Regular cab to air cab?

[CG]

Has anyone taken a non air cab and made it an air cab to accept the stock heat and air units? I'm absolutely not talking about anything aftermarket.

Wondering what kind of work it is. I know the dash is different. and I think something on the firewall is different. I have a very nice non air cab that I would like to gather the air parts for (a lot of which I already have).

These kind of things always seem doable in my head, but it seems like after asking a few questions it turns out to be way more trouble than its worth, especially when you are wanting it to be 100% stock. Might have to look for an air cab instead =)

[cebra]

You need to source the firewall cutout from an AC cab, you can cut your own dash holes for the AC vents. Really it isn't that much work. I just closed up a non-AC cab for vintage air but I should have cut out my firewall and sold it and just welded in 1 piece of steel but oh well. I also just through all my AC boxes in the trash as I had no place to store them, live and learn.

[old51sedan]

I'm just in the process of adding Vintage Air to my truck. As far as I know the only difference between an Air cab and non-air cab are the holes cut into the dash. As far as adding an old air system, especially if you have to buy most of it and piece it together, I personally feel it's better to add an all new system.

[special-K]

^^^ No, the holes in the firewall are different to accommodate the different units. Everything is different at the firewall. No big deal. You don't even need the cut-out from an a/d truck. Just cut * patch as needed. It's not like it's anything that is ever seen once assembled and why be concerned with 100% correct on a truck that isn't?

[old51sedan]

Well, I guess I learned something new today. Vintage Air sent me a new plate to install over existing holes, so I never gave them a thought.

[B. W.]

It's easy with the cab off. Some holes for the heater box need to be filled, some holes for the A/C need to be drilled. The holes that need to be drilled are all located by dimples from the factory.

Here's some pics:
In the first pic, "HB" stands for heater box. The existing holes with circles around them will be re-used.

[jjzepplin]

I cut the holes in my dash. Not a big deal either. I did have an Air cab to get the templates from though. Someone here can help with that I am sure. If you take your time and measure 5 times and cut once you should not be able to tell the difference. I found all my air parts at the pick your part for about $100 total. Just an idea.

[100%Chevy]

I did this to my 68,C-10.
It wasn't as bad as it may sound.
I did it the way B.W. suggests.It is a lot less welding than replacing the whole section.
The hardest part was the center vent.It has to be very exact.Not much room for error.
Afterwards,there are no indications that anything has been done.


Mike.

[Andy4639]

I put the whole AC system in my 71 CG back in the early 80's. Not the first to do it. I would think it's much easier now than when I did it though. I got a wrecked truck and got the whole system out of it and installed it in my 71. The hardest part for me was the ball hole cutting. Other than that is pretty straight forward. I riveted my patch panel in the fire wall. As Tim said it's not seen and I dang sure ant taking it a part to show anybody.
I'm going to do it to my daughters 68 also when I find all the parts.

[CG]

What I mean by stock is I want to use all the stock air con system. I don't want to use aftermarket. I have a dash and I have the correct firewall. I also have what I believe to be most of the air con stuff. I was thinking there were some vent differences or something along those lines. If the only metal differences are the dash and the firewall it looks like Im good to go.

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by CG

What I mean by stock is I want to use all the stock air con system. I don't want to use aftermarket. I have a dash and I have the correct firewall. I also have what I believe to be most of the air con stuff. I was thinking there were some vent differences or something along those lines. If the only metal differences are the dash and the firewall it looks like Im good to go.

Not that I know of it all is the same for 67/72 Chevy truck AC. I don't know of anything that is different inside the cab except the cable lever's control's. They fit in the same opening thoe.

[RichardJ]

You guys aren't forgetting the air recirculation valve in the cowl are you?

Great write-up from nine years ago by 48richard.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=ac+suitcase




Many guys on that old thread didn't seem to be aware that almost all factory AC systems incorporate outside air into the AC. Most cars for the last 15 years use cabin air filters for incoming air AC vent.

[CG]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

You guys aren't forgetting the air recirculation valve in the cowl are you?

Great write-up from nine years ago by 48richard.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=ac+suitcase




Many guys on that old thread didn't seem to be aware that almost all factory AC systems incorporate outside air into the AC. Most cars for the last 15 years use cabin air filters for incoming air AC vent.

Ah ha! That's a good lil tidbit of info ... thanks!

[randy500]

I have a firewall cutout, dash side vent cutouts and center vent cutout you can borrow to cut the holes. It’s pretty easy. I just did a full ac conversion for another member to include evacuate, pressure test with nitrogen, evacuate the nitrogen and charge with R12.
It turned out real nice and worked real good too.
If you want I could do the whole job for you using your parts.
I also had a system for sale and in the pics I showed every part needed for a complete system, you could look at that to inventory your stuff.

[CG]

Ill have to check out your for sale thread. I might not actually need anything, your pictures will be a big help ... Thanks.

[100%Chevy]

CG,do you plan to use R-12 or 134-A?
I might can help you out on the R-12 if that's your choice.
Mike.

[randy500]

Pictures here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=786605

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

You guys aren't forgetting the air recirculation valve in the cowl are you?

Great write-up from nine years ago by 48richard.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=ac+suitcase




Many guys on that old thread didn't seem to be aware that almost all factory AC systems incorporate outside air into the AC. Most cars for the last 15 years use cabin air filters for incoming air AC vent.

I deleted it on mine and gained about 10* colder AC air. You delete the cowl vent all together just seal it up and leave the passenger side floor vent open all the time. It is like having late model recirculating air in the truck.
You want believe how much colder it will get.
My truck runs 38* on 95* days on low.

[CG]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I deleted it on mine and gained about 10* colder AC air. You delete the cowl vent all together just seal it up and leave the passenger side floor vent open all the time. It is like having late model recirculating air in the truck.
You want believe how much colder it will get.
My truck runs 38* on 95* days on low.

More good info, thanks!

[jjzepplin]

I not only deleted that cowl vent but made a big hole going straight through to the cab eliminating (bypassing) that hot tube going to the inner vent. I now use those vents for speakers. It gets darn hot here in FL and I need all the help I can get. This is somewhat controversial but I see no harm in it. If I want outside air (not likely) I can open a window vent.