Classic car collectors love the clean lines of their cars. They love the way the engine purrs, the tailfins, the chrome. Unfortunately, the only air conditioning system that came standard with classic cars was the 4-55 system -- all four windows rolled down while driving 55 miles per hour.
Classic and antique cars can be retrofitted with modern air conditioning units, but such a modification decreases the value of the car. True collectors look for cars that are in their original condition, or ones that have been restored with original parts. Any aftermarket parts detract from the pristine condition of an original model.
A new portable air conditioning unit is the perfect solution for cooling a classic car on a hot day. Older portable air conditioners required a household outlet to supply electricity. They used Freon to cool the air. Because Freon is a caustic chemical, the portable unit required a well-ventilated area.
Modern portable air conditioning units have seen vast improvements over their older counterparts. An Igloo 25-quart or a Coleman 28-quart food cooler provides the base for many modern air conditioning units. In order to use the cooler as a portable air conditioner, fill the container with ice. Attach the lid securely, ensuring that the power cable is outside the chest. The cooler plugs into the cigarette lighter to power the air conditioning unit, or it can use a 12-volt battery. The lid contains a small draw-fan that pulls the car's air into the cooler, and a 100 CFM brushless fan to circulate the 50-degree air throughout the car.
Unlike bulkier models, this unit requires no hoses, pads, pumps or other gear; it's completely self-contained. It won't tip over, spill or otherwise damage the interior of the vehicle. The unit itself is fuse-protected, and the 10-foot power cord is fully grounded. There is an LED power light that will indicate whether or not the unit is functioning properly.