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 #578: Fifteen Years Of The Muscle Car Place With Jeff Allison – How To Build Cars And Gain A Family

This week marks the fifteenth anniversary of The Musclecar Place podcast and all of the adventures that have ensued since then. Fifteen years ago I had a dream to start a radio show where I could talk about fast classic cars and meet people that build, race or buy and sell those vehicles. The one “guest” that has been on the show more than any of them, and has had a bigger impact than all of them, is Jeff Allison. Jeff is the one that stepped up and took a huge chance and changed both of our lives forever. In this interview we take a trip down memory lane and recollect how we met and built a race car that went to SEMA and made a family out of a podcast.

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 #541: Topher McGinnis – The Headlight Motor Man Can! Restoration for Hidden Headlights, Open to Close!

This week our guest was Topher McGinnis, otherwise known as the “Headlight Motor man.” He is the person in the vast world of “MOPAR hidden headlight restoration” and has found a unique way to service a very specific segment of the restoration industry. I didn’t ask him specifically about non MOPAR applications, but I’m sure he’d be willing to help give advice one way or the other!

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.