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#1 |
What are you looking at?
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma
Posts: 308
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A/C Questions
I am looking at what it is going to take to get the A/C working in my 71 GMC.
I have just about all the parts except for the condensor and the dryer. However the compressor I have appears to be locked up. I was wondering what it would take to go ahead and convert to 134A. I know I still would need the condensor and dryer but what compressor would work since I have to buy one anyway? I know I will need a POA valve for 134A also...anything else? ![]()
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1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit ![]() |
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#2 |
Saving one 72 at a time!!
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 261
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Re: A/C Questions
Vintage Air - Vinatge Air - Vintage Air
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#3 | |
What are you looking at?
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma
Posts: 308
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Re: A/C Questions
Quote:
![]() What is the cost of a Vintage air system versus - 1 new compresor, 1 new/used condensor, 1 Dryer, and 1 POA valve for R134A?...Maybe Vintage Air would be cheaper.
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1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit ![]() |
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#4 |
WTB this ad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lafayette Georgia
Posts: 5,074
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Re: A/C Questions
I think V/A is around $1000 -$1100. It will come with everything but the belt and the pulley. I have heard people say by the time they got their old system going they would have spent the same or come out cheaper to have bought V/A. I personaly have it on both of my trucks.
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#5 |
What are you looking at?
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma
Posts: 308
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Re: A/C Questions
I was just looking at their website and what all was included...it comes with everything. I think I will give them a call or call a local dealer and get a price.
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1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit ![]() |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Center City, MN, USA
Posts: 3,254
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Re: A/C Questions
If you have the original POA you can adjust it for R134A.
I made the adjustment on mine but still haven't put all the pieces on the truck to finish the job. Do a search for POA adjust and you should find the link to the procedure. To convert you need your adjusted POA, a well flushed system, and you should be good to go. There is a procedure to flush your compressor. Basically you drain the oil out of it, put in a set amount of the new oil, drain that, then put it together, add oil, pull a vacuum, and charge it. You also need a new receiver/dryer that is compatable with R134A. But you have to replace that any time you open the system.
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'70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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Re: A/C Questions
Just use a stock compressor--changed mine to 134-just had to change the o-rings. (new dryer also)
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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#8 |
Senior Member
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Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 901
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Re: A/C Questions
IMO ....keep your truck stock with the original air conditioing system...Besides, the total parts required for the stock system will be 1/2 or less than the aftermarket units ; that look just what they are ..... Add-ons! ( just my 2 cents input !! )))
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'71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal). |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 1,269
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Re: A/C Questions
You have to change the o ring and the oil in the compressor, If your hoses are dry rotten you might have to replace them to. 134A works at a higher pressure. Thats it I did mine works fine
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#10 |
Mike
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: west chester pa
Posts: 2,474
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Re: A/C Questions
I did my suburban last year.I used a stock compressor,from autozone.I had to replace hoses because of dry rot.Flush the condensor,hoses and evaperator.You want all the old oil and junk out,especially if your compresor locked up.I used laquer thinner,and lots of shop air.Use at Your own risk,it is flammable.Brakeclean also works.I had pretty good cooling after I put it back together.I put an electric fan on the condenser,know it cools great. Go to www.autoacforum.com Search under poa valve adjustment.It is very easy to do.
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70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires Last edited by smokekiki; 01-19-2006 at 10:03 AM. |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,332
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Re: A/C Questions
I have been told that if you are converting to R134A, instead of adjusting the POA valve you are better off replacing the POA valve with a kit that converts the system from POA to cycling pressure switch and a fixed orifice tube, like the newer trucks. I am considering goung this route with my truck. Has anyone tried going this way with it?
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1967 GMC CM-2500 Camper Cruiser, 351E V-6, NP 435 4 speed, Dana 60, and factory A/C. 2012 GMC K-3500 WT regular cab, 6.0L Vortec, 6L90. |
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#12 | |
Mike
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: west chester pa
Posts: 2,474
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Re: A/C Questions
Quote:
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70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires |
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#13 |
Mike
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: west chester pa
Posts: 2,474
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Re: A/C Questions
If You want some goog reading go to this site...http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blazer_mods/ This is from BobbyK
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70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires |
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#14 |
GM ONLY BABY!!!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, IN.
Posts: 1,998
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Re: A/C Questions
Check this link out for your condensor, it was given to me by John Fabris, another member on this board. http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Condenser-Specialists
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2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride ![]() ![]() http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up Last edited by chevydog66; 01-19-2006 at 08:05 PM. |
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#15 |
Saving one 72 at a time!!
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 261
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Re: A/C Questions
Vintage air - Vintage air - Vintage air
Unless you are doing a factory correct restore- no matter how you do it - it will cost less to do a vinatge air system - in the short run and the long run. I have done it both ways |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Center City, MN, USA
Posts: 3,254
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Re: A/C Questions
Quote:
I picked a bunch of the stuff I needed off of an AC truck in the yard. $100 for the box and everything attached outside the firewall. The same $100 bill got me the AC controlls, inside firewall (heater core) box, and all the vents. I got a used condensor form da-burb for - I forget - I think $25. I got a used receiver/dryer from him at that time to help with the mock-up. The new one when I get it is $25-$30. I have a used compressor off of my Monte - free. I paid $100 for all the brackets to attach the compressor to the engine. The R134a was $3/can at Wal*Mart at the end of the season (clearance). I adjusted the POA I got off the junk truck myself - free. I paid $80 or so for brand new AC hoses from LMC. That is $100+$25+$30+$100+$12+$80. approximately $350. That is one HECK of a lot less than the $800 and up for vintage air and the others.
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'70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN |
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