A/C installation into a heat only truck????

[10drum]

Greetings,

I have been searching A/C installation options. I do not want to cut the firewall and add a factory type A/C. I am leaning toward this unit:

http://nostalgicac.com/complete-ac-k...-c-system.html

I am a retired Shell Pipeline technician and when I was young Shell did not equip their pickups with A/C, we weren't even allowed to add an underdash unit. However, there was an old welder who fit an evaporator coil into his heater/defrost duct on a early 70's 1 ton welding truck. He passed away a while ago and none of us can remember how he did it.

Well anyway, I have been looking at the duct work and I think it can be done, if I could have a coil made to fit just inside the firewall just past the heater core.

It's ok if you call me crazy, but has anyone done this? It's just food for thought.

Phil

[Z10]

My 72 GMC was a heat only truck and I installed a Vintage Air system last year. No need to cut the firewall. Check out my build thread in my signature for photos etc.

[10drum]

Z10, Thanks for the reply. I have looked at your build thread before, nice truck, looks like it was a lot of fun. From what I can tell the vintage air system also replaces the stock heater? Did the firewall cover come with the system? Looks like you used bulk head type connectors for the a/c, or are those fittings connected directly to the unit in the cab behind the glove box?

[mcbassin]

Vintage air is the best way to go in my personal opinion.
The kit comes with everything you need to install it.

Contact Sarah at Laidbackrecreations for the best deal HERE

[67ChevyRedneck]

That's pretty cheap for that under dash kit! When I got my V/A kit years ago they were around $1,100, looks like they're up to almost $1,400 now. If you're OK with the under dash look, that's going to be a hard price to beat!

If you go with V/A I would highly recommend their "factory air controller, non air cab" kit for your truck, meaning you would want a factory A/C controller (not included in kit) but it gives you a lot more adjustability with the system over using the stock "heat only" controller. I'm not sure on the newer V/A kits, I think they might actually use a bulk head now, but my kit used a cover with grommets and the connections were made to the unit under the dash.

[Z10]

Originally Posted by 10drum

Z10, Thanks for the reply. I have looked at your build thread before, nice truck, looks like it was a lot of fun. From what I can tell the vintage air system also replaces the stock heater? Did the firewall cover come with the system? Looks like you used bulk head type connectors for the a/c, or are those fittings connected directly to the unit in the cab behind the glove box?

1. Yes the VA system replaces the entire heating system.
2. The firewall blocking plate comes with the kit and is made of steel.
3. We did not us bulk head connectors. What you are seeing are Gates Powergrip hose clamps. http://www.wirecare.com/products.asp?prodline=SB You'll also see them on the radiator hoses. Good stuff.
4. The hose connect directly to the unit behind the dash.