How to pull and A/c system off a junkyard truck??

[jd21476]

So I'd love to get an A/C system for my '73 K20. I was going to save up for a new Vintage Air system but then I was at the local pick a part the other day and saw all these trucks with full A/C systems on them.

Can I pull on off and use it on my truck? What years would work? What parts do I need?

Finally, is it worth the effort?????

[tlawre87]

Main thing to remember is the firewall is different from Ac to non-ac. Do you want to modify the firewall to make it work?

[jd21476]

Modify it in what way?

[79 silverado]

It may be more work than it is worth to you.

If you are running the 73-74 style grille and radiator support you need a 73-74 a/c condenser and mounts. If you have a later model replacement grille and support that will open more options.

A basic list of what you need is as follows:

Condensor, vapor line, liquid line, accumulator/dryer, relays, switches, evaporator core, compressor, brackets, wiring underhood and dash to splice in, climate control unit and cables, ducting for in the dash, RH trim bezel with dash vents for over the glove box, replacement combination a/c and heater box for the passenger side of the firewall, plus all the little stuff like orifice tube, seals, rings, etc etc.

It is a good deal of work to convert by putting the factory setup into a truck that doesn't have it, but is doable especially if you have the front clip off and are doing a restoration.

[jd21476]

Originally Posted by 79 silverado

It may be more work than it is worth to you.

If you are running the 73-74 style grille and radiator support you need a 73-74 a/c condenser and mounts. If you have a later model replacement grille and support that will open more options.

A basic list of what you need is as follows:

Condensor, vapor line, liquid line, accumulator/dryer, relays, switches, evaporator core, compressor, brackets, wiring underhood and dash to splice in, climate control unit and cables, ducting for in the dash, RH trim bezel with dash vents for over the glove box, replacement combination a/c and heater box for the passenger side of the firewall, plus all the little stuff like orifice tube, seals, rings, etc etc.

It is a good deal of work to convert by putting the factory setup into a truck that doesn't have it, but is doable especially if you have the front clip off and are doing a restoration.

My truck is complete and I dont really want to get in to a project like that. I may just order a Vintage Air kit or find a local shop in town.

[78 Big10 454]

Save your pennies and go with a Vintage Air unit. 79 Silverado really laid out the nuts and bolts of the conversion. Been there, done that and it was a project and a half.

[Tx Firefighter]

Vintage Air is twice as good as the best factory system ever was. It's worth the money.
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[jd21476]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Vintage Air is twice as good as the best factory system ever was. It's worth the money.
Posted via Mobile Device

Good to know. Where is the best/ cheapest place to order a Vintage Air system?

[Tx Firefighter]

I haven't shopped too closely yet. Most places do a drop ship straight from the manufacturer in San Antonio Texas so you're basically dealing with a middle man when you make the sale.
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