can I convert a non air cab???????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ACP427 · 09-11-2004, 08:35 AM

Hey guys, does anyone know how convert a non-air cab to vintage air? besides changing the dash, I am restoring a 68 and the cab is way too nice to wanna switch, but I do want the vintage air and have an old system to install, I noticed the holes on the firewall are different, how hard is it?? some one must have tried it !! any help would be apprieciated thanks Tony

mrein3 · 09-11-2004, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACP427

Hey guys, does anyone know how convert a non-air cab to vintage air? besides changing the dash, I am restoring a 68 and the cab is way too nice to wanna switch, but I do want the vintage air and have an old system to install, I noticed the holes on the firewall are different, how hard is it?? some one must have tried it !! any help would be apprieciated thanks Tony

I think vintage air has a system where you don't have to modify any metal.
I had to modify my firewall to get a stock system to bolt up. The work isn't hard, it is just a lot of putzy work. I posted these once before...

mrein3 · 09-11-2004, 10:24 AM

I just found this picture on the parts board. It too has been posted before. It is a good guide for anybody wanting to convert. I used it myself when I did the change. Note that the existing heater hose hole is the same on both which isn't perfectly depicted in the picture. I used the existing hole and the big hole on the right of the picture to line up my templates to make a paper then metal piece to weld in.

ACP427 · 09-11-2004, 01:50 PM

Thats what I meant, a vintage or stock system, thats all ? just make the box line up, and it works okay? I was'nt sure if I had to do anything with the air vents on the kick wall or not? thanks for the info!!! Tony, Now as soon as get the hang of this mig welder I'll be alright, so far I can only make ****ty welds!!! But I am working on it!

**john** · 09-11-2004, 05:51 PM

Actually there is more. If you look at second pic straight up from heater hose holes there is a hole with a smaller one on each side to mount a vacuum controlled valve that works a flapper, and a valve on the pass kick panel vent. I dont know if they are needed or not. I think the cowl vent is for outside air. Good luck John

71swb4x4 · 09-11-2004, 10:07 PM

I am sure you know this, but just in case you aren't sure I will throw it out. You must change all of the components inside and outside of the cab. The factory heat only boxes will not work with the factory AC system.

Zeke · 09-11-2004, 10:25 PM

I think you need to get a glove box for an AC cab to clear the inside AC boxes.

tmcgrawlookalike · 09-12-2004, 02:57 AM

easiest would be to find an ac cab and put it on your truck.or,go get the vintage air system that is all self contained and fits under your dash.no cutting your virgin dash,making holes or anything.

09-11-2004, 08:35 AM	#1
ACP427 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Syracuse, NY Posts: 160	can I convert a non air cab???????? Hey guys, does anyone know how convert a non-air cab to vintage air? besides changing the dash, I am restoring a 68 and the cab is way too nice to wanna switch, but I do want the vintage air and have an old system to install, I noticed the holes on the firewall are different, how hard is it?? some one must have tried it !! any help would be apprieciated thanks Tony

09-11-2004, 10:24 AM	#3
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	I just found this picture on the parts board. It too has been posted before. It is a good guide for anybody wanting to convert. I used it myself when I did the change. Note that the existing heater hose hole is the same on both which isn't perfectly depicted in the picture. I used the existing hole and the big hole on the right of the picture to line up my templates to make a paper then metal piece to weld in. Attached Images __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

09-11-2004, 01:50 PM	#4
ACP427 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Syracuse, NY Posts: 160	thats it? Thats what I meant, a vintage or stock system, thats all ? just make the box line up, and it works okay? I was'nt sure if I had to do anything with the air vents on the kick wall or not? thanks for the info!!! Tony, Now as soon as get the hang of this mig welder I'll be alright, so far I can only make ****ty welds!!! But I am working on it!

09-11-2004, 05:51 PM	#5
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Actually there is more. If you look at second pic straight up from heater hose holes there is a hole with a smaller one on each side to mount a vacuum controlled valve that works a flapper, and a valve on the pass kick panel vent. I dont know if they are needed or not. I think the cowl vent is for outside air. Good luck John __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

09-11-2004, 10:07 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I am sure you know this, but just in case you aren't sure I will throw it out. You must change all of the components inside and outside of the cab. The factory heat only boxes will not work with the factory AC system. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

09-11-2004, 10:25 PM	#7
Zeke Active Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: L.A. Lower Alabama Posts: 453	I think you need to get a glove box for an AC cab to clear the inside AC boxes. __________________ 1969 C10 350 3spd 1995 GMC 3500 XC 350 dually When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent. George Carlin

09-12-2004, 02:57 AM	#8
tmcgrawlookalike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: warr acres,oklahoma Posts: 650	easiest would be to find an ac cab and put it on your truck.or,go get the vintage air system that is all self contained and fits under your dash.no cutting your virgin dash,making holes or anything.



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