Which retrofit air? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nosto · 06-04-2002, 03:47 PM

I'm looking for board members who have installed retrofit AC from places like Vintage, Hot Rod or Classic Air. I did a search on the board (Thanks, Josh!!), but only found two posts.

Any good/bad or other recommendations for my '67 C-10 non-air cab? BTW: My current heat-only controls are trash, but I'd really like to use that same area for the new controls.

I'm about ready to buy one, and talked to Vintage and Hot Rod (Vintage seemed more knowledgable, but more $$$ too.)

Thanks,

tom hand · 06-04-2002, 03:56 PM

I have Vintage Air in mine and the only complaint I have is the fan being in the cab is very loud on high speed. On the good side even on a 100 degree day you don't have to leave it on high long.

kingparts · 06-04-2002, 03:58 PM

Try www.oldairproducts.com. We are a dealer for them and have had great service from them. They have a great customer service program.
David
www.kingparts.com

imaindianoutlaw · 06-04-2002, 04:14 PM

Being that I have not bought a cab yet, is it ok to buy a non air cab and add one of these systems to it?

Big69C20 Toy · 06-04-2002, 04:21 PM

I've got an old air system in my cab, it's very very cold but my one gripe is that the vent on driver side dont flow great unless on the mid or upper speeds. It's a great compact little unit and like i said VERY cold. Heats up great too when i want the heat on. Odd thing is for just vent you have to turn off the line going to the heater core since it is an all in cab unit.

imaindianoutlaw · 06-04-2002, 04:24 PM

Looks good!

tom hand · 06-04-2002, 04:27 PM

All the units, of any brand, I have seen would be easy to adapt to a non air cab. The main thing is how much work, do you want to do. You could cut the dash and make it appear stock, or several venders have vents that bolt under the dash,no problem.

imaindianoutlaw · 06-04-2002, 04:29 PM

Does it have defrosters? And does anyone have any pics of the engine compartment or under dash pics of what kind of space this thing takes up? I like the idea of getting rid of the factory system all together! get rid of that blower box!

tom hand · 06-04-2002, 04:55 PM

The vintage air has dehumidified defrost like new cars. It really cleans up under the hood, here's a lousey pic.

bigvinnie · 06-04-2002, 05:48 PM

here's a pic of the Vintage Air firewall setup...

bigvinnie · 06-04-2002, 05:49 PM

here's a pic of the guts behind the glove box... you lose about half your glove box depth with this system.... small price to pay for A/C... this was a non-A/C cab, I cut holes in the factory locations with the supplied templates...

Frank_Zeller · 06-04-2002, 06:16 PM

Went with the oldair system. Took a couple of tweaks to get it right. Partly my falt. You will need to seal the cab and insulation.
Put the AC temp cycle switch where the cig lighter was. Can control vent air from 60 to 35 F. The old air system has a larger condenser than the vintage air. Working on methods to quite the fan.

Pros
tons of cold air

Cons
blower noise

see web link for some AC install pics

http://community.webshots.com/album/33532362gFgMOi

barn9 · 06-04-2002, 06:26 PM

How about converting from the original to one of these newer AC systems? Has anyone done that? My original has been converted to 134A, but leaks, and doesn't get that cold even when topped off. I'm wondering if it would be smarter to go with a newer style system instead of throwing $ at a 31 year old one. All thoughts appreciated, thanks, LB.

ckhd · 06-04-2002, 07:27 PM

Barn9,

I was talking to my friend (an AC expert) about getting the dual air on my 'burb working. He told me that we were going to chuck the original compressor and get a new one and fab our own brackets for it & run 134. He said that all the other stuff is the same, but the compressor was the key. (He also said we were going to change the way the 'Y's are - ditch the hose-clamp setup and do compressed fittings, but that wouldn't apply to a pickup).

barn9 · 06-04-2002, 07:57 PM

What comp. does he suggest using. I'm mechanically challenged you know, and especially when it comes to AC stuff. Would be nice if something newer would be a fairly simple changeover. And I assume you would have to evacuate the system beforehand, and then put new in after the change (duh!). I think I found my leak, and I hope I have it fixed, but it was raining here today and I didn't add any 134A yet. But it's still an old comp. Thanks, and I'll watch for any more info.

PanelDeland · 06-04-2002, 08:27 PM

Sanden seems to be the compressor of choice.They have square plates front and rear with a bolt hole on each corner.I would think they would be easy to fab brackets for.I haven't done an AC conversion on mine but hope to.I found a guy in Atlanta at a swap meet that quoted me $1200.00-1500.00. for front and rear air in my panel.Hopefully I will have a chance to find out more soon.

ckhd · 06-09-2002, 10:00 AM

He didn't say which brand. He told me to save up $500 for it though. I'll probably be talking to him today. I'll ask if I remember.

06-04-2002, 03:47 PM	#1
nosto Flamin' Bass Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Galloway, NJ, US Posts: 315	Which retrofit air? I'm looking for board members who have installed retrofit AC from places like Vintage, Hot Rod or Classic Air. I did a search on the board (Thanks, Josh!!), but only found two posts. Any good/bad or other recommendations for my '67 C-10 non-air cab? BTW: My current heat-only controls are trash, but I'd really like to use that same area for the new controls. I'm about ready to buy one, and talked to Vintage and Hot Rod (Vintage seemed more knowledgable, but more $$$ too.) Thanks, __________________ Rick Olson /nosto/ Galloway, NJ Pics : http://community.webshots.com/user/nosto53 1972 Triumph TR6 - full resto, now with a Toyota 5-speed 1975 F**D F-100 - rusty, but reliable 1982 HD XLH-1000 1967 C-10, shortstep, 350/M21 4spd, nitrogen tank fills fast bags on 4 corners, Toyo 255/45X20s on American Eagle 221 20X8s, shaved locks and handles, antenna, fuel filler, tiny C-notch, rear fuel tank, long headers, Edelbrock, worn 600 Holley, Checkmate flush hard cover, rear pan, custom LED taillights - painted it, too! But don't like it so I'm gonna do it again!!

06-04-2002, 03:56 PM	#2
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I have Vintage Air in mine and the only complaint I have is the fan being in the cab is very loud on high speed. On the good side even on a 100 degree day you don't have to leave it on high long. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-04-2002, 03:58 PM	#3
kingparts Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Clover, SC , US Posts: 971	Try www.oldairproducts.com. We are a dealer for them and have had great service from them. They have a great customer service program. David www.kingparts.com __________________ 1970 Chevrolet Suburban 1967 Chevrolet C/10 Shortbed Stepside

06-04-2002, 04:14 PM	#4
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Being that I have not bought a cab yet, is it ok to buy a non air cab and add one of these systems to it? __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

06-04-2002, 04:21 PM	#5
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	I've got an old air system in my cab, it's very very cold but my one gripe is that the vent on driver side dont flow great unless on the mid or upper speeds. It's a great compact little unit and like i said VERY cold. Heats up great too when i want the heat on. Odd thing is for just vent you have to turn off the line going to the heater core since it is an all in cab unit. __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

06-04-2002, 04:24 PM	#6
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Looks good! Attached Images __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

06-04-2002, 04:27 PM	#7
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	All the units, of any brand, I have seen would be easy to adapt to a non air cab. The main thing is how much work, do you want to do. You could cut the dash and make it appear stock, or several venders have vents that bolt under the dash,no problem. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-04-2002, 04:29 PM	#8
imaindianoutlaw GMC SHORT FLEET F/S Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PENNSYLVANNIA Posts: 2,117	Does it have defrosters? And does anyone have any pics of the engine compartment or under dash pics of what kind of space this thing takes up? I like the idea of getting rid of the factory system all together! get rid of that blower box! __________________ CHARLES WADE HEIN HVACR FOREMAN. LEWISBURG U.S.P.

06-04-2002, 04:55 PM	#9
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	The vintage air has dehumidified defrost like new cars. It really cleans up under the hood, here's a lousey pic. Attached Images __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-04-2002, 05:48 PM	#10
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	here's a pic of the Vintage Air firewall setup... Attached Images __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

06-04-2002, 05:49 PM	#11
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	here's a pic of the guts behind the glove box... you lose about half your glove box depth with this system.... small price to pay for A/C... this was a non-A/C cab, I cut holes in the factory locations with the supplied templates... Attached Images __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project Last edited by bigvinnie; 06-04-2002 at 05:53 PM.

06-04-2002, 06:16 PM	#12
Frank_Zeller Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 796	Went with the oldair system. Took a couple of tweaks to get it right. Partly my falt. You will need to seal the cab and insulation. Put the AC temp cycle switch where the cig lighter was. Can control vent air from 60 to 35 F. The old air system has a larger condenser than the vintage air. Working on methods to quite the fan. Pros tons of cold air Cons blower noise see web link for some AC install pics http://community.webshots.com/album/33532362gFgMOi __________________ 69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas

06-04-2002, 06:26 PM	#13
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	How about converting from the original to one of these newer AC systems? Has anyone done that? My original has been converted to 134A, but leaks, and doesn't get that cold even when topped off. I'm wondering if it would be smarter to go with a newer style system instead of throwing $ at a 31 year old one. All thoughts appreciated, thanks, LB. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

06-04-2002, 07:27 PM	#14
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	Barn9, I was talking to my friend (an AC expert) about getting the dual air on my 'burb working. He told me that we were going to chuck the original compressor and get a new one and fab our own brackets for it & run 134. He said that all the other stuff is the same, but the compressor was the key. (He also said we were going to change the way the 'Y's are - ditch the hose-clamp setup and do compressed fittings, but that wouldn't apply to a pickup). __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

06-04-2002, 07:57 PM	#15
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	What comp. does he suggest using. I'm mechanically challenged you know, and especially when it comes to AC stuff. Would be nice if something newer would be a fairly simple changeover. And I assume you would have to evacuate the system beforehand, and then put new in after the change (duh!). I think I found my leak, and I hope I have it fixed, but it was raining here today and I didn't add any 134A yet. But it's still an old comp. Thanks, and I'll watch for any more info. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.



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06-04-2002, 08:27 PM	#16
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Sanden seems to be the compressor of choice.They have square plates front and rear with a bolt hole on each corner.I would think they would be easy to fab brackets for.I haven't done an AC conversion on mine but hope to.I found a guy in Atlanta at a swap meet that quoted me $1200.00-1500.00. for front and rear air in my panel.Hopefully I will have a chance to find out more soon. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-09-2002, 10:00 AM	#17
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	He didn't say which brand. He told me to save up $500 for it though. I'll probably be talking to him today. I'll ask if I remember. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

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