Putting in a/c - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69chevy · 06-22-2004, 10:33 PM

Hi all,I found a 79 chevy shortbed for $3000 obo.It's a scottsdale but it only has a heater.In the desert we need a/c. So I was wondering how hard it would be to put factory air in it.Or should I just keep looking for a A/c truck.
Thank's for your suggestions.
mike.

69chevy · 06-23-2004, 10:57 AM

ttt Does anyone know?

beaterC10 · 06-23-2004, 11:37 AM

The biggest hurdle would be modifying the firewall to accomodate the heater core box for the A/C. The hole for the core is larger and lower in the firewall than for just a heater. If you have reasonable fabrication skills this probably wouldn't be a huge challenge.

The rest of the project is remove and replace. You will have to disassemble the dash to allow access for swapping the hardware. About the only thing you would re-use from the heat only option is the defrost ducts and I think the plenum they connect too.

You would be money ahead to find a parts truck for this swap to take everything from. The A/C system isn't overly complex, but there are a number of things that need to be changed or installed to accomodate the A/C.

Inside the cab the ducting, kickpanels, a/c controls, dash pad, and instrument bezel are changed. Outside the heater core box and possibly the radiator and fan shroud (unless you have HD cooling) change. Plus the addition of all the obvious stuff.

Dave

apstguy · 06-23-2004, 07:29 PM

Not to mention the glove box is a different style too. I would say get a cab with A/C already in it or get a doner truck and swap it over.

69chevy · 06-23-2004, 10:55 PM

Thank you,BeaterC10 and apstguy.Sounds like too much work.Will try an find a a/c truck.The one I was looking at was real clean though.Oh well.
Thank's again. Mike.

ghettocruiser · 06-24-2004, 01:58 AM

What about the Vintage Air system? Has anyone tried it out?

06-22-2004, 10:33 PM	#1
69chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Henderson, Nv Posts: 22	Putting in a/c Hi all,I found a 79 chevy shortbed for $3000 obo.It's a scottsdale but it only has a heater.In the desert we need a/c. So I was wondering how hard it would be to put factory air in it.Or should I just keep looking for a A/c truck. Thank's for your suggestions. mike.

06-23-2004, 07:29 PM	#4
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	Not to mention the glove box is a different style too. I would say get a cab with A/C already in it or get a doner truck and swap it over. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

06-23-2004, 10:57 AM	#2
69chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Henderson, Nv Posts: 22	ttt Does anyone know?

06-23-2004, 11:37 AM	#3
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	The biggest hurdle would be modifying the firewall to accomodate the heater core box for the A/C. The hole for the core is larger and lower in the firewall than for just a heater. If you have reasonable fabrication skills this probably wouldn't be a huge challenge. The rest of the project is remove and replace. You will have to disassemble the dash to allow access for swapping the hardware. About the only thing you would re-use from the heat only option is the defrost ducts and I think the plenum they connect too. You would be money ahead to find a parts truck for this swap to take everything from. The A/C system isn't overly complex, but there are a number of things that need to be changed or installed to accomodate the A/C. Inside the cab the ducting, kickpanels, a/c controls, dash pad, and instrument bezel are changed. Outside the heater core box and possibly the radiator and fan shroud (unless you have HD cooling) change. Plus the addition of all the obvious stuff. Dave

06-23-2004, 10:55 PM	#5
69chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Henderson, Nv Posts: 22	Thank you,BeaterC10 and apstguy.Sounds like too much work.Will try an find a a/c truck.The one I was looking at was real clean though.Oh well. Thank's again. Mike.

06-24-2004, 01:58 AM	#6
ghettocruiser Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: cameron, tx Posts: 35	What about the Vintage Air system? Has anyone tried it out?



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