AC install in non AC Cab Questions

[dukkie]

First lets see what I have:
1972 Custom/20 Deluxe 8/400 Non A/C Cab
Chevy 355 (3970010 block)
Serpentine Belt System from a 94 Burban

1. Has anyone done this and theres a thread to research ?
2. Not purchasing vintage air aftermarket componets
3. Can this be done with junkyard parts
4. Underhood Using 94 burban parts, 72 parts, or combination?
5. Couldnt under dash duct work basically be from any donor?

[Eddie H.]

It can be done, but it is not that easy. Besides the need to cut holes in the dash for the vent outlets,The firewall where the A/C box mounts will also need to be modified because the cut outs are different between AC and NON AC cabs. If you decide to try it, PM me and I might be able to help you out some.

[MARKDTN]

I added factory a/c to a '72 using Corvette serpentine accessories. I had to have a custom a/c hose off the compressor because the serpentine moves the compressor forward just a bit-even with a special R6 style compressor hose. I used stock condensor and inside parts. You do have to cut the hole in the firewall a bit. I just used the parts as a template. The core support already had the right parts. I had to cut the center hole over the radio. I just held up the bezel and marked it. I looked at it a long time before I cut, but it turned out OK. I found that most junkyard sets have broken levers in the controls. Repair kits are available. I also had a bad diverter section on the inside box. That was also available new from the catalogs. I suggest buying new flex hoses to the ducts. Take your time routing them. The wiring was pretty much plug and play. Hope that helps.

[dukkie]

im wondering if i can use parts from my brothers 84 K5 blazer?

[ChevLoRay]

Originally Posted by dukkie

im wondering if i can use parts from my brothers 84 K5 blazer?

With or without his knowledge? It won't bother me, but he might get a bit PO'd.

I think the compressors, as original equipment, were the same. It may have a POA valve that the earlier models didn't have. But, you should be able to make it work.

[Boog]

There is some difference in the firewall openings between air and nonair cabs. Some have used the later model accumulator and orifice tube conversion on the original setup with good success. Much less expensive than a complete aftermarket system.

[ChevLoRay]

I have the complete factory HVAC system off of my '69. Most of it can be re-used, but there's no way that I would tell anyone that they wouldn't have to replace some of the small parts. The compressor worked, but needs new shaft seals. The clutch worked good. It has a new (okay, used very little) heater core. I have 2 control ass'y panels.

Why am I tell you about this stuff? Because, there are people who are pulling out their OEM AC stuff and replacing it with aftermarket stuff. It's the route I will take on my non-AC cab that is replacing my original cab.

If you want OEM HVAC, it's out there, but be prepared to do some work to make it operable.

What about your brothers' stuff?

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by dukkie

First lets see what I have:
1972 Custom/20 Deluxe 8/400 Non A/C Cab
Chevy 355 (3970010 block)
Serpentine Belt System from a 94 Burban

1. Has anyone done this and theres a thread to research ?
2. Not purchasing vintage air aftermarket componets
3. Can this be done with junkyard parts
4. Underhood Using 94 burban parts, 72 parts, or combination?
5. Couldnt under dash duct work basically be from any donor?

Here is what I did. (Scroll down to post #11)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=78378

If you want to use the 94 underhood parts (I'm guessing you mean compressor and serpentine belt system) you'll need to do some custom work. Mod the firewall like I did. Use the 72 style stuff that bolts to the firewall. Adjust the 1972 POA for R134a. Have a custom set of hoses made to get R134a between the 1972 firewall stuff and the 94 compressor. Buy a brand new 1972 style receiver/dryer.

It wasn't shown in that old post but I ended up cutting my non-AC dash. I used 1972 vents from a junker and purchased new duct work from the local fleet farm store. Like the very last post in that link above shows, the side vents can be made with the careful application of a round hole saw. For the center vent I used a cut off wheel in my dremel.

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by mrein3

....Buy a brand new 1972 style receiver/dryer.....

If you use the 94 parts you will have an accumulator and not need the dryer.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

If you use the 94 parts you will have an accumulator and not need the dryer.

I was thinking he would use the firewall stuff from a 72. On that system the receiver/dryer is up in front of the radiator. He could use all the hard lines from a 72 for plumbing. The only fab work would be to get the flexible hoses that go from the compressor to the firewall. The compressor isn't going to care if it cycles on and off like on a 94 or runs continuous like on a 72.

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by mrein3

I was thinking he would use the firewall stuff from a 72. On that system the receiver/dryer is up in front of the radiator. He could use all the hard lines from a 72 for plumbing. The only fab work would be to get the flexible hoses that go from the compressor to the firewall. The compressor isn't going to care if it cycles on and off like on a 94 or runs continuous like on a 72.

OK, sorry. I mis-read. I would try to make the later orifice tube stuff work instead of the POA valve, also the later condensor is better. If I was going to try this, I'd use 67-72 inside stuff and 94 outside stuff with custom hoses-assuming it will fit the firewall and could be bolted up. I think right off the bat though that the heater hoses are in opposite locations. I think that would be a good compromise if it could be done. On the truck I did, I converted the POA to a cycling system. I know some people don't like those conversions, but it worked pretty well for him. Sorry for the mis-read.

[mcbassin]

I've never heard of using 94 parts on one of these trucks? I'm sure it can be done. with enough work. I would like to see some this swap too. Have you seen the Frankenstein build? Drewskiren is using a 2000 up burb system on his. link

[dukkie]

im just posing the question if its possible. my thought is the a/c system itself is completely independent of what vehicle its on as long as the compressor gets spun by a belt and one part doesnt know what the next is hooked up to so in theory a Camry blower could push air across a school bus coils thru home depot dryer duct vents or some other conglomerate concoction more realistic like mixing 94 burban and 84 k5 parts in a 72

[100%Chevy]

I put a/c in my non a/c 68.I used a used system from another 71 truck.
But,I used an S-10 condenser and an evaporator from a 85 Chevy truck.
All this got me a double flow condenser and an orifice tube expansion system.
Using an a-6 pump.
Firewall mods weren't too bad.
Mike.

[dukkie]

this sounds like something i may actually try eventually . If so ill update with pics

[Boog]

Just for note here is the 69-72 firewall differences between air and non air cab.