To Stock AC or not to Stock AC

[ClayMore_5by5]

My '72 came from the plant with AC. It no longer functions, but I do have all the pieces parts.

Is it more economical to restore the original AC or go with an aftermarket unit? (If I can ever afford it.)

[ac102nv]

It all depends on which part of your system is not working. If it's only one or two items, even if large/expensive, it's probably still cheaper to fix. But if you have to replace many items, aftermarket may be the way to go. I only speak from the experience of my dad...he purchased a truck with a "complete" factory a/c. By the time he was done replacing bad parts, he'd spent almost as much as a complete AM kit. And once converted to 134 from R12, it didn't cool as well as the AM kits either. But it "looked" factory....which may be a plus or minus depending on you view.

[chickenwing]

Due to money, there was no considereration given to an aftermarket set up. I am modifiying my factory system for maximum performance. Bobbyk has helped a lot of people (me included) on the FAQ's with his a/c thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=112463

What I like about using the factory set up is the individual parts are relativly cheap. you can buy a part or two when funds permit. The kits are a big lump sum up front. I do not have the fiscal discipline to save up large dollar amounts.

Hope this helps.

[SK1970]

I have a 1969 with factory air that was converted to 134 does not cool very well. If you have the money to spend I would suggest an after market system designed for 134.

[GSFMECH]

Yeah, read the post BobbyK did, I have factory air with 134A done very similar to his and I have 48 degree air coming out of it. It works good if you get everything right.
Mike

[chickenwing]

Originally Posted by GSFMECH

Yeah, read the post BobbyK did, I have factory air with 134A done very similar to his and I have 48 degree air coming out of it. It works good if you get everything right.
Mike

I am hoping for at least those temps. gonna try this refrigerant: http://www.duracool.com/ supposed to be on par with R-12. Gonna be a bit before I have the cash. Still gotta have some hoses fabbed up. Got everything else though.

[smokekiki]

Chickenwing,go here http://www.autoacforum.com/categorie...d=2&zb=4293383 and do a search on the other view of duracool,a hydrocarbon,and banned in 15 states.Also the system has to be converted to the same specs as a r134 system.Also do a search on poa valves and how to set them for better cooling with r134.

[/<eystroke]

Just a data point.

I have the stock compressor, condenser, controls and duct work in my '69. Everything else
was replaced new. POA eliminator kit, parallel flow evaporator, expansion valve, new
custom hoses, and new drier.

I have less than $500 dollars in the new parts. $300 dollars for new hard lines, drier,
evaporator, vacuum can, and expansion valve. And $180 for custom hoses (they go across
to the driver side mounted compressor).

When charged (R134a), I measured 46 degree outlet temps on a 90+ day.

As I understand it, the underdash units require quite abit of work, rewiring and drilling holes
to install them.

The fan noise for a underdash unit is much louder than the stock system.

Some of the controls for the underdash units are not compatible with the stock control panel.

I did a lot of research and the $1000 kits just didn't seem like a smart buy to me.
If I had a really early model car that didn't have any stock AC parts then yes the kits
would be a wise choice. But with stock AC parts available for our trucks, the kits don't
seem too good of a deal.