What do i do? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72SWB4X4 · 05-27-2003, 11:59 AM

I am not very Knowledgeable about Air Conditioning but my truck was original with it. Now I need to replace all the A/C parts under the hood and get it working. I have been told to yank all my old parts out and purchase a vintage air setup, but seems wasteful. Does the original system work well, or does my mechanic want me to spend more money?? Suggestions needed.....

**BIG ORANGE** · 05-27-2003, 12:12 PM

If you need any vent pieces under the dash i have them!

Hutch · 05-27-2003, 12:47 PM

Sounds like good advice to me.
Consider it an upgrade.
The original systems were designed for r-12 and the new ones are designed for r-134a.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-27-2003, 01:00 PM

The original system works ok if it is in good condition. What your mechanic might be looking at is replacing all of the major components, (condenser, evaporator, hoses, pump, etc.) and the cost could exceed the cost of another system by the time he is finished with it. Repairing an old system can be a problem of where to stop as everything is over 30 years old and there is a real possibility that dirt is throughout the system. It would be almost impossible for someone to guarantee a system withour replacing everything.

We have chosen to repair the old systems in our vehicles, but it was not to save money. We have the ability to make the repairs
and we want to keep the original look. We could end up spending more than the cost of a new one, especially if a leak develops or something fails in the future.

Jim

tom hand · 05-27-2003, 04:52 PM

Since you live in Key West, I don't think you would ever be happy with the stock one...when it is really hot they just don't cut it. I have had serveral 71-72's and all of them had crappy air. I have had 73-74 trucks that would freeze you out of the truck. I really think the difference between the two is the size of the condencer. I put a vintage air in my truck and would never think about going back to the stock setup

05-27-2003, 05:20 PM

I thought about the same thing. You'll either have to take the time to pay someone or do it yourself to figure out what needs fixed or replaced, and in Ca labor is 60.00/hr. Then buy the products that you need and then install them. So to almost the same amount of money you get everything brand new, plus instructions on how to put it in and its up to date compared to the old stuff that you have.

05-27-2003, 11:59 AM	#1
72SWB4X4 Florida Key's Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Key West Florida Posts: 143	What do i do? I am not very Knowledgeable about Air Conditioning but my truck was original with it. Now I need to replace all the A/C parts under the hood and get it working. I have been told to yank all my old parts out and purchase a vintage air setup, but seems wasteful. Does the original system work well, or does my mechanic want me to spend more money?? Suggestions needed..... __________________ Craig Wood 1972 SWB Chevy Cheyenne 4X4 Restored stock except 454 (481 cu. in. now) most options Available pictures of my truck http://myoldtruck.com/gallery/browse...500&userid=528 Come to florida and visit www.Paradisewatersports.com

05-27-2003, 12:12 PM	#2
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,779	If you need any vent pieces under the dash i have them! __________________ Things happen for a reason!

05-27-2003, 12:47 PM	#3
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Sounds like good advice to me. Consider it an upgrade. The original systems were designed for r-12 and the new ones are designed for r-134a. __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

05-27-2003, 04:52 PM	#5
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Since you live in Key West, I don't think you would ever be happy with the stock one...when it is really hot they just don't cut it. I have had serveral 71-72's and all of them had crappy air. I have had 73-74 trucks that would freeze you out of the truck. I really think the difference between the two is the size of the condencer. I put a vintage air in my truck and would never think about going back to the stock setup __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

05-27-2003, 01:00 PM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The original system works ok if it is in good condition. What your mechanic might be looking at is replacing all of the major components, (condenser, evaporator, hoses, pump, etc.) and the cost could exceed the cost of another system by the time he is finished with it. Repairing an old system can be a problem of where to stop as everything is over 30 years old and there is a real possibility that dirt is throughout the system. It would be almost impossible for someone to guarantee a system withour replacing everything. We have chosen to repair the old systems in our vehicles, but it was not to save money. We have the ability to make the repairs and we want to keep the original look. We could end up spending more than the cost of a new one, especially if a leak develops or something fails in the future. Jim

05-27-2003, 05:20 PM	#6
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	I thought about the same thing. You'll either have to take the time to pay someone or do it yourself to figure out what needs fixed or replaced, and in Ca labor is 60.00/hr. Then buy the products that you need and then install them. So to almost the same amount of money you get everything brand new, plus instructions on how to put it in and its up to date compared to the old stuff that you have.



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