Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Hello,
I want AC. What is best way to have AC again?
Find stock components to put it back like from factory or install aftermarket system such as vintage air.
My truck is a 70 c20 with AC cab. Under hood all AC equipment gone except for dryer and condenser.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Serge

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

By the time you get all new components it may be better to go aftermarket. That way your firewall is clean and it was designed to work with R134.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I have both systems. My 71 Cheyenne 10 has the stock system with absolutely no modifications and I've been running R134A in it for about six years now. I live in the desert where the temperatures often exceed 110F and the A/C runs comfortably cool. My other car (1967 Mustang) has a Vintage Air R134A system and I have never been satisfied with the performance. It could be because the Vintage Air system that I installed (16 years ago) was one of first systems available. I have heard that the more recent Vintage Air systems are very good now.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Its going to be easier to install an aftermarket kit than to hunt down the stock components. Costs depends on how much good used stuff you can track down. Buying new OE type parts is probably on par with the cost of an aftermarket system.

I went aftermarket for my non-AC truck, and I used http://www.classicautoair.com/
They also sell new OE style stuff for restorations. The aftermarket system is decent. Not perfect by any means, but it works ok and cools well enough that I can drive my truck in the summer. 90+ degrees is somewhat rare here, we get a week or 3 of that most summers. High 80's is the norm.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

new aftermarket systems are far more efficient than the 40year old stuff from stock and it takes less power to run them

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I run vintage air in my 67 c10 (going on 8 years in it) and a 65 mustang (2nd summer with it). Both are great kits. I recently had an issue with my 65, but it was due to a slow Schrader valve leak on the low pressure side, and I stupidly got my Relays wet (my fault) and ruined them so my compressor wouldn't kit on, all fixed now. The one in the truck has never had issues. My wife loves to be cold and she turns the systems down in either vehicle after 15 to 20 minutes.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I just finished my AC and put it back like the factory did it. Got all my parts from old air products and cools awesome. Blows about 45 degrees coming out of the vents. The reason I went with the factory setup is everything fit and looks stock and you use all factory wiring, controls and brackets. I didn't want an aftermarket system that you have to modify the fireall and all that. I love the factory look.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I got a quote for an after market air installed turn key for 2500.thats dual electric fans. My 70 stepside is non ac. Any thoughts from anyone?

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Install it yourself It's not that hard could be done in a weekend. They give you all the templates. they pay a company to check for leaks and charge.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

here is some pics a few tools hole saw drill.
first time installing one it took 8 hr start to finish
Attachment 1250841

Attachment 1250842

Attachment 1250843

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

If you are starting with a truck that left the factory with AC, you can save about $1000 going stock over aftermarket.

There is nothing wrong with the stock system. The only difference between it and a modern system is that the modern system cycles on and off where stock is on until you turn it off. They will both use about the same amount of engine power while running.

I converted a non-AC truck to AC using stock components. You may find some useful information and part numbers in my post:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478564

According to my link above I got $350 into a stock system when starting from a non-AC truck and figured it would be about $200 to re-hab an AC truck (post 8 in link above).

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I love these kinds posts! All these people except a few of us want AC in there trucks But yet they install after markets in them because they work better... Huh! My 40 some year old AC works great and It was way less than any aftermarket kit ever thought about being. I would just about bet to the ones that have aftermarket AC want cut their dashes though for a new radio.
It works better than stock to!
I would much rather look at a truck done right with factory AC than a aftermarket kit anyday.
My was blowing 40* today and it was 90* outside.
;):chevy:

:metal::metal:

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Was the 6.0 stock

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

No,
It has nothing to do with is it stock are not. It has to do with why is it that some mods are ok on these trucks but some aren't according to some on here. I've moded the heck out of mine and I love it. I would rather see a fire wall with the correct looking AC stuff on it and working than a aftermarket system that just looks completely out of place on these year trucks to me.
My AC looks stock to the normal person but it isn't no where near stock. I just get a kick out of seeing these post that say oh don't cut your dash for a new radio. But then you look at the rest of the truck and it's like lowered, custom seats and interior with a LS motor and such but don't cut that dash!
Put the stock AC on your truck and you will have a lot better looking truck under the hood than with a aftermarket system. + it will resale better also. ;):lol::lol::lol:

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I am 66 years old resale is the farthest thing from my mind. N she it comfortable, make it personal, make it cool, make it yours. The naysayers will find enough to critize.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

WOW! Thanks for the feed back guys.
Some great points.
I will admit that stock is my preference but I'm a hands on person but not sure if able to figure out whats needed (most parts gone) and how to install. Reading the reply from Mrein3 gives me a little more confidence.
On the other hand Vintage or similar appear to be do-it yourself friendly.
Will keep researching. .
Thanks again

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

If you want a compact clean look go with the aftermarket, if you want a stock look go stock its that simple. Both systems are more than capable of cooling a small cab. You can even go to R134 on the old R12 system so that is a mute point too.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Aftermarket! The firewall will be much cleaner and the unit will run better too!

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

My 72 had factory air and now has an LS1 with f body accessories. I removed the compressor as it conflicts with the frame... now I'm at the point where I'm ready to look into AC. I understand that the stock variable compressor will not work. So it looks like I'll need a sanden compressor with the kwikperf mount.

The Vintage air kit looks great but it sure is spendy. I still have most of my original AC setup (condenser, evaporater, etc). Can any of this be re-used or do I need to go to an all new setup for R134?

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

The problem with converting a R-12 system to R-134 system is a few things;
The compressor will work harder
The condenser is too small for the system to work efficiently
PAG oil turns to a gel when mixed to mineral oil

I know people have swapped the fittings and called it a day but "most" of the time this never lasts. Additionally the stock lines in the truck are not barrier hoses and with R-134 having a smaller molecular structure it usually finds a way out through them.

If it was me I would either stick with R-12 or swap the entire system over to R-134, but that is just me.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I've had a vintage air system for about 15 years . Works great I'd use them again.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I have vintage air in my factory AC truck and really like it. It's probably one of the best upgrades I've made. Before I installed the VA system I had an AC shop evac my factory system, change the fittings, and charge with 134. It cooled well for about ten years without service. I know many others that have gone this same route, some ran good for a long time and some did not. After my refurb I just could not justify the cost of rebuilding and hanging that 40 year old monstrosity on my firewall. The VA kit was only a few hundred more than procuring all the stuff I needed (new compressor, condenser, dryer, heater core, poa, hoses, etc.) I know some things can be had on the reconditioned market but they are iffy at best and not a good comparison to an all new After market kit.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Check this out serge, Used unit on the parts board if you want to stay original.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=620209

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Yes you can use the factory box but buy new parts to run 134-A. Mine runes great. I have a LS 6.0 LQ4 in mine now.;):chevy:

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5d3bbd73.jpg

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Is that a hard swap on the motor?

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

As someone who is literally bandaging himself up at the moment from running the factory AC vent tubes, let me tell you: stock AC is a bear. In fact, having done the wood bed and engine and everything else on the truck the AC is one of the most challenging systems. And that's starting with an AC truck with almost all the parts present and accounted for. I also have an aftermarket (stock appearing, and not that Custom Autosound junk) radio that's far shallower than the original, and it still sucks.

If I were building a truck with the intent of showing it as a stock truck, as I am, then I'd go with stock AC, like I did. But if I could live with the non-stock appearance of an aftermarket unit, I bet it'd be way easier to deal with.

If you had an AC truck that was complete and just moved parts over, that might not be so bad. But accumulating every little piece (and let me tell you, there are a lot of them once you get into solenoids and flaps and springs and clips and lines and o-rings and so on) could be tough. Plus as everyone knows an AC cab is actually different, and not just for the vent ball holes - the firewall is different I think (maybe even shown in this thread).

All that aside, it's pretty impressive what those guys accomplished back then with vacuum and one power wire. I still think mechanical factory cruise is more of a wonder, but I'm always impressed by what they got done with no computers or electronics back then.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Hey all,
Since I know nothing about AC decided to get a couple estimates from local shops to furnish and install stock AC system in my truck. Thanks to your comments I'll be able to discuss and check these estimates for completeness.
Will then have enough info to choose stock or aftermarket.
Thanks again.
Serge

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I did the whole swap on mine back years ago. I started with a non AC truck. I bought a complete system out of a wrecked truck that a friend had just gotten on the road and his girlfriend wrapped it around a tree. Luckly it was the backside of the cab and bed. I got everything to install it and put it in in a weekend. I didn't have to worry about if it worked are not because I had rode in the truck several times right before she wrecked it. After a few years of R-12 I bought all new condensor,evaperator dryer for 134-A freon to put into the factory locations. The truck works well.;):chevy:

Only on my wallet. I had Hawks thrid gen Camaro do the swap. 3 weeks and it was done. I smile everytime I drive it. The 2014 Hot Rod Power tour is going to be very fun this year!;)

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

Anyone got pictures of pulley belt setup for a 250 6 with ac and pwr steering.

Re: Stock AC vs aftermarket AC
 

I'm going to go with a repro under-dash system. While I'm not all wrapped up in stock, I do like period correct and I know these are because as a little guy, my seat was right smack in front of it on my dad's truck and bonneville.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-672001vhy