TMCP #651 – Rick Love on 50 Years of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Innovation & the Future of the Hobby (plus A/C for S-10’s)!

Vintage Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in this special episode, Robert Kibbe welcomes Vintage Air President Rick Love for an in-depth conversation about the company’s remarkable journey from a small hot rod air conditioning supplier to an industry leader. Rick shares how a chance meeting with founder Jack Chisenhall in the early 1980s led to a friendship, collaboration, and eventually a career helping shape one of the most respected brands in the automotive aftermarket. Along the way, he reflects on the family-oriented culture that has helped Vintage Air grow from fewer than 30 employees to nearly 160 today.

The discussion explores how technology has transformed both the company and the hobby itself. Rick explains how 3D scanning, CAD design, rapid prototyping, and Gen V climate control systems have dramatically improved product development while making modern air conditioning easier than ever to integrate into classic cars. From Tri-Five Chevys and Camaros to Japanese imports, Broncos, Scouts, and custom one-off builds, Vintage Air continues expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of enthusiasts.

Rick also shares his thoughts on AI, tariffs, SEMA’s ongoing legislative efforts to protect automotive enthusiasts, and the growing market for reproduction vehicles and low-volume production cars. Whether you’re restoring a classic, building a pro-touring machine, or simply enjoy hearing stories from one of the hobby’s most respected leaders, this episode offers a fascinating look at where the automotive aftermarket has been—and where it’s headed next.

TMCP #628: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular #2 – Mike and Jim The Ring Brothers, – Jim Dvorak with Mothers Car Care, Jason Engel and Jared Morris Trick Rides Fully Custom 1969 Mustang, Rick Love with Vintage Air

In this second episode of our SEMA 2025 series, we dive headfirst into the builders and brands that continue to reshape the automotive world. From the groundbreaking work of Ringbrothers and their jaw-dropping carbon-fiber Aston Martin “Octavio” build, to the bold vision of Trick Rides and their all-carbon widebody ’69 Mustang “Scorched” series, this episode is packed with innovation, craftsmanship, and next-level thinking. We also step into the world of modern car care with Mothers, highlighting the latest in ceramic protection, paint correction, HydroClay technology, and easy-to-apply spray ceramic coatings that are changing how enthusiasts maintain their builds.

We also connect with longtime industry leaders at Vintage Air, where Rick Love walks us through the latest airflow upgrades, RGB-lit control panels, Dakota Digital integration, expanded builder systems, and new Jeep-specific solutions — all as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. From million-dollar custom builds to practical products you can use in your own garage, this episode delivers the real stories, real tech, and real passion you only get when walking the SEMA show floor with The Muscle Car Place crew.

TMCP #580: Rick Love – Vintage Air Summer Special – Join The Vintage Air Road Tour Headed To Goodguys Iowa! New Technology Air Conditioning For Your Classic Ride!

This week I had the extreme pleasure to once again talk to Vintage Air President Rick Love. Vintage Air has been a long time sponsor of this show, and chances are you have a Vintage Air system (or many Vintage Air parts) in your current ride. Their name is synonymous with hot rod air conditioning (and heating), much like Kleenex is to tissues! As always though the company is only a representation of the people behind it and in it and Rick Love has been there since 1998 earning the company awards for service, support and technology!

TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! – Cam Douglass, OPTIMA Series – Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts – Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustang Systems!

TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! – Cam Douglas, OPTIMA Series – Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts – Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustang Systems!

TMCP #540: Vintage Air, Rick Love – How To Keep Your Cool In The Hot Summer Days Ahead – Preserving Old Cars And Trucks To Enjoy Into The Future

This week I had the extreme pleasure to once again talk to Vintage Air President Rick Love. Vintage Air has been a long time sponsor of this show, and chances are you have a Vintage Air system (or many Vintage Air parts) in your current ride. Their name is synonymous with hot rod air conditioning (and heating), much like Kleenex is to tissues! As always though the company is only a representation of the people behind it and in it. Rick Love has been there since 1998, but has an even deeper history than that with the company.

TMCP #504: Rick Love from Vintage Air; Re-inventing Class Car A/C, Electric Compressor Evaluations, and Killer Hot Rod!

Every spring, when the weather starts to get warm, I like to talk to Rick Love, President of Vintage Air about new cold air products and technical details of the add on systems. Rick is an amazing resource and a leader, not only in air conditioning but in the automotive aftermarket as a whole. At the 2021 SEMA show he was inducted into the SEMA hall of fame for his lifetime of work in the industry!

TMCP #472: Rick Love on Keeping Hot Rods and Muscle Cars Cool with Vintage Air; Craig Morrison Tribute

This week, marks the official return of summer and the one interview you can count on, Rick Love of Vintage Air! Rick has been on the show going back to episode 144 and Vintage Air was key in providing the Chevelle with its crisp cool breeze. I look forward to seeing Rick at SEMA every year. 2020 was a full year for us all, but especially Rick. He is now the President of Vintage Air and will soon be inducted into the SEMA Hall of fame!

I also asked Rick to speak on the state of the aftermarket as a whole in light of 2020’s effects on everything (supply chain, material costs, shipping, etc.) and discuss the rise in quality we’ve seen the past 10 years for parts in general. In addition I had hoped he could speak to the impact and legacy of the late Craig Morrison…..which he did gracefully. Craig and his father Art worked hand in hand in growing Art Morrison Enterprises of course, but Craig was a friend to all. He’ll be deeply missed and our sympathies go out to his wife, son, parents, and all extended family and friends.

TMCP #398: Vintage Air’s Rick Love – A/C Systems and Troubleshooting for Every Muscle Car; NPD’s Ask Rick – Tools That Sell, Toys that Don’t, and Fireworks on the 4th!

Happy 4th of July, 2019! This week our guest was Rick Love, the executive vice president of Vintage Air, manufacturer extraordinaire of cutting edge air conditioning retrofit products. Listen in to hear how and why they make everything – even their plastic – in house! Plus, hear what the NUMBER ONE issue that occurs after a Vintage Air installation (hint – it has to do with the way the system is charged).