Factory A/C or aftermarket?? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stope4 · 08-09-2008, 02:02 PM

my ears must be more sensitive.

jorgensensc · 08-09-2008, 02:12 PM

Either that or you drive really nice newer cars with super quiet A.C.'s. I know our '06 Trailblazer SS is really loud on high. It isn't necessarily the blower, but the air coming out of the vents is loud. I have to turn it down to talk on the phone. Regardless I only use it for a few minutes when I first start the car. Again, JMHO.
Shawn

ChevLoRay · 08-09-2008, 06:05 PM

Fan noise on my '96 GMC is also loud, when the fan is on high. When it's on low, no problemo. Following is a picture of my firewall where the A/C unit mounts. Regardless of the source of the A/C system (OEM/Aftermarket), there still has to be some metal work. I didn't know the full extent of the damage until I removed the housing. Where the evaporator and heater core mount is good. It's just the area where the fan goes and where the air blows through the firewall that is gimped up.

SCOTI · 08-09-2008, 07:56 PM

Yikes. 'Gimped-up' is being conservative on that assessment. We would categorize that as fubar (but..... I am in TX).

stope4 · 08-09-2008, 08:00 PM

that is a serious leak, but probably not from the ac. I think Vintage fan noise is louder than factory on low too. I never said on high. I will agree that the noise coming out of the vents for both factory and Vintage is about the same regardless of setting. But, and this is a big but, the factory has no noise from under the dash from a motor spinning a fan. Vintage does.

Look, I don't want to trash Vintage. I think they make a valuable product for factory non-ac cars and for people who think Vintage is better than factory. I'm not one of those people. I think factory is better. It's bigger and more bulky but it's not an inferior product. My factory ac does not fog my windows so I don't have to wait 5 minutes for the windshield to clear. To me that shows that the factory figured something out that Vintage has not or has chosen to ignore. I don't want my windows fogging just because I turned the ac on in the morning. The other reason is, I don't want extra noise in the cab from a humming motor turning a spinning fan blade. Even Vintage will admit that. It's slight but it is there and it's not coming out of the vents. It's coming from under the dash where you mount the Vintage blower unit.And that does add noise inside the cab, whether you can notice it or not. I can. I have chosen to eliminate both of these issues by going factory in a factory ac cab. If my cab was non-ac, I would go with Vintage or Classic or someone aftermarket and deal with the added noise.

low'n slow · 08-09-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Could you elaborate on what you mean by this comment?

It has to do with a fresh air inlet. The factory A/C has one in the grill. The aftermarket ones do not have the fresh air inlet.

Arad68 · 08-09-2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

Fan noise on my '96 GMC is also loud, when the fan is on high. When it's on low, no problemo. Following is a picture of my firewall where the A/C unit mounts. Regardless of the source of the A/C system (OEM/Aftermarket), there still has to be some metal work. I didn't know the full extent of the damage until I removed the housing. Where the evaporator and heater core mount is good. It's just the area where the fan goes and where the air blows through the firewall that is gimped up.

Good luck on fixing your cab dude, I admire your attemp and your attachment to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stope4

that is a serious leak, but probably not from the ac. I think Vintage fan noise is louder than factory on low too. I never said on high. I will agree that the noise coming out of the vents for both factory and Vintage is about the same regardless of setting. But, and this is a big but, the factory has no noise from under the dash from a motor spinning a fan. Vintage does.

Look, I don't want to trash Vintage. I think they make a valuable product for factory non-ac cars and for people who think Vintage is better than factory. I'm not one of those people. I think factory is better. It's bigger and more bulky but it's not an inferior product. My factory ac does not fog my windows so I don't have to wait 5 minutes for the windshield to clear. To me that shows that the factory figured something out that Vintage has not or has chosen to ignore. I don't want my windows fogging just because I turned the ac on in the morning. The other reason is, I don't want extra noise in the cab from a humming motor turning a spinning fan blade. Even Vintage will admit that. It's slight but it is there and it's not coming out of the vents. It's coming from under the dash where you mount the Vintage blower unit.And that does add noise inside the cab, whether you can notice it or not. I can. I have chosen to eliminate both of these issues by going factory in a factory ac cab. If my cab was non-ac, I would go with Vintage or Classic or someone aftermarket and deal with the added noise.

I guess you really don't like extra noise.

ChevLoRay · 08-10-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Yikes. 'Gimped-up' is being conservative on that assessment. We would categorize that as fubar (but..... I am in TX).

...yeah, but SNAFU is what I have learned is not uncommon. These trucks have a built-in problem, especially when you add leaves to dust and then throw in some rain. There's no place for it to drain from in the plenums. Add in a previous owners attempt to stop the leak by using non-automotive RTV silicone sealant, which emits acetic acid as it cures, and you have the ingredients for what I have found. I pulled out chunks of cured RTV, and I'm guessing he used a caulk gun to put it in place. At least what he put at the juncture of the windshield and the rubber, wasn't at the juncture of the windshield and the body!

But, it could have been worse. The bulk of the metal around it is solid. The size of the picture really shows up the worst part. I guess you can say that I'm committed, but I have too much invested in other parts, although a good, dry (rust-free) south Texas cab would be a serious item to consider. I'm thinking about one like a great-nephew has in San Antonio....which isn't for sale.

Gray Ghost · 08-10-2008, 10:20 AM

To me it's a no-brainer to clean up the firewall and go aftermarket. I have found the best deal in town on an aftermarket air system...$675 for a heat/cool/defrost unit that can either be plumbed into the AC dash vents or use their own vents that mount underdash for those who don't want to change out their dash. You can get the typical 'dealer style' bulky vent system as well.

Here's his contact info if you want to check the systems out, he has several.

Lucky’s Rod & Kustom
1006 S. Kaufman Street
Ennis, TX

Universal A/C Systems & Street Rod Parts

Specializing in Complete A/C Systems starting at $500, Sanden Compressors, A/C, Alt, Ps, Brackets, A/C Installs, Brake Kits, EZ Wire Harness and Power Windows, Dolphin Gauges, and LED Lights.

Look me up on the web at www.freewebs.com/luckysrodandkustom
Or give me a call or email for a free brochure at
972-875-2741/ my cell 469-337-9307.
My email is street-products@sbcglobal.net

Owner- Shane Gill

ChevLoRay · 08-10-2008, 01:02 PM

Sounds like a great deal....thanks for the info.

j-dogg · 08-10-2008, 01:48 PM

Everyone has been mentioning the Vintage Air setup, but no one has chimed in on the Old Air systems. Probably the same issues as Vintage Air, but I don't know. The only air conditioning I have on my truck right now is, as my brother refers to it, "window conditioning."

08-09-2008, 02:02 PM	#26
stope4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 434	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? my ears must be more sensitive.

08-09-2008, 02:12 PM	#27
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? Either that or you drive really nice newer cars with super quiet A.C.'s. I know our '06 Trailblazer SS is really loud on high. It isn't necessarily the blower, but the air coming out of the vents is loud. I have to turn it down to talk on the phone. Regardless I only use it for a few minutes when I first start the car. Again, JMHO. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

08-09-2008, 06:05 PM	#28
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? Fan noise on my '96 GMC is also loud, when the fan is on high. When it's on low, no problemo. Following is a picture of my firewall where the A/C unit mounts. Regardless of the source of the A/C system (OEM/Aftermarket), there still has to be some metal work. I didn't know the full extent of the damage until I removed the housing. Where the evaporator and heater core mount is good. It's just the area where the fan goes and where the air blows through the firewall that is gimped up. Attached Images __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-09-2008, 07:56 PM	#29
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,949	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? Yikes. 'Gimped-up' is being conservative on that assessment. We would categorize that as fubar (but..... I am in TX). __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-09-2008, 08:00 PM	#30
stope4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 434	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? that is a serious leak, but probably not from the ac. I think Vintage fan noise is louder than factory on low too. I never said on high. I will agree that the noise coming out of the vents for both factory and Vintage is about the same regardless of setting. But, and this is a big but, the factory has no noise from under the dash from a motor spinning a fan. Vintage does. Look, I don't want to trash Vintage. I think they make a valuable product for factory non-ac cars and for people who think Vintage is better than factory. I'm not one of those people. I think factory is better. It's bigger and more bulky but it's not an inferior product. My factory ac does not fog my windows so I don't have to wait 5 minutes for the windshield to clear. To me that shows that the factory figured something out that Vintage has not or has chosen to ignore. I don't want my windows fogging just because I turned the ac on in the morning. The other reason is, I don't want extra noise in the cab from a humming motor turning a spinning fan blade. Even Vintage will admit that. It's slight but it is there and it's not coming out of the vents. It's coming from under the dash where you mount the Vintage blower unit.And that does add noise inside the cab, whether you can notice it or not. I can. I have chosen to eliminate both of these issues by going factory in a factory ac cab. If my cab was non-ac, I would go with Vintage or Classic or someone aftermarket and deal with the added noise.

08-10-2008, 10:20 AM	#34
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? To me it's a no-brainer to clean up the firewall and go aftermarket. I have found the best deal in town on an aftermarket air system...$675 for a heat/cool/defrost unit that can either be plumbed into the AC dash vents or use their own vents that mount underdash for those who don't want to change out their dash. You can get the typical 'dealer style' bulky vent system as well. Here's his contact info if you want to check the systems out, he has several. Lucky’s Rod & Kustom 1006 S. Kaufman Street Ennis, TX Universal A/C Systems & Street Rod Parts Specializing in Complete A/C Systems starting at $500, Sanden Compressors, A/C, Alt, Ps, Brackets, A/C Installs, Brake Kits, EZ Wire Harness and Power Windows, Dolphin Gauges, and LED Lights. Look me up on the web at www.freewebs.com/luckysrodandkustom Or give me a call or email for a free brochure at 972-875-2741/ my cell 469-337-9307. My email is street-products@sbcglobal.net Owner- Shane Gill __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

08-10-2008, 01:02 PM	#35
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? Sounds like a great deal....thanks for the info. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-10-2008, 01:48 PM	#36
j-dogg Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 189	Re: Factory A/C or aftermarket?? Everyone has been mentioning the Vintage Air setup, but no one has chimed in on the Old Air systems. Probably the same issues as Vintage Air, but I don't know. The only air conditioning I have on my truck right now is, as my brother refers to it, "window conditioning."



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