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FEATURE INTERVIEWS:
Vintage Air Summer Special – Rick Love:
This week is finally an episode I look forward to every year: the annual Vintage Air Summer Special with President Rick Love. This year is especially significant because Vintage Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For five decades, Vintage Air has been synonymous with cutting-edge climate control systems for classic vehicles, and much of that success can be traced back to the people behind the company. Rick often says that the strength of any company comes down to its people, and after spending time with the Vintage Air team, it’s easy to see why they’ve earned such a stellar reputation throughout the automotive aftermarket.
Rick didn’t grow up in Texas, but he got there as quickly as he could. Growing up in upstate New York, he became fascinated with Texas history and eventually landed in San Antonio after college. Shortly after arriving, he met Vintage Air founder Jack Chisenhall, a chance encounter that would change the course of his life. At the time, Rick was driving a chopped 1940 Pontiac and trying to survive on a young man’s budget. When he brought an old swap-meet air conditioning unit to Vintage Air looking for help, Jack found a cosmetically damaged unit in the back and practically gave it to him. That act of kindness started a friendship that led to years of collaboration, road trips, product development, and eventually Rick taking the reins of the company when Jack retired.
Technology Then and Now
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation centered on how technology continues to shape the hobby. Like many businesses, Vintage Air is beginning to explore artificial intelligence, though Rick admits they’re still in the early stages. Today, AI is helping with simple tasks like refining emails and assisting with basic coding projects, but the real technological revolution at Vintage Air is happening in product development.
Using 3D scanning, CAD design, laser cutting, and rapid prototyping, the company can now develop products faster and more accurately than ever before. Rick explained that a completely new SureFit system can often be developed in roughly sixty days, a process that once took dramatically longer. The current Gen V platform has also standardized electronics across the entire product line while improving airflow, temperature control, and overall performance. Vintage Air has even partnered with Dakota Digital to create advanced control panels that integrate seamlessly with Dakota gauges, including RGB lighting that can mimic factory incandescent illumination for an authentic vintage appearance.
How Do I Get Air Conditioning Into a Custom Build?
A listener asked what happens when you’re building something that doesn’t have a dedicated SureFit kit available. Rick’s answer was refreshingly simple: start by determining how much room you have behind the dash. The larger the evaporator that fits, the greater the cooling capacity available for the vehicle.
From there, builders can explore Vintage Air’s Builder Series components and essentially create a custom system à la carte. By selecting the appropriate evaporator, condenser, controls, and accessories, enthusiasts can build a climate control system tailored specifically to their project. Whether it’s a custom truck, vintage hauler, one-off street rod, or unique restoration, the Builder Series was designed to give builders flexibility without sacrificing performance. And if you’re unsure where to start, Vintage Air’s technical support team is just a phone call away at 1-800-862-6658.
The Future of the Hobby
The conversation eventually shifted beyond air conditioning and into the broader automotive hobby. Rick shared his thoughts on tariffs, rising material costs, and the challenges manufacturers face in today’s market. While increased costs are certainly impacting the industry, he believes it’s still too early to fully understand the long-term effects.
What concerns him more are legislative efforts that could impact enthusiasts’ ability to enjoy their vehicles. Rick highlighted the importance of organizations like SEMA that monitor and fight restrictive legislation affecting classic car owners across the country. At the same time, he’s incredibly optimistic about the future. From reproduction Bronco, Scout, and Mustang bodies to low-volume production vehicles and the continued growth of the restomod market, enthusiasts today have more opportunities than ever before to build, restore, and enjoy classic vehicles.
For anyone passionate about classic cars, trucks, hot rods, or the future of the automotive aftermarket, this year’s Vintage Air Summer Special is packed with insight, stories, and perspective from one of the most respected voices in the industry.
Learn More About Vintage Air
You can learn more about Vintage Air, browse their complete line of products, or follow what they’re up to at VintageAir.com.
You can also follow them on Instagram at Instagram.com/VintageAir and check out Vintage Air TV on YouTube at YouTube.com/@va197653.
If you’re ever in San Antonio, stop by and see them in person, or visit them at one of the many events they attend throughout the year. And don’t forget to tell them you heard about them here on The Muscle Car Place.
Thanks Rick!
This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot – your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!
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This episode also includes the return of the Vintage Air Summer Special!
Vintage Air are the inventors of high performance air conditioning,
and provide systems for Street Rods, Muscle Cars, and Classic Vehicles.
More info is available on the website as well!
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Dallas Kibbe – Racing Update:
Throughout this past week, Dallas was in a very fast @setzer_racing_ race car. He placed first in practice and qualified in third place at Orange County Speedway in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series class. During the race, he maintained third and fourth positions for much of the time, however, late in the race, he got loose during a long run, which caused him to fall back to fifth place. Overall, it was a valuable learning experience, and he knows what to work on next “We have plenty of speed; now it’s all about consistency”.
Follow Dallas Kibbe Racing for race results, stats, and behind-the-scenes racing action:
https://www.facebook.com/DallasKibbeRacing
https://www.instagram.com/dallaskibbe_13/
https://www.tiktok.com/@dallaskibbe_13
https://www.myracepass.com/drivers/178661
MyRacePass.com/drivers/178661.
A special thanks goes out to Lexani Tires, Lionhart Tires, Rolling Big Power Tires, and the team at SimpleTire.com for their continued support of Dallas’ racing journey.
