Classic Auto Air AC System Review and Install Notes

[rc10coleman]

If I had an OE system... I'd update the condenser and keep the rest... you just give up so many features... if it was seldom driven and the clean firewall was important tho....

You may know this already, but a condenser designed for R12 will be very inefficient with R134a. The hoses will need to be upgraded too. The rest of the system will do just fine.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by rc10coleman

If I had an OE system... I'd update the condenser and keep the rest... you just give up so many features... if it was seldom driven and the clean firewall was important tho....

You may know this already, but a condenser designed for R12 will be very inefficient with R134a. The hoses will need to be upgraded too. The rest of the system will do just fine.

My truck is Non-Ac is has Heater only.
So if I install a factory A/C what condenser would you suggest?

[rc10coleman]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

My truck is Non-Ac is has Heater only.
So if I install a factory A/C what condenser would you suggest?

The condenser/dryer from CAA should work well... it uses the same style fittings, so it should be a relatively easy swap. There may be some direct replacements out there though. I've never had one of these C10's that were factory air trucks (that I've fooled with anyway), so I've never dug into it.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by rc10coleman

If I had an OE system... I'd update the condenser and keep the rest... you just give up so many features... if it was seldom driven and the clean firewall was important tho....

You may know this already, but a condenser designed for R12 will be very inefficient with R134a. The hoses will need to be upgraded too. The rest of the system will do just fine.

I’ve restored both factory AC systems in my current trucks. I upgraded the A6 compressor in one of them to the A10 aluminum replacement. Keeping the r12, I have zero complaints and the systems blow ice cold air even in 100 plus degree heat here in SoCal.

Thanks for your write up and review. I will continue to restore the factory AC in these trucks when present. If not present, I will probably go with vintage air if an aftermarket kit is needed.