Redneck A/C?

[zac]

Yeah, a weird time of year for this subject....wouldn’t mind having some a/c in my ‘79 K20 next year. Truck originally had it but most of the components were gone when I got it. I know there are kits, but I’m not putting a $1500+ system in a truck I paid $1000 for. I messed with converting factory systems when I had 70’s Cadillacs several years ago, worked ok, not great. How about taking the entire system—or as much as practical—out of a later model factory r134 truck and adapting it? Anybody tried it?

[TKCR]

There’s a guy here in Ohio, that’s removing his. Maybe you can get all his parts and add it to your truck.

[SunSoaked]

Look in the classified section. Someone is selling what your looking for...minus 134 compressor.

[zac]

My bad, I should have been more specific. Not really looking to run a “stock” system with r134. Been dealing with them since I got my first square back in the 80’s. Seemed to be trouble when fairly new and with R12. 50s/60s technology, just like the underside of my truck doesn’t differ much from a WW II Power Wagon. I’ve got to believe the engineers that brought us Vortec heads and LS motors got better at doing a/c. But maybe not. I’ve been running the washer fluid pump and reservoir system from 90’s trucks for years on all my old Chevys. Easy swap and it actually works, just wondering if that same idea might apply here.

[SunSoaked]

I hear what your saying, I think the same way. Yes, they are better. Solid state controls and stepper motors have replaced cables, vacumn hoses and crappy vent flappers. The problem for guys like us it is usually engineered and integrated into the vehicles ecu. It's like picking the bones out of a factory harness to get a stand alone FI system. It can be done but at a cost...time/effort. That's where the appeal of aftermarket systems come in. My Vintage Air system is modern, reliable and effective. But it also comes with a cost... dollars. Pick your poison.