Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

I have a vintage air system in my 55 Thunderbird. I think the evaporator is freezing because air flow seems to be restricted after running the unit at max cool.

I was trying to get the unit as cold as possible (there are a lot of leaks around my convertible top), I had the thermostat on max, vent ...

In the video of your Manifold Gauge Set, it sounds to me like the engine is idling. If so, bump-up the engine speed to about 1,800 RPM, and retest the pressures. Otherwise, according to the Vintage Air specs, the system appears to be fully charged and operating normally.


You are correct it was ...

Cusser wrote: Mon Jul 06, 2026 6:44 am

RossL wrote: Sun Jul 05, 2026 6:06 pm Duct temperature 38-42.

If 38-42F, why are you complaining ???

I just wanted to make sure the readings looked OK. I was giving the vent temp as a frame of reference

Please take a look at my gauge readings . Duct temperature 38-42.

My low side seems a little higher.

It was 85degrees today with 70 % humidity

https://youtu.be/J7go7-uqFMM . (at 1:11 the system changes)

Vintage air specs:

Target Pressures and Temperatures
If your system is properly charged ...

Vintage Air suggested to flush the system. I beleive they said this to ensure all of the oil is out of the system before it's recharged.
Okay. Only you know why you installed the Vintage Air system, and then removed everything—a very unusual procedure and a lot of work.

Did you charge and run ...

Vintage Air suggested to flush the system. I beleive they said this to ensure all of the oil is out of the system before it's recharged.

There was no damage to the compressor. I highly doubt any debris was introduced by the line.

This is the description for the condenser "Condenser, 14” x 18 ...

I have a Vintage Air Kit in my 55 Thunderbird. One of the hard lines from my condensor to the dyer was damaged and developed a leak a lot of oil came out with the R134a.

I have a new dryer and lines. I read not to flush the dryer or the compressor.

I have all of the components removed from the car ...

Radiator hoses are Ford repros. Lower hose has a spring in it. I am using a 16" electric fan with a full shroud. Fan comes on with AC and/or sensor in radiator

I insulated all the fuel lines in the engine bay and at the tank were one of the lines crosses the exhaust.

I have a 55 Thunderbird. I installed a Vintage Air AC kit. The temp gauge goes very high after driving with AC on when temps outside are 85+. I occasionally get vapor lock. The car does not boil over. I've measured temp of top rad tank and it seems to hover at 200 (-/+ 10)

I had my original ...

Vintage Air returned my call today. They said the high/low numbers are good. They suggested I turn down the temperature control to try to maintain 38/40 degrees out of the vents.