aftermarket a/c with genIII v8 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

speed-racer · 03-06-2008, 09:03 AM

I've got a 68 c10 with a genIII 5.3 and am looking into aftermarket a/c. Any tips? I want to use the factory style vents and cut the holes in the dash.....not really interested in the vents that hang under the dash. Are there any kits that would work with the factory 5.3 a/c compressor. If not, surely they could be adapted to it. What have you guys done?

shifty · 03-06-2008, 10:09 AM

Yes. 68 Short Step put one kit in Killer's truck wit ha 5.3 and I think FirstGen adapted a Vintage Air kit into his truck.

Hit the thread in my signature (@ LS1Tech). Look about 5-10 posts down for the list of threads. There is a link to FirstGen's A/C install thread at the end of the list, but also check out Killer71's link in the list also for the install that 68ss did in his truck. I forget that brand.

As I tell everyone, that list is a veritable running reference of 75% of all of the swaps people around here have done - it's a superb resource for all kinds of stuff.

Andy4639 · 03-06-2008, 06:58 PM

You can make anything work as long as you get the right connections for the comonents in the truck. Any A/C shop can get the fittings you need.
Get everything in place or have all the components with you and go to a local A/C shop and get them to make up the hoses.
Havig everything installed is the best way this way you know how long and what kind of routing you need. Which way the fittings need to be placed also.

fastom · 03-07-2008, 12:22 AM

I installed the Vintage Air Gen-II Compact unit in my 68. I ordered the Gen-II unit with the Sure-Fit evaporator and hose kit. The compressor is a Sanden.

I smoothed the firewall and used a Bulkhead plate but you can use the stuff from the Sure-Fit kit. The controls for the Gen-II system were fitted to my dash but I'm sure an adaptor plate could be made for the controls.

The system was very easy to install and looks great.

03-06-2008, 09:03 AM	#1
speed-racer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Alma, Arkansas Posts: 75	aftermarket a/c with genIII v8 I've got a 68 c10 with a genIII 5.3 and am looking into aftermarket a/c. Any tips? I want to use the factory style vents and cut the holes in the dash.....not really interested in the vents that hang under the dash. Are there any kits that would work with the factory 5.3 a/c compressor. If not, surely they could be adapted to it. What have you guys done?

03-06-2008, 10:09 AM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: aftermarket a/c with genIII v8 Yes. 68 Short Step put one kit in Killer's truck wit ha 5.3 and I think FirstGen adapted a Vintage Air kit into his truck. Hit the thread in my signature (@ LS1Tech). Look about 5-10 posts down for the list of threads. There is a link to FirstGen's A/C install thread at the end of the list, but also check out Killer71's link in the list also for the install that 68ss did in his truck. I forget that brand. As I tell everyone, that list is a veritable running reference of 75% of all of the swaps people around here have done - it's a superb resource for all kinds of stuff. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-06-2008, 06:58 PM	#3
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: aftermarket a/c with genIII v8 You can make anything work as long as you get the right connections for the comonents in the truck. Any A/C shop can get the fittings you need. Get everything in place or have all the components with you and go to a local A/C shop and get them to make up the hoses. Havig everything installed is the best way this way you know how long and what kind of routing you need. Which way the fittings need to be placed also. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-07-2008, 12:22 AM	#4
fastom That's right, it's Copper!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Central California Posts: 558	Re: aftermarket a/c with genIII v8 I installed the Vintage Air Gen-II Compact unit in my 68. I ordered the Gen-II unit with the Sure-Fit evaporator and hose kit. The compressor is a Sanden. I smoothed the firewall and used a Bulkhead plate but you can use the stuff from the Sure-Fit kit. The controls for the Gen-II system were fitted to my dash but I'm sure an adaptor plate could be made for the controls. The system was very easy to install and looks great. Attached Images Last edited by fastom; 03-07-2008 at 03:28 AM.

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