a/c new or old? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mothertrucker424 · 12-22-2007, 02:14 AM

i am retoring my truck but not to factory spec. but it wasn't equipped with A/C and i would like to get it should i buy a aftermarket kit or go through and pull all parts from junk trucks? (i'd buy some parts new like comp., condensor, lines, and evap.) but pull vents and brackets and would i need to pull the box out too or are they the same?? i got lots of questions what is ya'lls opinion

70GMCer · 12-22-2007, 02:16 AM

You'll be happier and better off buying the new systems they have out now.

Andy4639 · 12-22-2007, 02:19 AM

If you aren't worried about it looking factory I would go with a aftermarket unit. Saves time and money in the long run. Myself I wanted a factory looking system to begin with, and now I have a mix of stuff.

mothertrucker424 · 12-22-2007, 02:29 AM

ok so is vintage air the company to go with or is there a better one

72freak · 12-22-2007, 02:29 AM

You will probably be happier with a newer system and on the inside they look stock. Best of both worlds Under the hood will be the only non stock looking items. You want good AC.....especially in Fl.

Vintage would be my forst choice!!

mothertrucker424 · 12-22-2007, 02:34 AM

i have talked to them a few shows looks good

mrein3 · 12-22-2007, 02:40 AM

I respectfully disagree with everybody on this one.
If you have the stuff on a junk truck already, there is no way it will be cheaper to dole out $1000+ dollars on an aftermarket system.

Using old parts you need:
A new receiver dryer. about $30.
New o-rings for your old system. about $10.
Adjust your POA. Free. http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...AR_MSGDBTABLE=

Now with the $960 you saved by not buying a new system, buy an evacuation pump. You can use it on your truck and to do future service on all the vehicles you own new or old. About $200 - $300.

After all this, you have, in my humble opinion, a better operating system. All the newer cars I have with the cycle on/off compressors don't come close to the performance I'm getting out of my old GM POA style systems.

NOTE I didn't add the price of refrigerant. That cost is the same no mater what system you go with.

One more note. I don't know what it is like where you live but up here in the snow belt, Wal*Mart moves the R134a refrigerant to the clearance rack this time of year and can be had for $3.50 per can.

mothertrucker424 · 12-22-2007, 02:43 AM

i got evac. mach. and freon but no parts truck i can get parts and your saying original A/C was top notch compared to new aftermarket i could probally get all parts for 500 not sure

mrein3 · 12-22-2007, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mothertrucker424

i got evac. mach. and freon but no parts truck i can get parts and your saying original A/C was top notch compared to new aftermarket i could probally get all parts for 500 not sure

Do you have R12? If so that small space you're cooling, your truck cab, R12 will freeze you out.

$500 is a little steep for a full used set-up. Remember too that if you have a non-A/C cab you have firewall mods to do in addition to front of the dash mods. I've done this mod. It isn't hard but it takes some time. The picture below has been posted here before and is what I used to modify my factory non-AC truck. Note that the yellow and red overlapping holes actually are the same hole. The picture isn't perfect but gives you an idea of what you have to modify. You need to add that backwards "L" looking piece and cut some for the yellow AC opening in addition to the extra hole for the heater core and the cowl flapper valve. There are dimples on the non AC cab to guide you for all holes you need to make.

When I did this mod I posted pictures but a just did a quick search and couldn't find it.

If you're looking at $500 and all those mods, you need to start thinking aftermarket - depending on if you have more time or more money.

mothertrucker424 · 12-22-2007, 02:37 AM

were is best place to buy??

72freak · 12-23-2007, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mothertrucker424

were is best place to buy??

$960 on ebay

72BlckButy · 12-22-2007, 03:30 AM

with see ten. With the new systems, you can't go wrong.

Andy4639 · 12-22-2007, 04:08 AM

This is the company I ordered mine from. Very helpful and friendly. They even sent way more stuff than I needed but wanted to make sure I had all the right connections for the job.

http://www.classicautoair.com/Carofmonth.asp

b&a72 · 12-22-2007, 05:08 AM

I also agree with see ten I just purchased a cab that had all of the factory ac items and I ripped it all out and I am purchasing the vintage air kit, also the looks of a shaved firewall as opposed to the big bulky box on there is better looking IMHO. Knowing everything is new and not having to fix junk is also priceless on a complete restore.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-22-2007, 05:16 AM

Here's what's involved in the install for a vintage air system. It ended up costing me about $1,500, ($1150 for system, $70 for system charge, $200 new 4 core radiator, $60 to rebuild A/C controller.)

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

It'll freeze you in the middle of summer. Mine worked well in even 110 degree carolina weather.

**70cst** · 12-22-2007, 05:42 AM

In my 70cst I am rebuilding the factory ac system verses purchasing the Vintage air. Why? Because I wanted to keep my truck looking the way that it left the factory. With that said...if the factory look wasn't an issue than I would have gone with Vintage air. I am not sure what the cost differrence will be but for me it was important to keep my 70cst as close to original as possible with the exception of mechanical improvements such as the brakes, 2:-4" drop etc. No matter what direction that you go...if its your decision it will be the right decision. Good Luck .

cdowns · 12-22-2007, 05:54 AM

i'd go with new just for the fact that the old costs more in MPG to run the system so the cost of the system comes down alot with a daily driver type of vehicle

67ChevyRedneck · 12-22-2007, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i'd go with new just for the fact that the old costs more in MPG to run the system so the cost of the system comes down alot with a daily driver type of vehicle

I can never tell if your being a smart ass or not, but with my VA kit I only saw a loss of 1/2 mpg with it running

**Hart_Rod** · 12-22-2007, 06:06 AM

*** Definitely NEW!! ***

Quicker and easier and I bet you save money in the long run. JMHO.

R/

12-22-2007, 02:14 AM	#1
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	a/c new or old? i am retoring my truck but not to factory spec. but it wasn't equipped with A/C and i would like to get it should i buy a aftermarket kit or go through and pull all parts from junk trucks? (i'd buy some parts new like comp., condensor, lines, and evap.) but pull vents and brackets and would i need to pull the box out too or are they the same?? i got lots of questions what is ya'lls opinion Last edited by mothertrucker424; 12-22-2007 at 02:15 AM.

12-22-2007, 02:16 AM	#2
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: a/c new or old? You'll be happier and better off buying the new systems they have out now. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

12-22-2007, 02:19 AM	#3
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: a/c new or old? If you aren't worried about it looking factory I would go with a aftermarket unit. Saves time and money in the long run. Myself I wanted a factory looking system to begin with, and now I have a mix of stuff. __________________ 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.

12-22-2007, 02:29 AM	#4
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	Re: a/c new or old? ok so is vintage air the company to go with or is there a better one

12-22-2007, 02:29 AM	#5
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: a/c new or old? You will probably be happier with a newer system and on the inside they look stock. Best of both worlds Under the hood will be the only non stock looking items. You want good AC.....especially in Fl. Vintage would be my forst choice!! __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere! Last edited by 72freak; 12-22-2007 at 02:30 AM.

12-22-2007, 02:34 AM	#6
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	Re: a/c new or old? i have talked to them a few shows looks good

12-22-2007, 02:40 AM	#7
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: a/c new or old? I respectfully disagree with everybody on this one. If you have the stuff on a junk truck already, there is no way it will be cheaper to dole out $1000+ dollars on an aftermarket system. Using old parts you need: A new receiver dryer. about $30. New o-rings for your old system. about $10. Adjust your POA. Free. http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...AR_MSGDBTABLE= Now with the $960 you saved by not buying a new system, buy an evacuation pump. You can use it on your truck and to do future service on all the vehicles you own new or old. About $200 - $300. After all this, you have, in my humble opinion, a better operating system. All the newer cars I have with the cycle on/off compressors don't come close to the performance I'm getting out of my old GM POA style systems. NOTE I didn't add the price of refrigerant. That cost is the same no mater what system you go with. One more note. I don't know what it is like where you live but up here in the snow belt, Wal*Mart moves the R134a refrigerant to the clearance rack this time of year and can be had for $3.50 per can. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

12-22-2007, 02:43 AM	#8
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	Re: a/c new or old? i got evac. mach. and freon but no parts truck i can get parts and your saying original A/C was top notch compared to new aftermarket i could probally get all parts for 500 not sure

12-22-2007, 02:37 AM	#10
mothertrucker424 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: st pete Posts: 404	Re: a/c new or old? were is best place to buy??

12-22-2007, 03:30 AM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: a/c new or old? with see ten. With the new systems, you can't go wrong. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-22-2007, 04:08 AM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: a/c new or old? This is the company I ordered mine from. Very helpful and friendly. They even sent way more stuff than I needed but wanted to make sure I had all the right connections for the job. http://www.classicautoair.com/Carofmonth.asp __________________ 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.

12-22-2007, 05:08 AM	#14
b&a72 Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 682	Re: a/c new or old? I also agree with see ten I just purchased a cab that had all of the factory ac items and I ripped it all out and I am purchasing the vintage air kit, also the looks of a shaved firewall as opposed to the big bulky box on there is better looking IMHO. Knowing everything is new and not having to fix junk is also priceless on a complete restore.

12-22-2007, 05:16 AM	#15
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: a/c new or old? Here's what's involved in the install for a vintage air system. It ended up costing me about $1,500, ($1150 for system, $70 for system charge, $200 new 4 core radiator, $60 to rebuild A/C controller.) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479 It'll freeze you in the middle of summer. Mine worked well in even 110 degree carolina weather. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 12-22-2007 at 05:27 AM.

12-22-2007, 05:42 AM	#16
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: a/c new or old? In my 70cst I am rebuilding the factory ac system verses purchasing the Vintage air. Why? Because I wanted to keep my truck looking the way that it left the factory. With that said...if the factory look wasn't an issue than I would have gone with Vintage air. I am not sure what the cost differrence will be but for me it was important to keep my 70cst as close to original as possible with the exception of mechanical improvements such as the brakes, 2:-4" drop etc. No matter what direction that you go...if its your decision it will be the right decision. Good Luck . __________________ 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!

12-22-2007, 05:54 AM	#17
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: a/c new or old? i'd go with new just for the fact that the old costs more in MPG to run the system so the cost of the system comes down alot with a daily driver type of vehicle __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY



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12-22-2007, 06:06 AM	#19
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,837	Re: a/c new or old? * Definitely NEW!! * Quicker and easier and I bet you save money in the long run. JMHO. R/ __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3 Last edited by Hart_Rod; 12-22-2007 at 06:07 AM.

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