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#1 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I reread this post and felt the need to comment. I have talked to a lot of professional automotive A/C guys, particularly Carlisle Air here in San Antonio. Carlisle has promised me that if I let them choose the parts they can make my factory setup colder than any of the after market kits. They achieve this by knowing exactly which crossflow condenser, POA Valve (or orifice tube etc), amount of refrigerant, etc to use. The other key is using an updated compressor such as a Sanden (their opinion). So it wouldn't be completely stock but the firewall and everything inside the cab would look that way. I have seen a couple 67-72 trucks they updated in this way and they were COLD especially for here in South Texas. As a side note the owner of Carlisle air is old freinds with the owner of Vintage Air which is located here in town.
Also the hangup I have with the aftermarket kits is that they are 100% recirculated air, you don't have a choice. This isn't a big problem for a/c but it makes the heat real stuffy and uncomfortable in my opinion. The stock heater set up is 100% outside air. In my part of the world we use both a/c and heat in different times of the year. Summers are 100 degrees and winters can be down in the 20s. The way I see it is the aftermarket kits are awesome if you are dealing with a non-a/c truck, but if you originally had a/c you might be better off keeping a stock style system the key is to matching up all the old and new components to work together. Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts, I plan to update my original system in the way I mentioned above. 48Richard you did a wonderful job at converting yours! Great inspiration for all of us. ![]()
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 12-23-2010 at 01:51 AM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 71
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Hey guys, we have tried to refurbish the factory air in my truck, but switched to a serpentine setup so the compressor is a new style. Everything else factory or factory style. The air was somewhat cool, but there was too much head pressure building up. We were told that there was not enough air movement through the condensor, so we mounted a single electric fan that comes on only with the a/c along with the the dual fans that kick on with temperature of the engine. Did you guys run into that when you used a factory a/c system? Also, did the aftermarket systems come with a different place to mount the condensor?
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1972 Chevy SWB - ZZ4 crate motor, 700r4, makes lots of noise! - SOLD 1987 Chevy SWB - SOLD 2000 Chevy SWB - 6.0L heads, Lunati cam, Whipple supercharger, 3.73 posi, caltrac traction bars, headers, custom tune and Borla race muffler. 500 H.P. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 w-30 - original ![]() ![]() |
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#3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: San Antonio Tx
Posts: 209
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Quote:
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Thank you god for all your blessings! My mini build (I had a great starting point) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440743 |
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#4 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Are you using R-12 or 134a? The original condensors don't work well with 134a, you are better off with a "cross flow" condensor. Here is an old thread discussing it.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=408270
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 475
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
i used a new crossflow condenser from Vintage Air, and have not had any problems. Also switched to R134A, so had to re-calibrate the POA valve to lower the low-side pressure.
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1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350 |
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#6 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I didn't get a quote in writing but they were ready to write it up. I knew I was a year (at least) away from needing it done so it would have been somewhat pointless. The way it was discussed was for approximately $100 over the cost of a complete after market kit they would fix me up with parts AND labor. That basically included all the under hood stuff along with the evaporator (which is technically inside the dash) but none of the "dash stuff". Meaning the lever controls, ductwork, ducts etc. So the cost of doing it this way is more expensive if you are starting from scratch, but I still like it more than the after-market option personally. By the way its been about 8 months since I was in there but I doubt much has changed.
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Oak Ridge NC
Posts: 957
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Subscribed.
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#8 |
Recalculating.....
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New Lenox Il
Posts: 686
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
subscribed as well!
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Brian - (BBrendal) 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 1972 Chevy Blazer CST 2004 GMC Yukon (The truck that pulls the car trailer) 1972 Chevy Blazer CST #2 (Finished and sold!) Blazer build link... http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/...rendal/Blazer/ |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 226
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
ditto
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi.
Posts: 1,771
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Here is my factory A/C glove-box liner.
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71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 475
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
So far so good. Couple of issues - the air mix door won't stay all the way to cold - it creeps over towards the hot side, and I've got a refrigerant leak from the schrader valve in the old POA valve. Should have replaced that. Anyway, with those things fixed, I'll be happy.
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1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350 |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 781
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I Just got a plastic glove box yesterday in the mail. Very annoyed that it excluded the area for the glove box light.
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Colorado Springs CO
Posts: 14
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Richard,
Looks like you did a great job adding factory A/C to your 1971. I did a similar project a few years back on a 1978 Chevrolet K-20 4WD I purchased new that did not have factory A/C. I purchased another truck, a 1982 for parts that had factory A/C. Like you, I made a template to make additional cuts on the firewall. In addition, after taking measurements and checking my marks more than a half dozen times, I made the cuts. After that I used some scrap factory sheet metal and super imposed another piece over the part of the hole that made it look non-factory. I did not spot weld using a welder. Instead, I spent less than $10.00 at a local parts store for some liquid steel...two tubes that are mixed together. I was really suprised how well that stuff actually work. It made a very strong liquid weld that hardened up extremely nice, yet was as smoooth as a baby's behind. Currently, I would like to build a 69 or 72 K-5 Blazer 4WD along with a 69 or 72 K-20 pickup 4WD. Would prefer to get the vehicles with factory A/C. However, if I find a clean unit in the color(s) I'm looking for without factory A/C, I can certainly convert it over and will choose to use all factory parts except for some of the items mentioned by Critter. LMC truck has a better than original compressor. I've taken a rough inventory of buying all the factory A/C parts, and I think it will run $1200 to $1500...but well worth it cause like Critter said, it works so much better. |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Auburn,Ky
Posts: 69
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I have a 71 factory air truck but my compressor is shot would I be better off buying a new comp. or is there an upgrade or something better?
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Colorado Springs CO
Posts: 14
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Jason,
Read the posts by Critter and jeffro788 near the bottom of page one. Critter made mention of Carlisle Air in San Antonio and it sounds like they really know all about auto A/C. I might give them a call myself someday. jeffro788 mentioned converting his belt system to serpentine. About all I know is, LMC truck ( lmctruck.com ) has an upgraded newer version that replaces the original compressor. I am not sure if it requires new brackets and or if so, the brackets come with that compressor. Check out their website...you can page through their catalog online and or order a free copy of a paper catalog. Last edited by Two45s; 03-19-2012 at 09:19 PM. Reason: got the wrong page number in the first sentence |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Colorado Springs CO
Posts: 14
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
..
Last edited by Two45s; 03-19-2012 at 09:24 PM. Reason: please remove post, no longer necessary |
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 475
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Two45s - your $1200 - 1500 sounds about right. Not much different from what you would pay for an aftermarket kit, but IMO it comes down to whether you want factory appearance and features (like fresh air intake), or want to take the simpler approach.
Somehow i never seem to end up taking the easy way! Richard
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1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350 |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,553
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Jeffro, I also have a serp system from a 1992 engine and plan to run the 92 compressor. I am going to use the original evaporator and box. How is yours doing and what mods did you do? I am limited on funds and have all these parts laying round. Should I change the condenser? I have dual electric fans. Will this be enough? I know this is an old thread but cold air can never die!
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70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4,989
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I know this is old, but I need help on installing A/C in my 71
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1971 GMC Sierra 1959 GMC 100 |
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I can't be of much help with knowledge but if you need parts, I'm looking to sell our stock A/C. We bought a 71 Jimmy with no roof so we figured what the heck do we need the A/c for so we pulled it out thinking we could help someone who wanted an original A/C. The mechanic set it worked when he pulled it and there is still freon in it. contact me if interested through the site.
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North Cal and no Sac or Bay area is not NORTH
Posts: 31
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Tag for reference..
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Never argue with an idiot, they will bring you to their level and beat you with experience.. |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 10
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Does any one have the AC pages out of the 67 - 72 assembly manual and the AC / heater section of the service manual they could send me?
I have everything in the cab and the suitcase on the firewall , but nothing forward of there. I want it all stock and need to see how it all goes. I also want to work out a few problems with the rest of the in cab side of it also once its all back together. Thanks in advance guys. |
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#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 475
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
I have a mounting bracket, and the L-shaped arm that goes on the valve. If you send me your address I will mail them to you.
Richard
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1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350 |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: West Chester, PA
Posts: 4
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
Hi Richard,
sent you a PM.... TX! Ralph |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 475
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Re: Installing Air Conditioning in a 71
The mounting bracket and actuator arm were shipped this morning by USPS.
Richard
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1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350 |
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