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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: herminie, pa
Posts: 313
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how rare is factory AC?
Hey everyone,
I'm starting to search for my first 67-72 chevy, I would like to fix one up into a daily driver, and having AC for a daily driver is really nice where I'm from. How rare are these trucks with factory AC? More than likely, I'll wind up with a non-ac truck and retrofit AC into it. I was just curious about how rare of an option that was at the time. If I remember correctly, Air conditioning was still a pretty expensive option in the late 60s and early 70s. |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,946
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
I'll venture a guess and say 10% in the 67-68 years and 30% by 72.
It depends where you are looking too, when I grew up in Wyoming I hardly ever saw an AC truck. I lived in Dallas for 7 years and saw quite a few, relatively speaking.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
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#3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Gallatin TN
Posts: 376
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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#4 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
These trucks went through an evolution through their 6 year run. You'll find the majority of original 67's that are left will have manual brakes & steering, a straight six, 3 speed, no A/C, and likely a stepside or longbed fleetside.
There was a clear shift in what the consumer wanted out of a pickup, because by 1972 shortbed fleetsides were now outselling stepsides, and you're more likely to find a "loaded" truck with A/C, 350/Auto, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, etc. If you want original, your more likely to find a "loaded" truck from 1971/72, but so many of these trucks have been retrofitted in modern A/C kits now... it just depends on your budget and what you want.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ark City, Kansas
Posts: 3,332
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Wow! My 67 has factory AC. manual brakes, 283/glide, driver side sun visor and door arm rest only. That's about it.
Of course my 68 also has AC. It was a high option unit. You have to think about the folks ordering vehicles back then. Times were way different. A 40 something year old person in charge of ordering had lived through the depression. Most folks were extremely conservative with $$$. A pickup with a 6 banger and 3 on the tree was what got the job done, nothing else mattered. Food on the table and a roof over head were things that most adults were still thankful for back then. Man -o-man what a different day and time!!! Last edited by 68Gold/white; 07-18-2017 at 10:57 AM. |
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#6 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,004
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Both my 68 and 72 have it...and they work as they should
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__________________
1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Gallatin TN
Posts: 376
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Actually, very rare. In 1967, again, only 3% of trucks were equipped with factory air, according to my quoted sources. There were a few options that were rarer, but your ride is pretty special! Congrats!!
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Mesa AZ (Near Phoenix)
Posts: 2,302
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Your question is "how rare is factory AC". As others have quoted, much rarer on earlier 67 units and not as rare on 72's.
However, the real question is this; "How rare is it to find one today"? They are out there, as I just bought a 71 GMC pickup with factory 402, auto, and air a couple weeks ago. I wasn't looking for another truck, but when I popped the hood and saw a complete big block with air, I casually shut the hood and told the woman "I'll take it". So yeah, they are out there, but you'll need to look to find one complete.
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"Life is too short to drive a boring vehicle". Later, Wayne ![]() |
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#9 |
70+ ( Old Skool Club )
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Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada
Posts: 9,115
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
As has been said they are out there especially in 71/72's and 69/70's are around as well. The biggest problem is trying to find an Factory A/C truck with 1, the A/C parts like compressor and brackets all there and secondly the A/C actually functioning and working. I don't know how many 20/25k redone trucks that are for sale and the seller states A/C all there but needs a recharge. Okay if you just spent 20k restoring a truck why not spend another 150.00 and get the A/C working.. Buyer Beware !!!
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1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021 |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: herminie, pa
Posts: 313
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2006 Buick Lacrosse 1987 Chevrolet V10 1972 Chevrolet c20 350/350 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne ls3 swapped |
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: herminie, pa
Posts: 313
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Quote:
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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2006 Buick Lacrosse 1987 Chevrolet V10 1972 Chevrolet c20 350/350 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne ls3 swapped Last edited by s10mk; 07-18-2017 at 02:02 PM. |
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#12 |
Big Block
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Durham, N.C.
Posts: 1,649
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
AC was an pretty expensive option. I have a 71 Chevy Custom Deluxe Short Bed that is kind of an odd ball. I have the original sales order recite and Protecoplate. I purchase it from the original owner son. AC is listed for $430 dollars. That's almost 10% of the cost of the truck. It really doesn't matter in you buy one with factor air. Most likely the system will need a major overhaul which is not cheap. It might be better not to have it in the first place unless you're a purest and want something all original. A new system takes up less space under the hood and all component are new. Good luck with your search.
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Canton, Tx
Posts: 175
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
my 68 had P/S, P/B, Auto, and A/C all on a 396. has been a fun truck for years.
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#14 | |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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__________________
Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#15 |
Registered User
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Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
I have a 67 68 and 69 , only the 69 came with factory air , so Id say this is accurate in my case anyway
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68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Mesa AZ (Near Phoenix)
Posts: 2,302
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Quote:
Here's a pic I apologize if I am hijacking OP's thread, but to me, this was one rare find. Like was said earlier, "they are there, but dang few are ALL THERE". ![]() Oh yeah, rust free too.
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"Life is too short to drive a boring vehicle". Later, Wayne ![]() |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 53
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Looks familiar
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-71 C10 long bed, 402 -91 Camaro Z28, B2L 350 -96 Tahoe 2 door 2wd -15 Tahoe LT -16 Lexus RC 350 F sport ![]() |
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#18 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,224
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. James, MO
Posts: 1,239
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Threads like this make me continue to lament the wreck of my '67 SWB, big-window (nearly rust-free cab) with A/C. . . .
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'69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt. |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: pasadena,TEXAS
Posts: 880
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
My '71's spid shows 396 which was a 402(gm was slow on changing spid language) 4 season ac and power steering on a short fleet. When I got it the ac needed some work but it's workin now!
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1971 Cheyenne SWB 402BB, 700R4, 3.73 posi, PS, PB, A/C, Tilt, Tach "Wanda" Don't argue with idiots, People watching may not be able to tell the difference... There's someone in my head........But it's not me...... cheap tricks thread great info here!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 Last edited by hdff; 07-18-2017 at 09:03 PM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 118
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
In the earlier years, most who wanted air opted for the $21 sliding rear window.
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1971 C10 SWB 350/350 A/C PS PDB |
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#22 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,086
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
Please correct me if I am wrong but there were also under dash dealer installed units available back in the day. We had a 65 Galaxy that my dad had the dealer install when we moved to the Reno area back about 1968. I remember it was a big deal when we went to pick it up. And then after a month or so my mom wouldn't use it because "It uses too much gas". It was the only thing air conditioned that the family owned and the only time it got used is when dad drove mom's car.
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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#23 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,224
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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Those are in strict terms. For all I know some 402s had the larger heads & vise versa. That and I'm all ears if someone knows better. The guy who built my engine (1993) explained this, and sold me the heads off a 396. He said my heads had been gone through & were toast. I always questioned that. There was only 99K on the truck when it threw a bearing. Sure built a great engine though. Supposedly the best in the area, I can't argue that.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#24 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,211
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
All these big block a-c trucks are awesome, my 68 wasn't a factory air but all of it added from a blazer donor.
My question is does anyone make brackets for a 7 piston sanden compressor in the factory location. Or buy the aluminum A-6 compressor. So many questions. Sorry for the hijack
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" That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " |
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#25 | |
Big Block
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Durham, N.C.
Posts: 1,649
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Re: how rare is factory AC?
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