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02-10-2015, 02:08 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 222
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A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
So, I've read a bunch of posts about upgrading vs repairing/refurbishing the factory item. I already have a compressor, hoses, drier and a few other parts. I would need to get a new evaporator and condenser and possibly a poa valve. On top of all that, I'm not real crazy about the factory brackets (Not to mention the behemoth housing under the hood!)
Would I be better off selling my current parts inventory and going with an aftermarket setup? Are the aftermarket brackets any better? I have the type that bolts to the water pump and intake manifold (the part I don't like).
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67 C-10 LWB "Cow-butt-spotted" (neighbor's term) - work in progress. 350/TH400/3.73 67 Chevelle SS Clone 454/TH400/3.73 |
02-10-2015, 03:05 PM | #2 |
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Location: Geneva, Ohio
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I debated same item for 2 years. Have AC cab but needed many pieces, parts and knowledge to get it back to factory air again.
Finally decided to go with aftermarket. Got Vintage Air package and just finished installing last week-end. It works very nicely. Decent instructions and some great tech support people helped me do it myself which is main reason I went this route. My 2 cents. Good luck.
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02-10-2015, 05:37 PM | #3 |
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Location: Smyrna TN
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I got my original up and running on 134a by changing out the POA to a cycling switch. Not completely happy and might end up ripping it out for a modern system. If I keep the old system I really need to change the condenser to the hi flow type or live with the a/c blowing high 40's to low 50's depending on weather.
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1971 Longbed BB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed SB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed Highlander Custom Deluxe 1975 K5 4x4 full convertible Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645165 Greg Smyrna TN |
02-10-2015, 06:59 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rosenberg, Texas
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I had the same dilemma on my 65 GTO. The PO had ripped most of it out so I went on a few years search and found some parts, but still needed quite a bit. I wound up finding a local hot rod shop that did several swaps and the owner had a Vintage Air setup in his car. Had a 67 Impala in the shop that had a factory system with 134a conversion and he let me compare the two. The Vintage Air system was colder by a few degrees (5-10, can't remember exactly). The smaller compressor and options for mounting (serpentine or v-belt) sold me on aftermarket. I now have a Vintage Air unit in my GTO and my non-A/C '71 C/10. I love it! Cleans up under the hood nicely. Only thing I don't like is the lack of glove box.
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-Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby) |
02-11-2015, 09:58 AM | #5 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Is there a way to use a Vintage Air setup and retain full use of the glove box? Also, does the Vintage Air setup affect the use of the passenger fresh air vent?
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02-11-2015, 02:22 PM | #6 | |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Quote:
Regarding fresh air vents its your choice. Per Vintage tech says its important to close vents during operation. Since vent almost entirely covered I removed and covered with provided cap.
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02-11-2015, 06:48 PM | #7 | |
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Location: Rosenberg, Texas
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Quote:
With the glove box liner: You're supposed to seal off the fresh air vent, but I didn't. I conveniently "forgot" and the A/C functions fine. I can still open it... not sure if it's limited or full travel. It's been a while since I looked.
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-Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby) Last edited by knomadd; 02-11-2015 at 06:54 PM. Reason: Added pictures |
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02-10-2015, 11:17 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: carstairs alberta
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Go with gen five. No cables to dick around with.
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02-10-2015, 11:28 PM | #9 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I Am in the process of gathering what I need to get the factory unit running again. One of my concerns if I go aftermarket is what the firewall will look like when the evaporator housing is gone . My truck is not the factory color and the fire wall behind the housing is
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1971 Cheyenne SWB 402BB, 700R4, 3.73 posi, PS, PB, A/C, Tilt, Tach "Wanda" Don't argue with idiots, People watching may not be able to tell the difference... There's someone in my head........But it's not me...... cheap tricks thread great info here!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
02-11-2015, 09:43 AM | #10 | |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Quote:
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02-10-2015, 11:39 PM | #11 |
Laid Back
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: mcloud ok
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Go vintage air!! Great units.. I've sold and installed more than I can count. Never have had a return yet.
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72 chevy swb Direct dealers for.. Vintage Air, Porterbuilt, Billet Specialties,Budnik wheels ,eddie motorsports, raceline wheels, intro wheels, Dakota Digital, precision, unisteer, Trimparts, and many many more... Laid Back Recreations.. Full restoration shop and full paint and body.. Kyle http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=574629 |
02-11-2015, 12:28 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lutz, Florida
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
Do not repair the OEM unit.
Vintage Air, just works and easy to install. You even get a new Air control plastic guide that has the corrected face.
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1967 Red, C10 Short Bed 6.0L T5 5 speed 1967 Orange and Black C50 6.2 Detroit Diesel NV4500, 2 Ton Pickup 1972 White, Chevy Blazer 2WD 67 Dog house 5.3 4L65 2016 Power Tour LH 1955 Red-Cream, Chevrolet Nomad, restoration on hold 2004 Black, Corvette Z06 LS6 convertible (Rock solid Fun) 2011/2018 Power Tour |
02-11-2015, 12:55 AM | #13 |
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Location: Vernon, Texas
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
For any of you guys that have had both, how is the air flow out of the vents between the two?
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02-11-2015, 08:09 AM | #14 |
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Location: Chattanooga, TN
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
If the engine brackets bother you, get a new Sanden compressor and brackets. That solves the A6 compressor issue and gets you pretty brackets. I would stay original if you have most of it. Since you don't have a condenser, you could upgrade that pretty easily.
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project |
02-11-2015, 07:27 PM | #15 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I guess I am the only one that does not like my aftermarket ac,...
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1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD |
02-11-2015, 10:32 PM | #16 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I say go with stock looking parts but change them to 134a with orffice tube system. This is what I did and mine works great. 38-45 degree's in the mid of summer.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
02-12-2015, 03:26 AM | #17 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
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02-12-2015, 04:08 AM | #18 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
No sorry I don't, I did this mod close to 20 years ago.
That's what the diagram at the bottom was for. You buy the same parts but just get them for 134a. Left side is 134a stuff. Here is who I bought my stuff from. I had like $900.00 in everything. http://www.classicautoair.com/
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
02-11-2015, 11:44 PM | #19 |
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 222
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
First, thanks for all the info!
For those that don't like your aftermarket units, what did you go with and what about it do you not like? I have the same reservations about the glove box and fresh air as others have stated. Does anyone make an aftermarket bracket that bolts to the head? I have am aftermarket alternator bracket on my Chevelle, but can't remember the name of the company that made it (first sign of old age!)
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67 C-10 LWB "Cow-butt-spotted" (neighbor's term) - work in progress. 350/TH400/3.73 67 Chevelle SS Clone 454/TH400/3.73 |
02-11-2015, 11:53 PM | #20 |
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Location: Anton, Texas
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
if you have most all the parts, not sure anything would beat the factory set up . if you did not have a factory air cab ,then you could buy the after market in dash air.... just saying .
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02-12-2015, 12:59 AM | #21 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
x2
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02-12-2015, 12:00 AM | #22 |
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Re: A/C - finish out factory setup or install aftermarket?
I don't like not having the ability to blend the tempature or access outside are. I have a old air setup. All aftermarket is the same junk..only inside is is recirculated.
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1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD |
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