Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air

[MDFarms]

My current build is a factory a/c truck with all like new factory a/c components. However my 1972 with factory a/c works good but was curious in Vintage air is a better cooling and output system overall?

Would my original condencer and drier work? I also have a new compressor like in their picture and all new lines to factory system so will that work in conjuction with their under dash components?

My other question would be can I still use my factory dash controls meaning do they have a conversion from cable to electronic switches?

It seems like vintage air simplfies underdash and less parts to install or fail getting rid of the vacuum pancakes etc.

If I did go this route what would my factory components be worth all in excellent and some pieces brand new.

[70cst]

Signed on ...

[Lee H]

When I did my frame off I decided to go with vintage air for several reasons. 50 plus year old technology and modern refrigerants make for an inefficient system. I just did not want all that junk hanging off the firewall. The cost to refurb the original components was about the same as the new kit. The kit I used came with a micro switch conversion that I used on an NOS HVAC controller. From an interior view point you can’t see a difference between the original factory AC and the vintage air kit. Eight years later and about 30k miles it blows 45 degrees from the vents on 100 plus degree days.

[body bolt]

When I changed to R134 I kept everything the same except I used a parallel flow condenser. It works great and I also get 45F@100F. If I were starting from scratch I'd use something more modern like the VA kit.

[tim_mc]

I went with Old Air Product's full kit for heater cab and under dash vents with electronic controls, SBC w/short water pump (for the correct mounting brackets) and am happy with it. FWIW, I have a usable glovebox. I believe this is their complete kit for A/C cab, but they also have kits for just inside the cab if you wanted to use other components.
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...mplete-package

[MDFarms]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

I went with Old Air Product's full kit for heater cab and under dash vents with electronic controls, SBC w/short water pump (for the correct mounting brackets) and am happy with it. FWIW, I have a usable glovebox. I believe this is their complete kit for A/C cab, but they also have kits for just inside the cab if you wanted to use other components.
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...mplete-package

Thanks, looks like a good kit as well! I wonder if electric fans are way to go as well for maximum cooling? Seems like it would pull air in better for maximum cooling

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by MDFarms

Thanks, looks like a good kit as well! I wonder if electric fans are way to go as well for maximum cooling? Seems like it would pull air in better for maximum cooling

I went old school on my cooling.
18" Rigid fan, clutch type, 6-blade, Derale 17118
Fan clutch, thermal, clockwise rotation Hayden 2705

The shroud is a 4x4 SBC version from LMC since my engine is in the I6 position. No problems so far.

[davischevy]

My 72 Cheyenne super has 100% Factory components with a recalibrated POA valve. I could not ask for it to work any better.

[Thundarr]

I'm thinking the same thing. I may have a side to side comparison soon. I have all new factory AC in my 71 Sierra and it just can't keep up with Texas summers. The latest addition, 72 Chevy, has factory air but I'd like to scale down the size of the hardware and get better cooling.
I'll be watching your progress.

[tim_mc]

Here are pics of my Old Air in-cab and underhood install for reference. I went with the underdash vents to avoid cutting the dash, and I think it gives it a nostalgic "farm truck gets aftermarket AC" look. The unit is tucked nicely under the dash. I think Old Air sent me a polished compressor by mistake (shhh!). This is the link to my set-up (heater cab, dash vents, electronic controls):
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...defrost-system

My cousin is building a '71 K10 w/454 and chose Vintage Air components. I don't think you could go wrong with either vendor.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I don't know what a Vintage Air swap costs, but for a new evap. & condenser, and a rebuilt compressor, hose/muffler, valves & dryer the cost is too close to 2K, for 134A.

If I remember right the old dryers won't work for 134A unless rebuilt for it, not positive.

[davischevy]

I flushed the system on my 71 Longhorn, installed a new dryer and charged it with 134A.

I didn't even calibrate the POA on this one, although, The POA should be calibrated for maximum performance.

[davischevy]

The original systems are finicky and a little complicated. I am rebuilding and installing one now. If I was paying someone to do the install, it would be cost prohibitive.

My next build will probably be a custom truck, and I will do vintage air on it, because it is a non air truck anyway.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by davischevy

I flushed the system on my 71 Longhorn, installed a new dryer and charged it with 134A.

I didn't even calibrate the POA on this one, although, The POA should be calibrated for maximum performance.

That's what I did on my '87.

So far so good, and that was 12 years ago.

K

[Davidf]

My original '71 POA system with R12 worked ok. Occasionally cooling was subpar...suspect the evaporator was being flooded. Anyway, I am in the final stages of an LS swap and took the opportunity to upgrade the system somewhat...using the LS Denso compressor (R134a), changed out the evaporator for an orifice type (from 1987 c1) with accumulator. The compressor will be ECM controlled so engine idle will remain stable and the system will cycle as needed. I am keeping my newish R12 condenser, but added two 12" electric fans (one on each side of the vertical grille support, wired to come on with a/c request) mounted on the front of the condenser...should help shed latent heat out of the refrigerant.

[72c20customcamper]

My 77 was still r12 , 41.6° at idle in 89° degrees and really humid .

No picture but my 85 converted to 134 blows at 39 °same conditions outside ,my wife brings a blanket cause it's too cold in the truck. All I did was flush and installed a new dryer and oil

[body bolt]

My original system with R-12 always worked excellent but when the compressor croaked I decided to give R-134A a go. A new aluminum A6 compressor, hoses, expansion valve and drier. I used a new 11"x24" parallel flow condenser and the lower bracket from VA. I removed the evaporator and flushed it, the POA and hard lines with lacquer thinner. The POA was reset for R-134A. I had to by a 12" #8 male-female line from VA to go through the radiator support, some fittings and I made a couple of hoses. I used POE oil in the event I didn't like the R-134A results. The POA system takes well to conversion if it's done correctly. I'm real happy with it. Just yesterday I did decide to add a couple of fans to the condenser as I was going around measuring temperatures related to my fuel system problem.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Years ago a well seasoned A/C guy told me replacement air systems are the way to go if you're seeking value.

So I'm installing originalW 134A

He's independent. Price was better than the rest, but then again with inflation you can quadruple it D&D Auto Air in San Antonio TX.

[tj1970cst]

I bought 73-87 evap, accumulator. Got my factory linkage and vacuum cans going. $40 parallel flow condenser from ebay. Sanden compressor with Allen grove bracket. Just gotta get hoses made. Can't decide if I will buy a crimper and all the parts or just hire it out to a mobile guy.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by tj1970cst

I bought 73-87 evap, accumulator. Got my factory linkage and vacuum cans going. $40 parallel flow condenser from ebay. Sanden compressor with Allen grove bracket. Just gotta get hoses made. Can't decide if I will buy a crimper and all the parts or just hire it out to a mobile guy.

We get a crimper on loan from the auto parts store. Just buy the fittings and hose from them.

[tj1970cst]

Originally Posted by davischevy

We get a crimper on loan from the auto parts store. Just buy the fittings and hose from them.

What place do you use

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by tj1970cst

What place do you use

Car Quest/Advance Auto Parts