Vintage air install questions.

[kevmic28]

I picked up a vintage air kit for my 70 gmc non ac. So far I have the condensor mounted. Tomorrow I am gonna tear the stock heater out and try to finish the install.

[ERASER5]

Good luck from anther 70 GMC guy.

[kevmic28]

So here are my questions so far.
What the hell is this thing with the vacuuum lines? This is supposed to be a non ac truck kit. So do I need to get a stock ac controller for this kit? If so I ordered one on ebay just in case.
Next question is How the hell do you connect the round hose to the oblong shaped center vent?
Third question is I have power stearing. What is the best way to run the belts?
Oh and shouldnt this kit come with new cables? Mine didnt.

[acl]

been there done that. Yes you want stock ac controller. If not you have no fan control its either on or off. i think there should be a adaptor that goes form round to oblong in pack, the cables should be with the controller if you ordered one with kit if not you are to use the stock cables. do not hesitate to call v.a. they are very helpful. Gary

[magicoolbus]

I pretty sure the vintage air unit is set up just for the non-ac type cab. You should be able to utilize the stock heater controller and have all of the switch settings. Mine has three speed fan settings utilizing the stock switch. I just ordered a few new levers and knobs from LMC to get the stock controller looking nice. The toggle switch is for the saddle tank controller, I even wired a LED in it to show when I'm on the 'aux' tank.

The round hose just needs to be squeezed to fit the oval vent. Or there maybe an adapter as previously posted, I do remember having to 'hold my tongue' just right to get a few of the hoses on.

The vacuum lines are for the heater controller. When you have the controls set for heat, it will allow vacuum to the heater control valve. On mine, I plug this in the summer just to ensure no hot water is circulating thru the heater core.

[crushermechanic]

i just installed a va kit in my 71. it didnt have anything hooked to vac. there is an adaptor to hook up that hose.

[gcburdic]

check out this thread....lots of good info....http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

[kevmic28]

Originally Posted by gcburdic

check out this thread....lots of good info....http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=249479

I have read that thread top to bottom. Problem is there are a lot of upgrades since he did his and my instructions just seem to be vague and general.
Thanks for the answers. I tore into it deeper and realized that it is a vaccuum controlled heater switch. I got the heater assembly out and the new evap in and it looks great. I need to run to town and get a 2 and a half inch hole saw blade to cut the dash and also to cut the hole in the heater core.

Im just need to get my new ac controller in and finish it up. My non ac controller is trashed all the rivets on the back are broken so the assembly on the back is just hanging and the bottom lever is busted.
I am missing the adapter for the center vent, so I will call vintage to get one shipped to me.

[kevmic28]

Ok talked to Vintage so there is not another adapter for the center vent. I just have to force the round hose onto the oblong vent..

[kevmic28]

Also any one have any opinions on how to run the belts for the pullys? Im thinking the easiest is to put a double pully on the power steering then a small belt from the from the crank pully to the power steering. One from the crank, water pump and alternator, then one from the water pump to the ac compressor.

[red71cheyenne]

The old air is the same way. You just slide the hose over the back of the oval vent. It has a couple of tabs that hold it in place on there.

[ERASER5]

Originally Posted by kevmic28

Ok talked to Vintage so there is not another adapter for the center vent. I just have to force the round hose onto the oblong vent..

After you get good at that, I have a square peg/ round hole dilemma that I need help with.

[kevmic28]

LOL. I bent it down and let it sit in the sun for a while and was finally able to get it on. I have everything trial fit in place. Gonna pull the evap unit back out this evening when it cools off and put down some insulation behind it. then connect all the hoses.
Then on to wiring.
Plus I am gona use some zip ties to cinch down the air pipes. to keep them from coming off.

[kevmic28]

Ok everything is installed but the controller and wiring. As soon as I get it in the mail Ill finish her up and get her charged up.

[Sammy]

Shame, you waited so late. Could have really used it more this year about three months ago.

[kevmic28]

Yeah well gotta have the cash first. Could have used it this summer for sure. It was miserable. But then again I did ride the Harley everyday instead of the truck.

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by kevmic28

LOL. I bent it down and let it sit in the sun for a while and was finally able to get it on. I have everything trial fit in place. Gonna pull the evap unit back out this evening when it cools off and put down some insulation behind it. then connect all the hoses.
Then on to wiring.
Plus I am gona use some zip ties to cinch down the air pipes. to keep them from coming off.

They must use different tubing then. The old air tubing is nice and soft, easy to shape. We'll see how it holds up though.

[kevmic28]

Mine is pretty soft and flexible too. but not stretchy, I got it to work but I think if it had been any tighter it would split.

[grs]

Hey Kev. I put air in my 69. It was a real pain. I called Alan Grove to get pulleys. He makes the brackets that Vintage Air uses I think. My belts line up really good. You will need a shroud, and 4 row radiator. I have a fan clutch, and a 6 blade fan. I had to get the correct bracket for PS pump for things to line up. Here is a tip. Get a piece of black cloth, or vinyl and lay it on top of the dash, [ the metal part ] to cover up the dash where the speaker, and defrost are. This will stop the sun light from getting thru the little vent slots and ruin the hoses. Just let it lay on the dash. I just went to Keller Texas on vacation. It was hot. I also cut my shroud in half. I can unscrew the shroud in the middle, then at the top, and remove the top of it to work on front of the engine. Sorry this was so long. Good luck.

[kevmic28]

I have the 4 row radiator, and a new fan clutch and shroud. Didnt have a chance to mess with it today. Hopefully tomorrow. I still need to wire it but waiting on the controller to come in.
Im thinking if I can put double pully on the power steering then I can run a belt from the power stearing to the alternator and one from the crank and water pump to the power steering. then one from the water pump to the compresor.
but I am not sure if I can run a belt from the power steering pump to the alternator...????

After thinking about it. I can get a 3 belt water pump pulley and shim the alternator and I am good.

[grs]

I tried to send a message, but I waited to long to send it and I lost it. See pics of the message.

[kevmic28]

Yeah I had issues with the radiator core, but I just took my time and bent the lines a little to make it work.
I think I can shim the alternator and just use one belt for power steering, alt and crank and another for crank, water, and ac.

[kevmic28]

Ok got the new ac controller in the mail today and finished up the wiring and the cables. Yeah I have heat again. It was 38 this morning and a chilly drive to school. lol
My new pulleys will be in on friday, so just need to get them on and a belt and I am ready to get it charged.

[kevmic28]

No real updates for now. The parts store I ordered the pulleys from had a snafu and I wont be getting my parts till Wednesday. Well really it wasnt the parts store it was their shipper. They sent they wrong pulley, part numbers were the same but numbers were switched.