A/C with Factory Compressor

[AJII]

Hey Guys!

Have a 5.3 swapped into a 1985 K10 and want to put a/c in it. Would like to use the factory compressor, but it appears that the parts that make that work are no longer available (docblocks).

So what are my options now with the factory compressor? I have searched, but everything is based around using the docblock fittings.

Thanks!

[TopFuel1966]

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...ght-out-36.php

[AJII]

How will those help me...? Seems that it's already tight on space and those will just put the hoses closer to the frame? But hopefully I'm mistaken!

[NEALS49]

Originally Posted by TopFuel1966

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...ght-out-36.php

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ac/...ittings-42.php

A few more choices...

[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by AJII

How will those help me...? Seems that it's already tight on space and those will just put the hoses closer to the frame? But hopefully I'm mistaken!

That's what I used. It's a tight fit but it worked.

[AJII]

Do you have any pictures of your setup?

Thanks!
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[rs72z]

Looks like this will work.

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...tional-471.php

[AJII]

Would work perfect....but it says that it doesnt fit LS compressors.
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[rs72z]

woops, missed that.

[chevy72blu]

Talk to Scotts Hot Rods (forum vendor) about a vintage air setup. Its not cheap by any means, but their stuff is top notch and they answered all of my questions. I probably wont get to that stage in my build until next summer...

[AJII]

Not looking to spend that much at all on this truck. Haha. Should be able to get the factory air going for a couple hundred whenever I get the fitting situation figured out.
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[ls1nova71]

Do you have the lines that originally hooked to the compressor? If you do, then cut them off where the hoses crimp on them, or anywhere that works for you. Then go to the autoparts store and have them order some aluminum weld on barb fittings, they will have to actually look in a book, probably a four seasons book, so don't go to the 16 year old kid who only punches numbers in a computer. Lol Then find someone who can TIG weld aluminum and have them welded on. From there you just have to have hoses crimped on. Sometimes you can even use part of the original hoses and just have different fittings crimped on the other end. Replace your drier/accumulator and your orifice tube, vacuum down and charge.
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[eagleuh1]

Yeh, it sucks Docs Blocks doesn't sell to general public anymore. Thats where I got all my fittings from. They're right down the road from me too. They should have dealers though. Maybe you can find out from them if theirs a dealer you can order them from. Just got my AC charged up 3 days ago. Its a little on the wimpy side, but still better than nothing. Gotta attach the vacuum hoses so I can maybe get the mixing door to close and get pure AC and no heater flow. I'll post pics later. 2005 5.3 in 68 C20. Used original 5.3 compressor with newer dryer and homemade hoses. The R12 condensor and evaporator slightly modified.

[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by AJII

Do you have any pictures of your setup?

Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

Here ya go..........

This is actually the 90 degree version of the GM1600. Call Nostalgic Air and tell them this is what you need.

[AJII]

Thanks a ton! That would have worked perfect...but...

Nostalgic has to be the MOST UNHELPFUL COMPANY I HAVE EVER TALKED WITH!

Called and told them that I saw a version of their GM1600 with fittings out of the side instead of out of the top. Their response you ask?

"Do you see it listed online?"

No, that's why I called to see if it was special order.

"If it's not online we don't have it. Nothing I can do about that."

There was no, let me check on that for you, or let me ask someone. Just nope.

So......back to the drawing board.

[eagleuh1]

Any luck finding fittings yet. Mines still running but kinda wimpy on the cooling. Put in a heater hose cutout valve. That didn't seem to help. Been looking for a modern aluminum condensor that will fill out the core support opening, Still haven't found one yet. Good luck. Jim

[AJII]

Some key learnings I've had....

I found the fitting TopFuel posted up....BUT....that is for a LS1 compressor. The truck compressors are different. Found this out after I bought the fitting

I have found some adapters that let me hook #10 and #8 fittings directly. Unfortunately the come straight up, so I'll have to notch the frame, but it is what it is.

I didn't find an aluminum condenser either, but went with a new stock one.

Should be getting it all together this weekend. I'll post back with results.

[AJII]

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

Any luck finding fittings yet. Mines still running but kinda wimpy on the cooling. Put in a heater hose cutout valve. That didn't seem to help. Been looking for a modern aluminum condensor that will fill out the core support opening, Still haven't found one yet. Good luck. Jim

Have any pics of your setup?

[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by AJII

Some key learnings I've had....

I found the fitting TopFuel posted up....BUT....that is for a LS1 compressor. The truck compressors are different. Found this out after I bought the fitting

I have found some adapters that let me hook #10 and #8 fittings directly. Unfortunately the come straight up, so I'll have to notch the frame, but it is what it is.

I didn't find an aluminum condenser either, but went with a new stock one.

Should be getting it all together this weekend. I'll post back with results.

Just as info.........the compressor on my motor is the one that was on it when it came out of the donor and it's a 5.3 not an LS1.

[AJII]

Upon further research...chevy installed 3 different compressors on LS engines.

LS1s have a bit smaller compressor

Now for the confusing part..
Early 4.8/5.3s (99-00) have what Top Fuel has shown above

01-02 can either have what Top Fuel has or have what is pictured below

03 and up have the compressor that looks like the one below (image stolen from glock35)

And my compressor is off an 05, but engine is an 01. See how I've gotten so confused??