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

semperfidoordie · 09-20-2008, 09:54 AM

Not really sure what forum this should go in but I wanted to see what exactly I should look for when searching for an A/C retrofit kit? I was asking about it because my truck is a factory A/C cab and the A/C isn't hooked up right now and I was wanting to get it working again. I was told by the service shop I went to to buy a A/C retrofit kit because they no longer make "our style A/C" not sure what that means but can anybody help? sorry if this is a dumb question

haysonj · 09-20-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semperfidoordie

Not really sure what forum this should go in but I wanted to see what exactly I should look for when searching for an A/C retrofit kit? I was asking about it because my truck is a factory A/C cab and the A/C isn't hooked up right now and I was wanting to get it working again. I was told by the service shop I went to to buy a A/C retrofit kit because they no longer make "our style A/C" not sure what that means but can anybody help? sorry if this is a dumb question

You can buy any of the parts for the older systems but it would be better to upgrade to the 134A refrigerant. Just need to purge the system and change the dryer. I also changed the compressor but I don't think you have to.

**leddzepp** · 09-20-2008, 10:28 AM

If you cannot get your factory air working, your best bet would be to get Vintage Air. If you try to get your factory air serviced by an A/C shop, they will take you to the cleaners and then some, especially here in So Cal.

haysonj · 09-20-2008, 11:01 AM

All the retrofit kit does is change the high/low pressure fittings so you can add the 134A If your system is all there you can do the retrofit then take it to a shop and have them evacuate and add the 134A. You should change the dryer as this is like a filter and should be changed periodically. If your system is not intact you may be better off going to after market but from what I saw when I did mine they were pricey compared to fixing my old system

mtdave2 · 09-20-2008, 11:10 AM

ya it is pricey, i spent $1000 geting mine converted. and what burns my ass is they give no credit for my old freon...i gave them well over 400 in freon.. grrrr. but they did a nice job and it works great.

cdowns · 09-20-2008, 11:34 AM

a new modern ACsystem is more efficient and takes far less horsepower and MPG to drive it compared to the old systems so there is a return for upgrading to a modern system

**leddzepp** · 09-20-2008, 11:59 AM

It all depends on what needs replacing in your factory A/C setup...once you start replacing the compressor, evap coil, etc, it can EASILY surpass the cost of vintage air.

Arad68 · 09-20-2008, 12:23 PM

Old Air, Vintage Air and many others are available and reasonably easy to install. If your factory air is complete and servicable, stick with it. If you have to rebuild, it is more cost effective to use an aftermarket kit. You won't be dis-appointed, my vintage air set up in my 68 is better than many factory air units in new cars.

**70cst** · 09-20-2008, 12:39 PM

There are positives and negatives to both systems. I had all my AC components still installed in my trucks and I wanted the factory look so I stayed with my factory set up. I think most parts are avaliable for the factory systems.

semperfidoordie · 09-20-2008, 04:09 PM

everything I need is there all I need is the new actual a/c stuff like the 134a I just need to know what the retrofit kit costs and where I could find it. Thanks everybody

**leddzepp** · 09-20-2008, 06:03 PM

you can get a retrofit kit at any autozone or kragens for about 35 bucks. if you evacuate the system yourself and recharge it, you will save a TON. you can get a vacuum pump at harbor freight for about 15 bucks, but you need a compressor to run it.

stope4 · 09-21-2008, 09:21 AM

If you have a factory ac truck, most of the original components and you don't mind the way it looks under the hood, clearly the cheapest way is to stay original. I do not beleive the savings from an efficiency perspective will cover the increased costs of a newer aftermarket system over the life of the system. There may be some horsepower savings with the newer systems, but if you want to race, ac is out of the question anyway. If you decide to convert to 134a, I will make two suggestions, 1. you absolutely need to adjust the POA valve to 26.5 psi and 2. I would suggest you change the condenser to a parallel flow type. Classic Air sells a dirct bolt in. These minor changes will cost you 1/20th of the cost of a new system.

*Ozona* · 09-21-2008, 10:48 AM

Biggest problem with keeping the original parts is the A-6 compressor front seals don't work really well with 134a oil, and it sprays oil under the hood. This looks like about a foot long stripe of oil on the underside of your hood.

**leddzepp** · 09-22-2008, 11:32 PM

To prevent this from happening, only use 2 cans of R-134 and it will not leak out around the front seal. Mine has been working for 3 straight years now with no problems

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozona

Biggest problem with keeping the original parts is the A-6 compressor front seals don't work really well with 134a oil, and it sprays oil under the hood. This looks like about a foot long stripe of oil on the underside of your hood.

*Ozona* · 09-23-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

To prevent this from happening, only use 2 cans of R-134 and it will not leak out around the front seal. Mine has been working for 3 straight years now with no problems

Thanks for the idea. I'm going the "no way, no how" route and moving to the Sanden style compressor - AC system problems are such a nuissance. I'll save a little weight and a lot of frustration.

The guys at old air products have been great to deal with.

semperfidoordie · 09-21-2008, 04:28 PM

hmmm I might see about getting the retrofit kit and try evacing it myself. However that would be a whole new thing I've never done

but you gotta learn sometime right

stope4 · 09-22-2008, 07:25 PM

evacuating is not very hard. You need a evac pump. You can buy these things on ebay all day long. Probably can go to the local pawn shop also. The great thing about this option is you can tinker and all it cost you is freon.

Botietruck · 09-22-2008, 09:42 PM

I agree with stope4. I wanted the original look, and I have everything new in the system. I adjusted the POA valve to 26.5 and after a few charges, got it blowing 42-44 degrees out the vents. I did not install the cross-flow condenser, but I will probably have to go to that next summer. We'll see.

stope4 · 09-22-2008, 11:08 PM

Remember, the adjustment to the POA and a parallel flow condenser are only needed if you want to convert to 134a. The parallel flow is not 100% necessary but it does improve cooling at idle. 26.5 psi helps deal with the differences in the molecules of 134a vs R12. A good chemist or ac guy could explain this better than me.

65-72 chevytoys · 09-23-2008, 08:19 AM

If you want a retrofit kit instead of using the orginial system then Classic Auto Air has retrofit systems that are made to look original.

semperfidoordie · 09-30-2008, 12:04 PM

Just wanted to check although I know it says it's for 76 and up it was in the universal section of JC Whitney. Anyone know if it would work?

semperfidoordie · 10-02-2008, 12:51 PM

Whoops haha I forgot to post the link to the website.

Duh! Here ya go: [URL="http://www.jcwhitney.com/R-134a-AIR-CONDITIONING-CONVERSION-AND-CHARGING-KIT/GP_2005488_N_111+1969+200729944+600002282_10101.jcw"]

70rs/ss · 10-02-2008, 04:37 PM

http://www.jcwhitney.com/R-134a-AIR-...2282_10101.jcw

Yeah, that is the same deal you can buy at autozone, but you really need to evacuate the R12 and oil, since the 134A oil doesn't play nice. A new compressor and dryer will ensure the system will play nice. A radial compressor can be swapped in place especially if you find a nice serpentine belt set-up of a later model 350, as it will have the brackets fr or the radial compressor. Good luck. This is what I want to do with my Blazer with factory AC.

hotrod 80 · 10-02-2008, 05:05 PM

O.K. i want to Throw out some safety advice . Always monitor the head pressure when charging the system . A faulty clutch fan or a restriction from a expansion valve that has frozen from moisture and corrosion could cause excessive discharge pressure rupturing hoses or worse aluminum lines resulting in injury . Pull a good vacuum on the system as moisture will create an acid in the system and excessive discharge pressure from non condensables . Get a pressure to temperture chart of the internet for the refrigerant you use and use it as a guideline when charging . Do not overcharge , creep up on the charge , your compressor cannot and will not compress liquid from over charging .

70rs/ss · 10-02-2008, 05:34 PM

Yeah, what he said!

A vacuum has to be pulled on the system in order for it to work correctly. If you swap out the compressor, then you can flush the system with solvent and compressed air, then seal it and add the 134A and oil to ensure no conflict with the R12 lube and 134A stuff as well as pulling any condensation out of the system (water).

09-20-2008, 09:54 AM	#1
semperfidoordie Fix It Till It's Broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29 Palms, CA Posts: 1,616	A/C Retrofit Not really sure what forum this should go in but I wanted to see what exactly I should look for when searching for an A/C retrofit kit? I was asking about it because my truck is a factory A/C cab and the A/C isn't hooked up right now and I was wanting to get it working again. I was told by the service shop I went to to buy a A/C retrofit kit because they no longer make "our style A/C" not sure what that means but can anybody help? sorry if this is a dumb question __________________ Tony Black Beauty: 85 C-10 SOLD! Great White: 69 LWB Custom Camper/20 SOLD! Blue Dragon: 72 K-10 SOLD! The Tank 77 K-10 KIA panhandler62: Just don't search for "trannys" no matter how hard yours shifts -- you just won't get what you are looking for. I Made The Official So Cal Board Meet

09-20-2008, 10:28 AM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: A/C Retrofit If you cannot get your factory air working, your best bet would be to get Vintage Air. If you try to get your factory air serviced by an A/C shop, they will take you to the cleaners and then some, especially here in So Cal.

09-20-2008, 11:01 AM	#4
haysonj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Santa Maria, Ca. Posts: 1,423	Re: A/C Retrofit All the retrofit kit does is change the high/low pressure fittings so you can add the 134A If your system is all there you can do the retrofit then take it to a shop and have them evacuate and add the 134A. You should change the dryer as this is like a filter and should be changed periodically. If your system is not intact you may be better off going to after market but from what I saw when I did mine they were pricey compared to fixing my old system __________________ 69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power

09-20-2008, 11:10 AM	#5
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	Re: A/C Retrofit ya it is pricey, i spent $1000 geting mine converted. and what burns my ass is they give no credit for my old freon...i gave them well over 400 in freon.. grrrr. but they did a nice job and it works great. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

09-20-2008, 11:34 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: A/C Retrofit a new modern ACsystem is more efficient and takes far less horsepower and MPG to drive it compared to the old systems so there is a return for upgrading to a modern system __________________ 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

09-20-2008, 11:59 AM	#7
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: A/C Retrofit It all depends on what needs replacing in your factory A/C setup...once you start replacing the compressor, evap coil, etc, it can EASILY surpass the cost of vintage air.

09-20-2008, 12:23 PM	#8
Arad68 Trucks N Tranzams Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 816	Re: A/C Retrofit Old Air, Vintage Air and many others are available and reasonably easy to install. If your factory air is complete and servicable, stick with it. If you have to rebuild, it is more cost effective to use an aftermarket kit. You won't be dis-appointed, my vintage air set up in my 68 is better than many factory air units in new cars. __________________ Don '68 Chevy LB 383 TH400/GV/373 posi '56 Chevy 4WD SWB '64 Chevy short stepside '79 Trans Am 455/TH2004R/12blt/4whldisc 95 Kia (Wifes car) 2002 S-10 extended cab pickup "God punishes small sins immediately"

09-20-2008, 12:39 PM	#9
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: A/C Retrofit There are positives and negatives to both systems. I had all my AC components still installed in my trucks and I wanted the factory look so I stayed with my factory set up. I think most parts are avaliable for the factory systems. __________________ 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! Last edited by 70cst; 09-20-2008 at 12:42 PM.

09-20-2008, 04:09 PM	#10
semperfidoordie Fix It Till It's Broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29 Palms, CA Posts: 1,616	Re: A/C Retrofit everything I need is there all I need is the new actual a/c stuff like the 134a I just need to know what the retrofit kit costs and where I could find it. Thanks everybody __________________ Tony Black Beauty: 85 C-10 SOLD! Great White: 69 LWB Custom Camper/20 SOLD! Blue Dragon: 72 K-10 SOLD! The Tank 77 K-10 KIA panhandler62: Just don't search for "trannys" no matter how hard yours shifts -- you just won't get what you are looking for. I Made The Official So Cal Board Meet

09-20-2008, 06:03 PM	#11
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: A/C Retrofit you can get a retrofit kit at any autozone or kragens for about 35 bucks. if you evacuate the system yourself and recharge it, you will save a TON. you can get a vacuum pump at harbor freight for about 15 bucks, but you need a compressor to run it.

09-21-2008, 09:21 AM	#12
stope4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 434	Re: A/C Retrofit If you have a factory ac truck, most of the original components and you don't mind the way it looks under the hood, clearly the cheapest way is to stay original. I do not beleive the savings from an efficiency perspective will cover the increased costs of a newer aftermarket system over the life of the system. There may be some horsepower savings with the newer systems, but if you want to race, ac is out of the question anyway. If you decide to convert to 134a, I will make two suggestions, 1. you absolutely need to adjust the POA valve to 26.5 psi and 2. I would suggest you change the condenser to a parallel flow type. Classic Air sells a dirct bolt in. These minor changes will cost you 1/20th of the cost of a new system.

09-21-2008, 10:48 AM	#13
Ozona Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 155	Re: A/C Retrofit Biggest problem with keeping the original parts is the A-6 compressor front seals don't work really well with 134a oil, and it sprays oil under the hood. This looks like about a foot long stripe of oil on the underside of your hood.

09-21-2008, 04:28 PM	#16
semperfidoordie Fix It Till It's Broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29 Palms, CA Posts: 1,616	Re: A/C Retrofit hmmm I might see about getting the retrofit kit and try evacing it myself. However that would be a whole new thing I've never done but you gotta learn sometime right __________________ Tony Black Beauty: 85 C-10 SOLD! Great White: 69 LWB Custom Camper/20 SOLD! Blue Dragon: 72 K-10 SOLD! The Tank 77 K-10 KIA panhandler62: Just don't search for "trannys" no matter how hard yours shifts -- you just won't get what you are looking for. I Made The Official So Cal Board Meet

09-22-2008, 07:25 PM	#17
stope4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 434	Re: A/C Retrofit evacuating is not very hard. You need a evac pump. You can buy these things on ebay all day long. Probably can go to the local pawn shop also. The great thing about this option is you can tinker and all it cost you is freon.

09-22-2008, 09:42 PM	#18
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Re: A/C Retrofit I agree with stope4. I wanted the original look, and I have everything new in the system. I adjusted the POA valve to 26.5 and after a few charges, got it blowing 42-44 degrees out the vents. I did not install the cross-flow condenser, but I will probably have to go to that next summer. We'll see. __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!



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09-22-2008, 11:08 PM	#19
stope4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 434	Re: A/C Retrofit Remember, the adjustment to the POA and a parallel flow condenser are only needed if you want to convert to 134a. The parallel flow is not 100% necessary but it does improve cooling at idle. 26.5 psi helps deal with the differences in the molecules of 134a vs R12. A good chemist or ac guy could explain this better than me. Last edited by stope4; 09-22-2008 at 11:09 PM.

09-23-2008, 08:19 AM	#20
65-72 chevytoys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida Posts: 1,113	Re: A/C Retrofit If you want a retrofit kit instead of using the orginial system then Classic Auto Air has retrofit systems that are made to look original. __________________ 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500LS SWB 5.3L 2004 Corvette Z16 #770 Wish I had not sold 72 blazer

09-30-2008, 12:04 PM	#21
semperfidoordie Fix It Till It's Broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29 Palms, CA Posts: 1,616	Re: A/C Retrofit Just wanted to check although I know it says it's for 76 and up it was in the universal section of JC Whitney. Anyone know if it would work? __________________ Tony Black Beauty: 85 C-10 SOLD! Great White: 69 LWB Custom Camper/20 SOLD! Blue Dragon: 72 K-10 SOLD! The Tank 77 K-10 KIA panhandler62: Just don't search for "trannys" no matter how hard yours shifts -- you just won't get what you are looking for. I Made The Official So Cal Board Meet

10-02-2008, 12:51 PM	#22
semperfidoordie Fix It Till It's Broke Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29 Palms, CA Posts: 1,616	Re: A/C Retrofit Whoops haha I forgot to post the link to the website. Duh! Here ya go: [URL="http://www.jcwhitney.com/R-134a-AIR-CONDITIONING-CONVERSION-AND-CHARGING-KIT/GP_2005488_N_111+1969+200729944+600002282_10101.jcw"] __________________ Tony Black Beauty: 85 C-10 SOLD! Great White: 69 LWB Custom Camper/20 SOLD! Blue Dragon: 72 K-10 SOLD! The Tank 77 K-10 KIA panhandler62: Just don't search for "trannys" no matter how hard yours shifts -- you just won't get what you are looking for. I Made The Official So Cal Board Meet

10-02-2008, 04:37 PM	#23
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: A/C Retrofit http://www.jcwhitney.com/R-134a-AIR-...2282_10101.jcw Yeah, that is the same deal you can buy at autozone, but you really need to evacuate the R12 and oil, since the 134A oil doesn't play nice. A new compressor and dryer will ensure the system will play nice. A radial compressor can be swapped in place especially if you find a nice serpentine belt set-up of a later model 350, as it will have the brackets fr or the radial compressor. Good luck. This is what I want to do with my Blazer with factory AC.

10-02-2008, 05:05 PM	#24
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: A/C Retrofit O.K. i want to Throw out some safety advice . Always monitor the head pressure when charging the system . A faulty clutch fan or a restriction from a expansion valve that has frozen from moisture and corrosion could cause excessive discharge pressure rupturing hoses or worse aluminum lines resulting in injury . Pull a good vacuum on the system as moisture will create an acid in the system and excessive discharge pressure from non condensables . Get a pressure to temperture chart of the internet for the refrigerant you use and use it as a guideline when charging . Do not overcharge , creep up on the charge , your compressor cannot and will not compress liquid from over charging . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583 Last edited by hotrod 80; 10-02-2008 at 05:07 PM.

10-02-2008, 05:34 PM	#25
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: A/C Retrofit Yeah, what he said! A vacuum has to be pulled on the system in order for it to work correctly. If you swap out the compressor, then you can flush the system with solvent and compressed air, then seal it and add the 134A and oil to ensure no conflict with the R12 lube and 134A stuff as well as pulling any condensation out of the system (water).

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