putting in a factory a/c unit

[putnam00]

I have a 71 c-10 non a/c truck but I want to put a/c in. I have my hands on 2 maybe 3 factory a/c units. I'm not running the factory engine, its an LT1, so I'll have to make a bracket for the compressor I have a top mount blazer ac compressor. what other things do I need to get this going I'd like to have it in before my Tour Nebraska the first part of june. I know I could go buy a aftermarket a/c and come with all the stuff, I just don't have $1400 bucks for a kit like that even though there cool as hell

[leftybass209]

The holes in the firewall don't match between ac and non-ac trucks. You'll have to address that if you want to use a factory ac unit.

Look here

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419390

[Mike C]

You will spend more money and have a less efficient system than buying a kit. Just save your pennies as long as it takes and go Vintage Air. (One of the next mods for my truck...)

[putnam00]

yes I know I'll have to cut my firewall, I have a factory a/c cab that I can use for a guide, but was also told the wiring harness was different

[putnam00]

the one in charge says no way in hell have to use what I have

[Eddie H.]

It's a lot of work to put factory AC in a non ac truck, but it can be done. The cut outs in the firewall are all different, so that would need to modified, and you would also need to install the vacuum operated flapper valves in the plenum and kick panel vents, as well as cutting holes in the dash for the outlets.

[Mike C]

Beyond making it fit, you need to find good functioning evaporator, condensor, compressor, hoses...

I re-did the AC in my Jimmy back in '89. It had been broken since about 1980. My dad had broken an aluminum fitting. I put the one new hose on it along with a dryer, vacuumed it down and recharged. Worked great! For about a week... Then the high pressure line blew up from old age. Found a place to reubild the manifold with the muller on it. Vacuumed it down and recharged it. Worked great! For about a month... Clutch failed on the compressor. New clutch was $72 and the time and a rebuilt compressor $75. So I put the rebuild compressor on. Vacuumed it down. And it worked for a long time. I think it's working now actually, but it's such an ineffecient and antiquated system it never gets used. Just pulled the top off and left it off.

[mrein3]

With all due respect to other posters, you can put in a factory system for WAY less than the money companies are getting for aftermarket kits. That $1400 is the starting price. On this very forum I have read posts where folks bought the kit and ended up dropping a bunch more coin on other stuff to make it work.

The factory system, when done right, is WAY colder than most anything out there. Let me put it this way. When I get out of one of my vehicles cooled by one of these systems properly charged with R12, my glasses fog up. That just doesn't happen with newer systems. (My Chevelles are both still full of R12. The truck is R134a - which though cold doesn't fog my glasses).

You can convert the factory system to run R134a. All you need to do is adjust the POA valve.

Do NOT eliminate the POA and install a cycling switch with the stock compressor. It wasn't designed for that.

I did this conversion myself and love it. I wrote it up a few years ago here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478564

I hope this helps.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by Mike C

You will spend more money and have a less efficient system than buying a kit. Just save your pennies as long as it takes and go Vintage Air. (One of the next mods for my truck...)

The kits don't have near as big of heater cores.

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by mrein3

With all due respect to other posters, you can put in a factory system for WAY less than the money companies are getting for aftermarket kits. That $1400 is the starting price. On this very forum I have read posts where folks bought the kit and ended up dropping a bunch more coin on other stuff to make it work.

The factory system, when done right, is WAY colder than most anything out there.

I have to mostly agree with this. While it's a lot of work to retrofit factory AC, and it's really bulky and nearly an eyesore.... it sure as heck is cold! Picking up pieces used can help save on costs too.

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

The kits don't have near as big of heater cores.

I never pondered that. In my part of Texas the size of a heater core has never come up!

The factory system in my '70 GMC truck worked really well and the OP is talking trucks, but the same system in the Jimmy is too small.

If all the components are in good shape, you probably can do a factory system cheaper. But time is money and how much do you have? My experience is that a LOT of these components will fail to age, and that's when these trucks were HALF as old as they are now.

I'm sure you can make it work, just not sure when you factor in your time as well as parts that is will really be cheaper.

Since the LT1 is the powerplant it will be a compressor change. Already we have one major component that is not factory. Custom hoses will need to be made which isn't too bad. Realistically the rest of the system should be updated to the correct expansion valve and a larger condensor for the R134a.

I am a firm believer in recycling parts and factory parts are usually the best, but the OP needs to know at least some of the caveats...

[putnam00]

Well i have till june 5th to have it all in. Like i said i have my hands on a factory ac cab and 3 under dash units and 2 outer boxes. Eye sores under the hood aren't a big concern for me most people here are amazed I have a fuel injected lt1 under the hood