How much for a new Air Conditioner?

[Hazieview]

How much would it cost to put a bran new AC in my truck? Has anyone had a recent installation. I want to do everything brand new.


So how much would it cost me to put a bran new AC back in my '81 chevy pickup?


thanks!

[gchemist]

I spent $450 on parts. Compressor, custom hoses, accumulator, orfice tube, and freon. Paid $150 to get it charged. That was a ripp off because I called an A/C guy. He installed all the parts. I should have installed the parts myself. I found a guy through a contact at the parts store. He only charges $10 per freon can. I had him charge my system a 2nd time after the pressure switch leaked.

Save some money by installing the parts yourself. Just add oil to the compressor before installation. Turn the compressor as you add oil.

Write up on installing A/C.

[COMP]

Originally Posted by gchemist

I spent $450 on parts. Compressor, custom hoses, accumulator, orfice tube, and freon. Paid $150 to get it charged. That was a ripp off because I called an A/C guy. He installed all the parts. I should have installed the parts myself. I found a guy through a contact at the parts store. He only charges $10 per freon can. I had him charge my system a 2nd time after the pressure switch leaked.

Save some money by installing the parts yourself. Just add oil to the compressor before installation. Turn the compressor as you add oil.

Write up on installing A/C.

you use 134a ??

[gchemist]

Yes, I use 134. I converted to a serpentine belt system.

[COMP]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Yes, I use 134. I converted to a serpentine belt system.

that what i need to do

[Mojave K20]

I need to fix my AC as well, been disconnected since 96 when the compressor failed.

[TeamRinaldi]

Yeah, me too. Right now I probably wouldn't use it anyway because of the extra gas use, but one of these days I'll get it fixed. It's on "the list". Ah, the joys of owning old stuff.

[Hazieview]

So I'm looking at around $600 for a new AC right? That's about what I've been told before.


What are the perks of having the serpentine setup besides converting to an electric fan? How much does a serpentine setup cost?

[COMP]

Originally Posted by Hazieview

So I'm looking at around $600 for a new AC right? That's about what I've been told before.


What are the perks of having the serpentine setup besides converting to an electric fan? How much does a serpentine setup cost?

i agree,??,i want to go to electric fans anyway

[gchemist]

A R12 system can work with R134. I ran my stock system for years with R134. It worked great too. A good flush is required. You can save money by only replaced the key components compressor, accumulator and orfice tube. I've learned one good thing about compressors. Don't waste money on a rebuilt. New compressors tend to last longer. Do the work yourself. It's not hard. Filling the R12 with R134 can be tricky due to fittings. Conversion kits are available.

I bought mine from this guy on ebay. All his stuff is clean and painted. The system on auction is a Vortec 96 and later. Older systems look like mine. Check the local bone yard. You can use your original power steering pump. Just swap pulleys. Alternators are easily plugged into stock wiring with plug adaptor. A reverse rotation pump is inexpensive. Only the A/C requires work because new hoses are needed. The compressor is also relocated.