73-87 a/c system on 67-72?

[mailman]

Has any one used the a/c setup from 73-87,versus a new retro kit? Any pics?

[C20-67_N_MO]

With all the kits that are avaliable these days why would you want to do that?

There are some very nice kits out there that you can have a very nice almost smooth firewall setup once completed.

But on the other hand if you are just trying to save a few bucks I can understand that too. Just not sure how it would work in the older trucks.

Good luck.

[Longhorn Man]

even if trying to save a few bucks, the 73 - 87 offers few, if any, improvements over the stock components. I would be looking for a later model R/134A system if I was to retrofit a later system.
Regardless what vehicle the parts come from, R12 is expensive and hard to find.

[mailman]

I know that vintage air and hotrod air and there are others that run about $1000 up.I thought that I could perhaps put together a 73-87 set up for about half that amount and switch to r134.

[clos69]

Originally Posted by mailman

I know that vintage air and hotrod air and there are others that run about $1000 up.I thought that I could perhaps put together a 73-87 set up for about half that amount and switch to r134.

Hey mailman..if you want to save some cash and can wait...wait for the goodguys lonestar nationals in October....Old air products runs a special every year at 50%off their $1000+ kits...I am finally going to get one for my blazer this year

[Todersauce]

Changing from R12 to R134 is easy you could swap it over for about $200. In dumbed down version you need to change out the old mineral oil to a synthetic oil.
All you need is to open the system and remove the compressor, drain the oil out of it and flush it(see below.) Then flush the evaporator and condenser with denatured alcohol and compressed nitrogen (higher PSI and no oil) or clean compressed air. Install a new dryer/accumulator and reinstall the compressor Charge the system with a PAG type oil or ESTER oil. Add some R12 to R123 adapters evacuate and change your system. Some times you need to adjust you CCOT or expansion valve but that will vary with the type of system.
This is a very general overview and asumes you have a good working R12 system but it isn’t as complex as you’d think. It might take some special fittings most or them you can get at NAPA or equipment but over all its simple and less expensive then a new system.

[6872xtc]

One difference between stock and '73& up is the POA valve in the stock older trucks and the more common now, orifice tube design. That also give the ability to change the orifice size to tailor the system. I don't think you could use the whole system, but a fellow board member here told me that the evaporator core is close enough to fit with some foam tape around the edges. I haven't done this yet, but intend to try it. I put a Vintage Air set-up in my 4x4 and am going to take it out after way too many years of fogged over windows in the winter. Sometimes it's hard to beat GM's engineers.

[clay68c10]

I'm using an 80s evap in mine. Works fine with r134 and a variable orifice. The evap was a bit short, but I filled the gap with some solid foam.