Factory A/C conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sneakysnake · 02-01-2007, 03:07 PM

This is a post for the FAQs. Thanks for the use of peoples pics for which this post could not be made possible.

I recommend using or at least have access to a donor truck for parts and reference.

Lets start with the dash, You have a few options.
1. Remove the whole dash, by removing the side bolts and drilling out the spot welds around the windshield.This means you will have to remove the glass.

2.Cut the dash under the pad along the dotted line, This leaves the windshield portion untouched. Install the new AC dash and weld up and the pad covers the joint.

3. The less but not necessary the easiest, Make templetes and cut holes for the three AC vents.

woodridge · 02-01-2007, 03:10 PM

It appears you did the cut and weld under the dash pad, if so, how did you handle the boxed ends where it bolts to the "A" pillar?

sneakysnake · 02-01-2007, 03:11 PM

The firewall has to be modified here are the differences.

sneakysnake · 02-01-2007, 03:13 PM

For the purpose of recirculation a cowl vent flap needs to be installed

sneakysnake · 02-01-2007, 03:53 PM

Here is some tech on hose,wiring and vent routing.

65-72 chevytoys · 02-01-2007, 04:02 PM

Or you could just go here for an aftermarket to fit the original controls and vents.

sneakysnake · 02-01-2007, 04:22 PM

A couple of pics of the compressor and the brackets

kxnomore · 09-14-2007, 07:45 PM

Hey guys, I am researching how to complete the AC for my truck and came across this older post.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last pictures of the AC brackets look like two completely different bracket set ups.

Is there a couple of correct brackets for our trucks? I think I have the set like in the lower two pictures and am hoping it will work on my 71 K20.

70' GMC · 09-14-2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65-72 chevytoys

Or you could just go here for an aftermarket to fit the original controls and vents.

All I have is the haeter and the fresh air vents in mine just wondering how it looks and how it works

**70cst** · 09-14-2007, 09:38 PM

This really makes me appreciate that my truck has factory ac.

ChevLoRay · 09-16-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

This really makes me appreciate that my truck has factory ac.

At this time, I believe, all I need to do is evacuate my system, add freon, intall a new drive belt and turn it on. I say this because I pulled the belt a few years ago. Oh, it needs a seal on the clutch side of the compressor....yeah, that's why I pulled the belt....that and I didn't replace it when I replaced the other belts.

Andy4639 · 09-16-2007, 10:01 AM

The top pictures are of a compressor that was mounted without the correct brackets. It works but not correct. Look at the front and back bracket they are the same one. The bracket on the back is correct.

**FirstOwner69** · 03-20-2014, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

The top pictures are of a compressor that was mounted without the correct brackets. It works but not correct. Look at the front and back bracket they are the same one. The bracket on the back is correct.

I know this is an old thread, and I don't want to start a long debate, but I'd like to set the record straight for future viewers regarding the brackets shown in post 7. The top pictures do not show an incorrect bracket set for all years. That set is clearly shown in the factory service manuals for pickups at least into the 1969 model year depending on your engine and emissions. The 1967 manual shows it as correct for 283s and 327s. The 1968 manual shows it for 307-327 V-8 engines (EXCEPT C-K10 MODELS WITH STD. TRANS.), and it shows the brackets like those in the 3rd and 4th pictures for models with standard trans (except the front brace is different). I don't have my 1969 manual here, but, as I recall, it shows the brackets in the top 2 pictures as correct for 350 engines and the other brackets as correct for a 307 with (or without... I don't recall which) A.I.R. emissions.

My 69 CST/20 with 350, TH400, and A/C came new with the set shown in the top 2 pictures. Either set will work, but the brackets shown in pictures 3 and 4 are a lot cleaner setup. They also allow you to remove the valve cover without having to move the compressor and its bracket out of the way. That's a real PIA. Just ask me how I know. I have multiple detailed pictures of my brackets installed if anyone wants to see them.

elf w/capital T · 03-19-2014, 08:01 PM

you all rock! thanks

02-01-2007, 03:07 PM	#1
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Factory A/C conversion This is a post for the FAQs. Thanks for the use of peoples pics for which this post could not be made possible. I recommend using or at least have access to a donor truck for parts and reference. Lets start with the dash, You have a few options. 1. Remove the whole dash, by removing the side bolts and drilling out the spot welds around the windshield.This means you will have to remove the glass. 2.Cut the dash under the pad along the dotted line, This leaves the windshield portion untouched. Install the new AC dash and weld up and the pad covers the joint. 3. The less but not necessary the easiest, Make templetes and cut holes for the three AC vents. Attached Images

02-01-2007, 03:10 PM	#2
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	Re: Factory A/C conversion It appears you did the cut and weld under the dash pad, if so, how did you handle the boxed ends where it bolts to the "A" pillar? __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet

02-01-2007, 03:11 PM	#3
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Factory A/C conversion The firewall has to be modified here are the differences. Attached Images

02-01-2007, 03:13 PM	#4
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Factory A/C conversion For the purpose of recirculation a cowl vent flap needs to be installed Attached Images

02-01-2007, 03:53 PM	#5
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Factory A/C conversion Here is some tech on hose,wiring and vent routing. Attached Images

02-01-2007, 04:02 PM	#6
65-72 chevytoys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida Posts: 1,113	Re: Factory A/C conversion Or you could just go here for an aftermarket to fit the original controls and vents. __________________ 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500LS SWB 5.3L 2004 Corvette Z16 #770 Wish I had not sold 72 blazer

02-01-2007, 04:22 PM	#7
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Factory A/C conversion A couple of pics of the compressor and the brackets Attached Images

09-14-2007, 07:45 PM	#8
kxnomore Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CA Posts: 331	Re: Factory A/C conversion Hey guys, I am researching how to complete the AC for my truck and came across this older post. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last pictures of the AC brackets look like two completely different bracket set ups. Is there a couple of correct brackets for our trucks? I think I have the set like in the lower two pictures and am hoping it will work on my 71 K20.

09-14-2007, 09:38 PM	#10
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Factory A/C conversion This really makes me appreciate that my truck has factory ac. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

09-16-2007, 10:01 AM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Factory A/C conversion The top pictures are of a compressor that was mounted without the correct brackets. It works but not correct. Look at the front and back bracket they are the same one. The bracket on the back is correct. __________________ 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.

03-19-2014, 08:01 PM	#14
elf w/capital T Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 994	Re: Factory A/C conversion you all rock! thanks



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