retrofit AC or buy new cab?

[Duster]

Originally Posted by belay70

already found a rust-free truck for $800. blown engine is what makes it cheap. I can use the bed replacement too. problem is, its a 1985 - am I right in thinking the front fenders and hood are still the same as my 79? Is it just the grill/rad support that were changed?

But thinking it over - it doesnt make any sense to tear all the body parts off this rust-free truck, cause the frame is likely to be in better shape than mine too. Kinda begs the question - Why not just put my engine in the donor truck? But then Im not "restoring" my truck. Whose great idea was it to find a donor truck???? Round and round you can go with these problems.

So. Now Im thinking simply repairing my cab and bed would be at least worth trying. If I dont like the result then its back to the donor truck scenario. Finding a completely rusted out truck just for the AC components wouldnt be hard. But do you have to cur any part of the dash metal when putting in AC? It uses the same vents as the heater, but also uses a vent above the radio, right? I suppose I'll also need to cannibalize the ductwork, which might mean removal of the entire metal dash?

Why do I always want the most difficult things in life?

Hood fenders core support even the cab will be different on the 85 vs. the 79. everything will bolt up though. The hood hinges on the 79 bolt to the fenders, and the 85 will be intergrated into the cab and the fenders. The 85 will also have a cowl vent cover between the hood and the windshield. But like I said, the 79 fenders should bolt right up to the 85 cab. They also have different dashes. You might run into a problem if you are wanting to stick a 79 dash pad into the 85.