Links to the other 2 HVAC Videos I discussed and Product Link for the Adapters: *** AC Soft Lines video: th-cam.com/video/_Ot5MRB3sjw/w-d-xo.html *** AC Hard Line video: th-cam.com/video/buALCM7S0HI/w-d-xo.html Adapters Used: *** AeroFlow Adapters (cheapest for #10): www.aeroflowperformance.com/catalog/product/view/id/8079/s/af88-3003-10an-adapter-for-bulkhead-1pc/
Just adding this comment because it totally had me ripping my hair out for a while, but #6 A/C fittings use 5/8 -18 thread while AN -6 fittings use 9/16-18 thread so while someone may make an insert product it's going to be completely useless for converting #6 to -6AN. #8 and #10 are indeed identical though. Thanks for the video!
Now the heater hoses don’t match the A/C hoses. However, I’m glad I found these videos. Now I found the A/C o-ring style fittings to go in water pump can run all E-Z clip hoses and fittings
Glad google brought me to this vid, exactly what i was looking for to finish up some heater and ac hoses for my ls swapped brz due to size and tight fit!
Love to hear it. If you missed it, I did a full video about installing AN fittings to LSx water pumps find it here: th-cam.com/video/juEKX6fHh7c/w-d-xo.html
Well there ya go, i just did the ugly rubber hose and ugly clamps because i had no idea about these adapters until now... so i subscribed as requested.
Glad you enjoyed it! I never know if I'm providing too little or too much detail. Somehow it always feels like a bit of both, so that is great to hear.
Much appreciated Ron. I learned of these a few years ago via an Instagram ad of all things, then completely forgot who made them. I was so happy when I re-"found" them.
I’m so glad I find this channel! This is the first video I’ve seen from you. Found this channel while researching how to rewire my car and then saw all the other content you have. Thank you for everything you are doing to support the car community! Lol I don’t even have a hot rod Ive got a k swapped mr2
If you want AN type fitting that resist high pressure you can go with hydraulic JIC fittings and hoses. JIC fittings have the same geometry and are derived straight from AN but are made of steel or stainless. You can go to an hydraulic shop and get them to crimp you hoses or you can use what is called field attachable or reusable hoses and fittings that use the same threaded collet over barbed fittings principle. You can look at Parker 20 or 42 series, or 43 series for the crimped style. Reusable fitting usually have lower pressure tolerance than full machine crimped hoses but would be plenty to handle the 350psi from an A/C system. The only thing is the reason A/C system use oring compression fittings is the size of molecules in the refrigerant gas.
The problem comes in with internal o-rings on the fittings and the hose makeup. Plenty of AN fittings are rated for the pressures AC systems run at, but their o-ring seals and hoses aren’t rated for Refrigerant. Crimp on ends that don’t have swivels would almost entirely alleviate this issue though. But that means having or having access to a very expensive crimping setup. If the hose can’t provide an adequate barrier refrigerant will permeate right through it. I’m aware of a company I’m going to contact that may have the best solution I’m currently aware of. I just have to hit up the owner and discuss it with him.
@@HotRodHippie you could look into ORB fittings as well, they include an o ring and are 37 degree flare, could maybe get away with an adapter to go from ORB to JIC/AN
@@HotRodHippie field servicable JIC hose ends that do not swivel do not have o-rings. My question to you sir is.. Why not use JIC for the hardlines and then install the adapters at the components? As far as the softlines, I personaly would keep a traditional AC fitting for future serviceability. As long as the JIC fittings are rated for the pressures of the system, why not?
@@christopherhutton2035 In my experience getting JIC fittings to seal at those pressures requires a really good sealing surface or a fair amoutn of torque. As well as being just coated Steel fittings that don't match well with the rest of the fittings on most builds. So tightening them onto the softer aluminum fittings and bulkheads used on custom cars could be a concern. And if I'm not going to match the fittings present, I'd rather have a stark contrast where you can say "Oh yea that is clearly the AC lines". Instead of "huh why are those lines a little different?" I'm not quite sure if you are suggesting using JIC flex hose as you agreed the traditional fitting/hose makes sense. But hoses handling Refrigerant is more than just pressure ratings. It is also a hoses permeability and ability to hold up to the refrigerants. Not all hoses can handle it and I haven't found many random flex hoses that are. Most AN/JIC type hoses that can are Teflon lined to function as their primary barrier.
Have you ever tried to slip the black braided sleeving over the actual hose before you crimp. I did this on my mustang years ago. It never leaked for the years I had it. I had a new ac hose made and brought the sleeving to the person crimping. Looked really good.
First of all, Very informative and I am working on the same kind of install and Now I'm looking forward to doing the same firewall bulk head with the heater and AC lines. But how did you connect the heater hose to the Heater control valve that Vintage Air provides to cut off the water when the AC is on? It is only set up to slip on the hose and clamp it.
I install those under the dash of the vehicle, inside the cabin. It’s a little annoying to install them under there with how cramped space can be but it makes the under hood area look so much cleaner. No wiring to pass through or valve floating in the middle of nowhere. I’ve had one leak over the years, but I try and put it somewhere that may not be an issue. Usually as tight it the kick panel as I can manage. I’ll usually make a 90 degree turn right out of the bulkhead, go to the valve, then loop back to the hvac box. This is where pre-molded heater hoses come in BIG help. I really like the Chevy Astro Van heater hoses as they are long and can be used to cut up for a lot of applications. They have a 90 and a 180 bend on them already. amzn.to/3V2mTWL (affiliate link)
Love the heater hose look. What about the heater control valve? I didn't see it being considered. Also, I can't find anything online showing the inside of the firewall connections to bulkhead plates. Is that all custom? Shocking there isn't fittings to make using bulkhead connectors easier to use on both sides of the firewall.
Ptfe AN lines work, you can buy proper AC ends for them (o ring seal, not 37 degree) with service ports and everything. Easy to assemble with hand tools.
I've still not come across any viable options (in my opinion). Folks constantly comment telling me they've found the magic solution, but they usually lack understanding of what the issue is and the options won't work (for me). There is a line from Aeroquip of "AN" hoses but they are using a different design system. The hoses are tiny and not very flexible (teflon line braided lines). They are fiddly to assembly, and VERY difficult to clock the way you want (they don't have swivel fittings). It is a bad system in my opinion, but the only one that I know of even close.
So where to get those bulkhead fittings. The application is an 87 Chevy squarebody. Planning to install Vintage Air system. Planning to shave the firewall.
Is there any rule to the height of these lines? Can the ac and heater hose lines be ran really low and have the block be on a low portion of the fire wall, of course theyd need to connect to the hoses on the other side of the wall. Just curious if there’s any height restrictions to have proper flow. Trying to do a ultra tucked look but retain heat and ac. Thanks
I’ve been meaning to make a video about that thing for wayyyy too long. I thought it was silly but it’s absolutely great. I also have a spare one to give away. It is from RedHorse Performance. If you do hoses often, it’s totally worth it. Hard to justify otherwise. amzn.to/3NFc2dZ
Love this video. Any thoughts on an adapter for heater control valve inlet and outlet using an fittings. I am using a vintage air control valve and it utilizes a barb and hose clamp. This is for a 68 C10 With SBC.
Personally I mount the control valves under the dashboard where I don't use AN hoses. No reason in those cramped situations and the flexibility of regular heater hoses generally works out better under there. I may do a video about this exacty topic soon. It also means no ugly valve under the hood and no need to run wiring to the valve either.
@@HotRodHippie thank you. You’re so right. I got hung up on the vintage air directions and forgot what I was trying to accomplish. To keep the engine compartment clean and neat.
You'll have 2 different sized hoses on the stock configuration. 5/8" inlet (#10 AN) & 3/4" outlet (#12 AN). The only option that comes to mind is Compression Fitting type Tube Adapters, but they don't come in large enough sizes to my knowledge. If it was me, I'd probably look at installing an aftermarket heater like one from Vintage Air. They have units that are JUST heaters and much more compact. Then using a 2 Fitting Bulkhead similar to how I showed in this video.
Why not use the ez clip hoses offered from vintage air the fittings look a lot cleaner. At our shop we use that and put braided wire loom over it with a little heat shrink on the ends and it mimics the an style hose.
I really don’t like the look of it personally. And generally the fittings are longer than bead lock style hoses. I’m often turn corners quickly in an effort to minimize visible hoses. Every bit of length to the fittings often ends up mattering. Especially under dash where space is a premium. I’ve used it, and choose not to anymore. Just not for me.
Nope. That’s get so complicated so fast and is jammed under the dashboard. You won’t see anything. Maybe I could remove it with the unit attached and show it, but every car I do ends up a bit different in there and none of them are fun.
The air to bulkhead side is very custom. I just tried to install mine with 45 degree AN fittings for the heater following the template and they don't fit. Unit hits the fittings. They assume you are just bending the hose. Moved the holes in the firewall to make more room knowing that now the pre-fab AC fittings that came with the unit will be useless. An excuse to make more custom fittings ( covered in another video ! ).
@@jackjames6979 I’m not fully following, but the way the fittings on these bulkheads are situated you can only clock them certain directions. You can’t get two fittings to follow the same angle unless they are clearing each other. Say two 45s usually can’t just shoot straight down as they will collide. It’s an annoying fact of life since they don’t want to make the bulkheads so large that they don’t fit any cars.
No. Regular Braided Hose is NOT rated to retain freon. It will leech out through the rubber and dissipate into the atmosphere. You'll both have a non-functional AC system after a period of time and be harming the environment in the process. AC Hoses have specific materials in their construction that are there just to contain the freon, along with others to hold against pressure. Also some Braided Hoses are rated for the pressure AC system can hit, but rarely are they rated for such high sustained pressures. Regular braided hose shouldn't be used on AC or High Pressure Applications like Power Steering or Brake systems. Dedicated hoses are required.
It uses specific AC hose ends, not standard AN fittings. I’ve worked with it and largely hate it. The OD of it is tiny, so it looks entirely out of place and doesn’t fit into most hose organizers readily available. It doesn’t bend nicely and has to turn in relatively large radii sweeps. And the hose ends are not swivels, so clocking is extremely difficult. When you tighten the collar onto the hose with the fitting, it often swivels and ruins your clocking. I refuse to use the stuff personally.
Links to the other 2 HVAC Videos I discussed and Product Link for the Adapters:
*** AC Soft Lines video: th-cam.com/video/_Ot5MRB3sjw/w-d-xo.html
*** AC Hard Line video: th-cam.com/video/buALCM7S0HI/w-d-xo.html
Adapters Used:
*** AeroFlow Adapters (cheapest for #10): www.aeroflowperformance.com/catalog/product/view/id/8079/s/af88-3003-10an-adapter-for-bulkhead-1pc/
I’m thinking I’m going to give it a shot
Just adding this comment because it totally had me ripping my hair out for a while, but #6 A/C fittings use 5/8 -18 thread while AN -6 fittings use 9/16-18 thread so while someone may make an insert product it's going to be completely useless for converting #6 to -6AN. #8 and #10 are indeed identical though. Thanks for the video!
Now the heater hoses don’t match the A/C hoses. However, I’m glad I found these videos. Now I found the A/C o-ring style fittings to go in water pump can run all E-Z clip hoses and fittings
Glad google brought me to this vid, exactly what i was looking for to finish up some heater and ac hoses for my ls swapped brz due to size and tight fit!
Love to hear it. If you missed it, I did a full video about installing AN fittings to LSx water pumps find it here: th-cam.com/video/juEKX6fHh7c/w-d-xo.html
Well there ya go, i just did the ugly rubber hose and ugly clamps because i had no idea about these adapters until now... so i subscribed as requested.
GREAT ONE! Really enjoy all of the little tips you throw in as you go along.
Glad you enjoyed it! I never know if I'm providing too little or too much detail. Somehow it always feels like a bit of both, so that is great to hear.
Alan - very well done, and well explained! I was not aware of those adapters, and it is clear how they can really clean up hose installations!
Much appreciated Ron. I learned of these a few years ago via an Instagram ad of all things, then completely forgot who made them. I was so happy when I re-"found" them.
I’m so glad I find this channel! This is the first video I’ve seen from you. Found this channel while researching how to rewire my car and then saw all the other content you have. Thank you for everything you are doing to support the car community! Lol I don’t even have a hot rod Ive got a k swapped mr2
If you want AN type fitting that resist high pressure you can go with hydraulic JIC fittings and hoses. JIC fittings have the same geometry and are derived straight from AN but are made of steel or stainless. You can go to an hydraulic shop and get them to crimp you hoses or you can use what is called field attachable or reusable hoses and fittings that use the same threaded collet over barbed fittings principle. You can look at Parker 20 or 42 series, or 43 series for the crimped style. Reusable fitting usually have lower pressure tolerance than full machine crimped hoses but would be plenty to handle the 350psi from an A/C system. The only thing is the reason A/C system use oring compression fittings is the size of molecules in the refrigerant gas.
The problem comes in with internal o-rings on the fittings and the hose makeup. Plenty of AN fittings are rated for the pressures AC systems run at, but their o-ring seals and hoses aren’t rated for Refrigerant. Crimp on ends that don’t have swivels would almost entirely alleviate this issue though. But that means having or having access to a very expensive crimping setup. If the hose can’t provide an adequate barrier refrigerant will permeate right through it.
I’m aware of a company I’m going to contact that may have the best solution I’m currently aware of. I just have to hit up the owner and discuss it with him.
@@HotRodHippie you could look into ORB fittings as well, they include an o ring and are 37 degree flare, could maybe get away with an adapter to go from ORB to JIC/AN
@@HotRodHippie field servicable JIC hose ends that do not swivel do not have o-rings. My question to you sir is.. Why not use JIC for the hardlines and then install the adapters at the components? As far as the softlines, I personaly would keep a traditional AC fitting for future serviceability. As long as the JIC fittings are rated for the pressures of the system, why not?
@@christopherhutton2035 In my experience getting JIC fittings to seal at those pressures requires a really good sealing surface or a fair amoutn of torque. As well as being just coated Steel fittings that don't match well with the rest of the fittings on most builds. So tightening them onto the softer aluminum fittings and bulkheads used on custom cars could be a concern. And if I'm not going to match the fittings present, I'd rather have a stark contrast where you can say "Oh yea that is clearly the AC lines". Instead of "huh why are those lines a little different?"
I'm not quite sure if you are suggesting using JIC flex hose as you agreed the traditional fitting/hose makes sense. But hoses handling Refrigerant is more than just pressure ratings. It is also a hoses permeability and ability to hold up to the refrigerants. Not all hoses can handle it and I haven't found many random flex hoses that are. Most AN/JIC type hoses that can are Teflon lined to function as their primary barrier.
Have you ever tried to slip the black braided sleeving over the actual hose before you crimp. I did this on my mustang years ago. It never leaked for the years I had it. I had a new ac hose made and brought the sleeving to the person crimping. Looked really good.
Always a wealth of information! Thank you Alan 🙌🏼🙇🏻
Much appreciated Chop 👍🏻👍🏻
First of all, Very informative and I am working on the same kind of install and Now I'm looking forward to doing the same firewall bulk head with the heater and AC lines. But how did you connect the heater hose to the Heater control valve that Vintage Air provides to cut off the water when the AC is on? It is only set up to slip on the hose and clamp it.
I install those under the dash of the vehicle, inside the cabin. It’s a little annoying to install them under there with how cramped space can be but it makes the under hood area look so much cleaner. No wiring to pass through or valve floating in the middle of nowhere. I’ve had one leak over the years, but I try and put it somewhere that may not be an issue. Usually as tight it the kick panel as I can manage. I’ll usually make a 90 degree turn right out of the bulkhead, go to the valve, then loop back to the hvac box. This is where pre-molded heater hoses come in BIG help. I really like the Chevy Astro Van heater hoses as they are long and can be used to cut up for a lot of applications. They have a 90 and a 180 bend on them already. amzn.to/3V2mTWL (affiliate link)
Love the heater hose look. What about the heater control valve? I didn't see it being considered. Also, I can't find anything online showing the inside of the firewall connections to bulkhead plates. Is that all custom? Shocking there isn't fittings to make using bulkhead connectors easier to use on both sides of the firewall.
Ptfe AN lines work, you can buy proper AC ends for them (o ring seal, not 37 degree) with service ports and everything. Easy to assemble with hand tools.
Areeoflow do nice air conditioning hose ends to match your an fittings
This is the first video of yours I’ve come across! Any update on the AN style AC hoses?
I've still not come across any viable options (in my opinion). Folks constantly comment telling me they've found the magic solution, but they usually lack understanding of what the issue is and the options won't work (for me).
There is a line from Aeroquip of "AN" hoses but they are using a different design system. The hoses are tiny and not very flexible (teflon line braided lines). They are fiddly to assembly, and VERY difficult to clock the way you want (they don't have swivel fittings). It is a bad system in my opinion, but the only one that I know of even close.
How did you mount your ac unit inside your c10 I would love to see a few pictures if you could
Nice video, well explained. Those fittings are cool. Mahalo for sharing! : ) 🐒
So where to get those bulkhead fittings. The application is an 87 Chevy squarebody. Planning to install Vintage Air system. Planning to shave the firewall.
Is there any rule to the height of these lines? Can the ac and heater hose lines be ran really low and have the block be on a low portion of the fire wall, of course theyd need to connect to the hoses on the other side of the wall. Just curious if there’s any height restrictions to have proper flow. Trying to do a ultra tucked look but retain heat and ac. Thanks
What is that black took you are using to install the fitting on the hose? It looks to make quick work of installing it rather than using a wrench.
I’ve been meaning to make a video about that thing for wayyyy too long. I thought it was silly but it’s absolutely great. I also have a spare one to give away.
It is from RedHorse Performance. If you do hoses often, it’s totally worth it. Hard to justify otherwise. amzn.to/3NFc2dZ
Love this video. Any thoughts on an adapter for heater control valve inlet and outlet using an fittings. I am using a vintage air control valve and it utilizes a barb and hose clamp. This is for a 68 C10 With SBC.
Personally I mount the control valves under the dashboard where I don't use AN hoses. No reason in those cramped situations and the flexibility of regular heater hoses generally works out better under there. I may do a video about this exacty topic soon. It also means no ugly valve under the hood and no need to run wiring to the valve either.
@@HotRodHippie thank you. You’re so right. I got hung up on the vintage air directions and forgot what I was trying to accomplish. To keep the engine compartment clean and neat.
How does that bulkhead secure to the firewall
Is their an adaptor to use AN fittings on 57 belair where heater lines come out of the firewall ?
You'll have 2 different sized hoses on the stock configuration. 5/8" inlet (#10 AN) & 3/4" outlet (#12 AN). The only option that comes to mind is Compression Fitting type Tube Adapters, but they don't come in large enough sizes to my knowledge.
If it was me, I'd probably look at installing an aftermarket heater like one from Vintage Air. They have units that are JUST heaters and much more compact. Then using a 2 Fitting Bulkhead similar to how I showed in this video.
Why not use the ez clip hoses offered from vintage air the fittings look a lot cleaner. At our shop we use that and put braided wire loom over it with a little heat shrink on the ends and it mimics the an style hose.
I really don’t like the look of it personally. And generally the fittings are longer than bead lock style hoses. I’m often turn corners quickly in an effort to minimize visible hoses. Every bit of length to the fittings often ends up mattering. Especially under dash where space is a premium.
I’ve used it, and choose not to anymore. Just not for me.
can u show the connection to the vintage air unit from behind bulk head
Nope. That’s get so complicated so fast and is jammed under the dashboard. You won’t see anything. Maybe I could remove it with the unit attached and show it, but every car I do ends up a bit different in there and none of them are fun.
The air to bulkhead side is very custom. I just tried to install mine with 45 degree AN fittings for the heater following the template and they don't fit. Unit hits the fittings. They assume you are just bending the hose. Moved the holes in the firewall to make more room knowing that now the pre-fab AC fittings that came with the unit will be useless. An excuse to make more custom fittings ( covered in another video ! ).
@@jackjames6979 I’m not fully following, but the way the fittings on these bulkheads are situated you can only clock them certain directions. You can’t get two fittings to follow the same angle unless they are clearing each other. Say two 45s usually can’t just shoot straight down as they will collide. It’s an annoying fact of life since they don’t want to make the bulkheads so large that they don’t fit any cars.
What hv/ac unit image u using on this
So can I use ac fitting with an braided hose
No. Regular Braided Hose is NOT rated to retain freon. It will leech out through the rubber and dissipate into the atmosphere. You'll both have a non-functional AC system after a period of time and be harming the environment in the process. AC Hoses have specific materials in their construction that are there just to contain the freon, along with others to hold against pressure. Also some Braided Hoses are rated for the pressure AC system can hit, but rarely are they rated for such high sustained pressures. Regular braided hose shouldn't be used on AC or High Pressure Applications like Power Steering or Brake systems. Dedicated hoses are required.
@@HotRodHippie so PPFE hose will not hold the pressure also
You have a email I can send you a video you to I’m in a very tight spot so I need a ac hose that’s flexible that won’t bend
I’m sorry pTFE hose ?
Aeroflow 800 series hose is suitable for ac
It uses specific AC hose ends, not standard AN fittings. I’ve worked with it and largely hate it. The OD of it is tiny, so it looks entirely out of place and doesn’t fit into most hose organizers readily available. It doesn’t bend nicely and has to turn in relatively large radii sweeps. And the hose ends are not swivels, so clocking is extremely difficult. When you tighten the collar onto the hose with the fitting, it often swivels and ruins your clocking. I refuse to use the stuff personally.
@@HotRodHippie ahh makes sense haha what would you use for a diy interchiller?