Is it possible to add A/C Vents to non A/C Blazer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

slamd58 · 01-02-2005, 01:19 AM

Is it possible to add the vents for A/C to a Blazer that didn't have them? The Blazer in Tacoma that I am looking at does not have A/C and the vents are not there. The side vents look like that are pretty easy to add, however the center vent looks like it needs to be cut out and the vent added. Can this be done?

Scrubby · 01-02-2005, 01:28 AM

I think this can be done a couple ways. One way is you can cut the dash out of a A/C truck and weld it into yours. I have also seen templates that tell you were to cut the holes for the A/C vents. In both cases you would need all the A/C ducting and parts to go behind the holes in the dash.

Chevy Muscle · 01-02-2005, 11:13 AM

I made templates from an A/C truck and then cut the holes in my dash. I took my time and it turned out very well.

I would say that the center section is the easiest part to cut since all the cuts are straight. The side vents are pear-shaped and not easy to cut perfectly. I used a smaller hole saw then a die-grinder to make the proper shape.

Good luck and you will also have to modify the firewall if you are going to use a stock A/C airbox.

*Gee_Emm* · 01-02-2005, 12:17 PM

You will also have to modify the firewall if you are going with factory ac, this would involve welding up one of the airbox holes and cutting a new one.

bouncytruck · 01-02-2005, 02:20 PM

I have an article in one of my magazines that shows how to add AC. I'll see if I can find it and try to scan it. It is an old air product they add, but the vents are almost the same and in the same location.

You will also need to add an AC battery tray and and AC glove box. Hopefully that truck already has a 4 core radiator, but if not, you will need to put one in, especially with the summer heat in K-falls.

There are some under dash AC systems that are good options too. They look like the dealer installed AC systems and don't require as much modification.

Since that truck is at a dealership. I would totally low ball them. It is probably either on consignment or someone traded it in and didn't get anywhere near $20K for it.

red71cheyenne · 01-02-2005, 05:56 PM

Totally agree, both on adding a/c and low balling the dealership. You also will have to buy the inside recirc vacuum actuator and flapper valve inside the cowl. I think if I was doing it though, I would go with a new setup from vintage air or one of the other vendors as it already is set up for R134A and will run the compressor on the defrost cycle. If I decide add A/C to my K5, thats the route I'm going to go. Jeff.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-02-2005, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubby

One way is you can cut the dash out of a A/C truck and weld it into yours.

THIS WAS DONE 2 "GQ", EXCEPT HE USED A CST P/U DASH, SO NOW I HAVE A CENTER DASH SPEAKER

meathead95 · 01-02-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

THIS WAS DONE 2 "GQ", EXCEPT HE USED A CST P/U DASH, SO NOW I HAVE A CENTER DASH SPEAKER

you keep saying that but my 2wd blazer has a dash speaker and it came from the origional owner who was very anal about the origionality of the truck

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-02-2005, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meathead95

you keep saying that but my 2wd blazer has a dash speaker and it came from the origional owner who was very anal about the origionality of the truck

NOT DENYING YOURS KEITH, JUST TELLING HIM WHAT MY PO DID, HE
WAS TALKING ABOUT SWITCHING OUT THE ENTIRE DASH, MINE WAS

71swb4x4 · 01-02-2005, 07:08 PM

If you don't necessarily need factory air, cut the dash for the factory vents, and then add a unit from Vintage Air or the other aftermarket AC companies. Then you would not have to modify the firewall, but to most it would look like it was there from the factory.

slamd58 · 01-02-2005, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the info guys! I had a vintage air unit in my '58. It was pretty trick, although I'm not sure if it was set up correctly, because the A/C did not get that cold. The heater worked awesome, but the you could barely feel the air coming out of the dash vents. I am getting closer to making a decision and will let you know how everything proceeds. Will definitely low ball the dealer if I go that route. He probably gave the guy 10K - 12K as a trade in.... maybe less

bouncytruck · 01-03-2005, 12:05 AM

There is a nice looking ochre blazer on ebay right now. A little farther away, but it is bone stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW

slamd58 · 01-03-2005, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

There is a nice looking ochre blazer on ebay right now. A little farther away, but it is bone stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW

Bouncy - forgive my ignorance but what is an ochre blazer. this is the second time I have heard this and have no clue what it means..

..Is it the color?

bouncytruck · 01-03-2005, 12:16 PM

Ochre is a mustard-yellow-orange color. Some people love the color, others hate it. Personally, I like it, but I like my orange K5 better.

from dictionary.com
o·chre or o·cher (n.)

1. Any of several earthy mineral oxides of iron occurring in yellow, brown, or red and used as pigments.
2. A moderate orange yellow, from moderate or deep orange to moderate or strong yellow.

Dragonslayer · 01-03-2005, 12:41 PM

I just got started this weekend with my restoration. I am seriously thinking about doing the same thing. It looks like I can get just everything I need from LMC Truck (ducts, vents, hoses, compressor). If you get around to doing it, I would be interested in knowing what it took and how hard it was. I am interested in staying with the stock system that originally came with the Blazers.

slamd58 · 01-03-2005, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

Ochre is a mustard-yellow-orange color. Some people love the color, others hate it. Personally, I like it, but I like my orange K5 better.

from dictionary.com
o·chre or o·cher (n.)

1. Any of several earthy mineral oxides of iron occurring in yellow, brown, or red and used as pigments.
2. A moderate orange yellow, from moderate or deep orange to moderate or strong yellow.

Bouncy your a geek! hahaha....just kidding....dictionary.com....Dang man I would have trusted your explanation.... thanks for the info.

bouncytruck · 01-04-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slamd58

Bouncy your a geek! hahaha....just kidding....dictionary.com....Dang man I would have trusted your explanation.... thanks for the info.

Thanks, I resemble that remark. I am indeed a geek!

Huck · 01-05-2005, 09:52 AM

Just some clarifications---1. The Blazer/Jimmy came with both under dash and in dash radio speakers---just depends on the year---. Jamie and I parted out several this past year and every one was an original in dash speaker.
2. Converting a non-AC Blazer/truck to original AC is doable and not terribly difficult butttttt---it's probably going to cost more then an aftermarket by the time you're finished. Original A/C works well when correct but--can be a pain to maintain as some original parts are becoming rare and the compressor is an antique suckin lots of power and space. Consider an aftermarket--be it vintage, old air or ??? They are far more efficient and if working as designed, they are at least at good --better then the original. Plenty of manufacturer support available. Take up a lot less space and power. If done well, you can't tell without looking under the dash or under the hood. In my limited mind, cool is as cool does!!

bouncytruck · 01-05-2005, 12:52 PM

slamd58 - I've sent you a couple PM's.

01-02-2005, 01:19 AM	#1
slamd58 <- Determination Pays Off Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Klamath Falls, OR Posts: 77	Is it possible to add A/C Vents to non A/C Blazer Is it possible to add the vents for A/C to a Blazer that didn't have them? The Blazer in Tacoma that I am looking at does not have A/C and the vents are not there. The side vents look like that are pretty easy to add, however the center vent looks like it needs to be cut out and the vent added. Can this be done? __________________ 1958 Chevy Pickup 350/350, PS, PB, Tilt, A/C, 4 wheels Discs, 17" Wheels. Full Leather Interior - SOLD 1972 CST Blazer 454/400, A/C, 4" lift, 35's, Double wall top

01-02-2005, 02:20 PM	#5
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	I have an article in one of my magazines that shows how to add AC. I'll see if I can find it and try to scan it. It is an old air product they add, but the vents are almost the same and in the same location. You will also need to add an AC battery tray and and AC glove box. Hopefully that truck already has a 4 core radiator, but if not, you will need to put one in, especially with the summer heat in K-falls. There are some under dash AC systems that are good options too. They look like the dealer installed AC systems and don't require as much modification. Since that truck is at a dealership. I would totally low ball them. It is probably either on consignment or someone traded it in and didn't get anywhere near $20K for it. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

01-02-2005, 05:56 PM	#6
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Totally agree, both on adding a/c and low balling the dealership. You also will have to buy the inside recirc vacuum actuator and flapper valve inside the cowl. I think if I was doing it though, I would go with a new setup from vintage air or one of the other vendors as it already is set up for R134A and will run the compressor on the defrost cycle. If I decide add A/C to my K5, thats the route I'm going to go. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

01-02-2005, 07:08 PM	#10
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	If you don't necessarily need factory air, cut the dash for the factory vents, and then add a unit from Vintage Air or the other aftermarket AC companies. Then you would not have to modify the firewall, but to most it would look like it was there from the factory. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-02-2005, 08:54 PM	#11
slamd58 <- Determination Pays Off Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Klamath Falls, OR Posts: 77	Thanks for the info guys! I had a vintage air unit in my '58. It was pretty trick, although I'm not sure if it was set up correctly, because the A/C did not get that cold. The heater worked awesome, but the you could barely feel the air coming out of the dash vents. I am getting closer to making a decision and will let you know how everything proceeds. Will definitely low ball the dealer if I go that route. He probably gave the guy 10K - 12K as a trade in.... maybe less __________________ 1958 Chevy Pickup 350/350, PS, PB, Tilt, A/C, 4 wheels Discs, 17" Wheels. Full Leather Interior - SOLD 1972 CST Blazer 454/400, A/C, 4" lift, 35's, Double wall top

01-02-2005, 01:28 AM	#2
Scrubby Check out GMTrucks.org Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise, Id Posts: 284	I think this can be done a couple ways. One way is you can cut the dash out of a A/C truck and weld it into yours. I have also seen templates that tell you were to cut the holes for the A/C vents. In both cases you would need all the A/C ducting and parts to go behind the holes in the dash.

01-02-2005, 11:13 AM	#3
Chevy Muscle < 69 Blazer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nevada, TX Posts: 292	I made templates from an A/C truck and then cut the holes in my dash. I took my time and it turned out very well. I would say that the center section is the easiest part to cut since all the cuts are straight. The side vents are pear-shaped and not easy to cut perfectly. I used a smaller hole saw then a die-grinder to make the proper shape. Good luck and you will also have to modify the firewall if you are going to use a stock A/C airbox.

01-02-2005, 12:17 PM	#4
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	You will also have to modify the firewall if you are going with factory ac, this would involve welding up one of the airbox holes and cutting a new one.

01-03-2005, 12:05 AM	#12
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	There is a nice looking ochre blazer on ebay right now. A little farther away, but it is bone stock. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

01-03-2005, 12:16 PM	#14
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Ochre is a mustard-yellow-orange color. Some people love the color, others hate it. Personally, I like it, but I like my orange K5 better. from dictionary.com o·chre or o·cher (n.) 1. Any of several earthy mineral oxides of iron occurring in yellow, brown, or red and used as pigments. 2. A moderate orange yellow, from moderate or deep orange to moderate or strong yellow. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 01-03-2005 at 12:18 PM.

01-03-2005, 12:41 PM	#15
Dragonslayer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 37	I just got started this weekend with my restoration. I am seriously thinking about doing the same thing. It looks like I can get just everything I need from LMC Truck (ducts, vents, hoses, compressor). If you get around to doing it, I would be interested in knowing what it took and how hard it was. I am interested in staying with the stock system that originally came with the Blazers. __________________ 1972 Blazer CST 4X4

01-05-2005, 09:52 AM	#18
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Just some clarifications---1. The Blazer/Jimmy came with both under dash and in dash radio speakers---just depends on the year---. Jamie and I parted out several this past year and every one was an original in dash speaker. 2. Converting a non-AC Blazer/truck to original AC is doable and not terribly difficult butttttt---it's probably going to cost more then an aftermarket by the time you're finished. Original A/C works well when correct but--can be a pain to maintain as some original parts are becoming rare and the compressor is an antique suckin lots of power and space. Consider an aftermarket--be it vintage, old air or ??? They are far more efficient and if working as designed, they are at least at good --better then the original. Plenty of manufacturer support available. Take up a lot less space and power. If done well, you can't tell without looking under the dash or under the hood. In my limited mind, cool is as cool does!!

01-05-2005, 12:52 PM	#19
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	slamd58 - I've sent you a couple PM's. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L



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