Ac ??

[70GMCer]

My 83 has factory AC but is missing parts under the hood.

Parts missing are the hoses, compressor with mounting brackets.

It does have all of the parts from the firewall back & also the factory condenser.

But, like most that have had the compressor/hoses removed, the evap & condenser connections have been left opened to the elements.

So, I don't know the condition of those parts.

So, here's the questions.

Should I fix the original AC setup with new hoses, etc. & convert to 134?

Or, should I just go ahead and remove all the original AC & Heat parts & install a "Vintage Air Sure Fit kit"?

I've looked at prices on replacement OEM parts & I figure it would cost me around $800 for everything that is missing.

The Vintage Air kit cost around $1450.00

I installed the Vintage Air kit in my 63 Impala & it works great.

I just don't know if the truck is worth the price of the Vintage Air.

It's an 83 that has been converted to a short fleet box. Who ever did it used a swb frame w/original box. The truck is highly optioned.

So, is this truck worth the expense?

[RWJJR]

If you want air , I would go with the vintage air setup. The truck sounds like its worth doing it to!

[Dayton601]

Go back factory, shop around and you can get down to about $500

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by Dayton601

Go back factory, shop around and you can get down to about $500

If I go factory, is there a R134 conversion kit?

[tucsonjwt]

There are still some old a/c square bodies in the junkyards. You can get the correct parts for cheap. You would want a new cross flow style condenser, and likely a new compressor (my local a/c shop recommends Sanden) but the rest of the parts are an easy pull and install. The Sanden compressor will likely require a new mounting bracket set up. My guess is you can get back in a/c for less than half of the $1450 that Vintage wants. When the a/c is working properly in these old squares it is an awesome amount of cooling.

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

There are still some old a/c square bodies in the junkyards. You can get the correct parts for cheap. You would want a new cross flow style condenser, and likely a new compressor (my local a/c shop recommends Sanden) but the rest of the parts are an easy pull and install. The Sanden compressor will likely require a new mounting bracket set up. My guess is you can get back in a/c for less than half of the $1450 that Vintage wants. When the a/c is working properly in these old squares it is an awesome amount of cooling.

That does make since. But, before I do anything, I want to plug the lines & pull a vacuum on the evap & condenser.

Just to make sure they are not leaking.

I did some more inspecting & found that someone has already converted this to 134 at some point. Changed the connection fittings & put a conversion label on the evap case. No dates or who did it though.

I'm going to look into the "Sanden" compressor & see if someone offers up a bracket kit for it.

[70GMCer]

I'm hoping that someone has a link where to buy good hoses, compressor & mounting brackets

[Dayton601]

here is one thats not to bad, at least gives high and low,

https://www.carid.com/1983-chevy-ck-...5D%5B0%5D=5.7L

Rock auto not to bad either,

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...r+conditioning

[zach_carver]

Ive been looking on rock auto myself. I have everything on my truck but my compressor pulley has come apart and locked down I imagine because the belt is gone. I want to eventually fix it but I dont want to change alot since its all 100% factory currently and everything is still in place minus the belt.

[85Misac10]

I am doing an ls swap on my 85 c10 longbed, I have compressor and hoses available, used with a 305. The system in this truck was available for r12 and r134, I may also still have the brackets available. The truck required system to be charged when I bought it, it blew cool air.

[70GMCer]

Originally Posted by 85Misac10

I am doing an ls swap on my 85 c10 longbed, I have compressor and hoses available, used with a 305. The system in this truck was available for r12 and r134, I may also still have the brackets available. The truck required system to be charged when I bought it, it blew cool air.

Let me know what all you do have with a price....