So far, I have been impressed with the kit and fitment, but time will tell as I go to install it.

 

[snakeoil24]

All of these kits are likely to be junk. It is just easier to retro fit the stock ac box and be done with it. Chrysler Airtemp systems where light years ahead of anyone else.

 

[dpstark2]

I understand the points made here, but I still think it's reasonable to expect better from $1400 investment. My main point is that it shouldn't be advertised as a "perfect fit" if it's this far off. Also, many of the issues, such as the cable lengths, could be easily fixed and they just don't seem to care enough to do so.

As far as factory stuff is concerned- my Charger is a factory A/C car and that system is a nightmare. Sourcing parts and pieces to repair the factory system cost half as much this system, and that doesn't even include a working compressor yet. Let alone changing to R134a. And I must have spent 10 hours rebuilding that HVAC box.

As far as my Dart is concerned- it's a non-A/C car this seemed like the better route. I posted this as a means to vent and warn others... that's all.

 

[440SportSatellite]

I installed just the under dash portion of one of their perfectfit kits in my factory air '69 Sport Satellite a couple of weeks ago. Had the same problem with the bracket under the dash and bent it to fit. Otherwise everything went pretty smooth, all the holes in the block off plate lined up to the tubes from the box pretty closely. Of course, I have yet to purchase or install the compressor and condenser kits. All the factory AC stuff in my car was falling apart, the box was the only thing left under the dash, when the heater core started puking coolant out it was time to do something about it. The classic auto air system actually cost me less than restoring the old AC box would have cost, what with the new heater core and paying to refurbish the control valve, then if you count the time I would have spent on it as well I think I was better off with their system. Anyway, just thought I'd share. Overall I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[ws27]

I'm putting an underhood kit in a 67 Belvedere. Haven't gotten to it yet, but the first thing I was highly disappointed with is the two compressor hoses are crimp them your self. In the instructions it says take it to any competent ac repair place. Ya right, what ac place in New England? No mechanics I know of have the crimping tool. We are going to try and use my friends hydraulic hose crimper. But certainly not do it your self.

Did anyone else come across this?

 

[HawkRod]

I'm putting an underhood kit in a 67 Belvedere. Haven't gotten to it yet, but the first thing I was highly disappointed with is the two compressor hoses are crimp them your self. In the instructions it says take it to any competent ac repair place. Ya right, what ac place in New England? No mechanics I know of have the crimping tool. We are going to try and use my friends hydraulic hose crimper. But certainly not do it your self.

Did anyone else come across this?

Every car will be slightly different, and different folks may route the lines different - it depends a bit on compressor location, etc. I think the intent there is to plumb it all up and then cut the line to a perfect length and then crimp it. They probably learned that if they provided crimped lines of a specific length people would have problems with the length...

 

[dpstark2]

I ordered my kit with the compressor lines uncrimped. I have to mount it in a non-standard location, so that's fine. HOWEVER: they sent the entire kit uncrimped! Another "bonus" features from CAA... Anyway, at least in this case, they are happy to crimp the lines for you if you cut and clock everything. You just have to ship it back to them (another expense) and they'll ship it to you.

So I guess they handle that OK, but again- it's not what they described after more than 30 minutes on the phone ordering this stuff.

 

[dpstark2]

I have to complain again. I ordered a complete kit. Apparently it came without the necessary adapter block to run the compressor I bought. The guy acknowledged it was an oversight on their part, but then told me I'd have to buy the part ($75) and pay shipping. They also sent fittings that can't possibly work with this compressor and the adapter block, so I get to buy those too. Congratulations, CAA, on another awesome part of this experience!

 

[HawkRod]

It is a shame you have had a tough time with Classic Air. My system has now checked out fully (although I have yet to charge the A/C), and I found their tech support to be very helpful. All their components fit well, although I did customize a fair amount of my installation.

I am surprised they would ask you to pay for a part they messed up on - not good in my opinion....

 

[dpstark2]

I'm trying to be fair. I'm not doing something "off the shelf" so I expect complications. In my opinion the least they could have done was comp the fittings and not charge me shipping on the adapter. I'm sure they would have had me pay for that part up front if anyone had thought of it. But the fittings and shipping shouldn't fall on me.

 

[HawkRod]

I'm trying to be fair. I'm not doing something "off the shelf" so I expect complications. In my opinion the least they could have done was comp the fittings and not charge me shipping on the adapter. I'm sure they would have had me pay for that part up front if anyone had thought of it. But the fittings and shipping shouldn't fall on me.

Sounds to me like you are pretty reasonable. Maybe just give them a call and politely explain to them pretty much like you said it here. Maybe they'll take care of it...

 

[themechanic]

You're getting hosed.

Be done with the local sales rep and call their boss or a regional manager.

 

[dpstark2]

I've talked with their tech support and sales people directly. They don't have local reps that I'm aware of. At this point, I have everything I need and I'm just going to finish it up and be done with it.

Most people have had good experiences with their systems. I'm sure every company has a bad experience now and again.

 

[fratzog lover]

And maybe let them know advice is being gathered from this thread. That might cure the relaxed attitude of customer service.

 

[A383Wing]

friend of mine put Classic's system in a 67 Charger, nothing but problems, poor fit, and it's never worked right or cooled enough since the install. You figure for the price, it would be worth it, but it's not....

stay away from Classic's systems

 

[Dennis H]

My experience is different. Been to the shop in Tampa. Not a nationwide operation. Ice cold for almost 10 years. Never a recharge. Life saver in Reno heat.



Performance is everything in this case.