Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RainFade · 01-18-2006, 12:18 PM

I have dealer installed a/c in my 71 k20 and am putting together the pieces parts to switch over to a factory a/c dash.

If anyone has done this i'd appreciate hearing what parts beyond the obvious (dash, duct work, controls )you had to change to accomplish this task.

Thanks in advance.

Zonaman · 01-18-2006, 12:49 PM

I think you need an "AC cab". I beleive the factory setups are less efficient than newer add ons from folks like Vintage Air or Old Air Products. I would guess anyone going factory wants a faithful restore.

RainFade · 01-18-2006, 02:30 PM

I've found an A/C dash, hope I don't need a whole cab or i'll just scrap the idea.

*Billla* · 01-18-2006, 02:52 PM

Is the A/C dash really that unique? I assumed it was just a hole cut for the center vent and then the same for the two edge vents....is it really a different dash? Can you convert a non-air dash to air?

Zonaman · 01-18-2006, 04:23 PM

For many after market systems, you cut holes in the dash. I'm not certain why, but "AC cabs" are desired by folks who want factory style air. Maybe it's just to save the trouble of cutting holes but it can't be that much trouble to do. It seems like you could cut your dash. Perhaps someone with a bit more knowledge could clarify this.

Zonaman · 01-18-2006, 04:37 PM

Now I remember- I think there's some mods to the fireweall on non a/c cabs as well. Someone will probably verfiy this.

see ten · 01-18-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zonaman

Now I remember- I think there's some mods to the fireweall on non a/c cabs as well. Someone will probably verfiy this.

Correct you are my friend! The firewall is different on a factory air truck. Vintage Air can be set up to look factory on the inside of the truck if an original look is what you want.

pound41 · 01-18-2006, 05:03 PM

The boxes sit in a little different place and I think the hoses as well. You have to weld up the old holes and cut new ones. I also think you have to do a little to install the rod that goes up by the cowl. I am going to do this on my blazer. There are a lot of good posts if you search. On ebay right now someone has for sale the plates for eliminating the boxes all together. they were only $15 I thought about getting a set to save a little time

01-18-2006, 12:18 PM	#1
RainFade Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 215	Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? I have dealer installed a/c in my 71 k20 and am putting together the pieces parts to switch over to a factory a/c dash. If anyone has done this i'd appreciate hearing what parts beyond the obvious (dash, duct work, controls )you had to change to accomplish this task. Thanks in advance. __________________ 71 K20 350/350/205, dealer air, 4" lift, Flowtech,Edel 1406 on 2101, procomp HEI,4.10's, 33x12.50x16.5 BFG MT's on slots. 4 wheel disc brakes. My lame K20 page My lame Eaton disc brake page

01-18-2006, 12:49 PM	#2
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? I think you need an "AC cab". I beleive the factory setups are less efficient than newer add ons from folks like Vintage Air or Old Air Products. I would guess anyone going factory wants a faithful restore. __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus!

01-18-2006, 02:30 PM	#3
RainFade Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 215	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? I've found an A/C dash, hope I don't need a whole cab or i'll just scrap the idea. __________________ 71 K20 350/350/205, dealer air, 4" lift, Flowtech,Edel 1406 on 2101, procomp HEI,4.10's, 33x12.50x16.5 BFG MT's on slots. 4 wheel disc brakes. My lame K20 page My lame Eaton disc brake page

01-18-2006, 02:52 PM	#4
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? Is the A/C dash really that unique? I assumed it was just a hole cut for the center vent and then the same for the two edge vents....is it really a different dash? Can you convert a non-air dash to air?

01-18-2006, 04:23 PM	#5
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? For many after market systems, you cut holes in the dash. I'm not certain why, but "AC cabs" are desired by folks who want factory style air. Maybe it's just to save the trouble of cutting holes but it can't be that much trouble to do. It seems like you could cut your dash. Perhaps someone with a bit more knowledge could clarify this. __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus! Last edited by Zonaman; 01-18-2006 at 04:27 PM.

01-18-2006, 04:37 PM	#6
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? Now I remember- I think there's some mods to the fireweall on non a/c cabs as well. Someone will probably verfiy this. __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus! Last edited by Zonaman; 01-18-2006 at 04:38 PM.

01-18-2006, 05:03 PM	#8
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Dealer air to factory anyone done it ? The boxes sit in a little different place and I think the hoses as well. You have to weld up the old holes and cut new ones. I also think you have to do a little to install the rod that goes up by the cowl. I am going to do this on my blazer. There are a lot of good posts if you search. On ebay right now someone has for sale the plates for eliminating the boxes all together. they were only $15 I thought about getting a set to save a little time



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