Air conditioning retro fit.........

[RSRXION]

Ok guys , it goes like this... I spent the weekend working on the hauler and I am happy to say that the 454/TH-400 swap went very well. I used the 73-87 style motor mounts and trans crossmember with very little modification and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. If anyone would like to see photos of the necessary modifications to the motor mounts, just ask and I'll post the photos. The crossmember was a bolt in with only a slight reaming of two holes required.

Whils my buddy and I were standing back admiring our work, I took note of the air conditioning box, hoses etc... and realized that it will be very costly to bring this system back to functioning status. I am seriously considering removing all of the factory air components and the heater core, smoothing the firewall, and making the switch to an aftermarket heat and air system. I know that others on this forum have done it and I'm curious about the details of your systems as follows ;

What brand is it ?

How dependable is it ?

Approximate cost ?

Approximate time to install ?

Fit and finish of components ?

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm at a critical stage of this build and I'll need to make a decision very soon. Thanks, Dean

[rage'nrat638]

if i had it all to do over again...i would with out a doubt only buy the factory replacement parts..and recharge with r12 or freeze 12

i reto fitted a sanden 134 compressor on mine and adjusted the poa valve..

still works like crap...60 degrees is my best temp..

i am about ready to buy the cbs mounts and get the a6 comp. local and the suction and discharge hoes from one of our vendors..looks like another 350.00

but driving at 100 degrees outside takes the fun right out of driving...

got the prices right in front of me..just wrote them down last night..

[extd56]

I run a Vintage air in my 56 Chevy truck that seems to work good, nto as good as my 03 Avalanche but makes it nice to drive in the hot weather. I also put VIntage air in my 38 Chrysler sedan and it blows cold with good air flow. I will be putting a old air unit in my 67 extneded cab truck and my 69 crew cab truck and hope they work out good too.

[rauto13]

another thread on same topic.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=vintage

[GMC Jim]

Rage'n and others... If the temperate door in the case does not operate properly; this can be the cause of poor performance. When the lever is set for max air conditioning, the incoming air has to be directed thru the evaporator core with no air leakage thru the heater core and conversely for max heat. Upon disassebling the housing you might find that the door itself slips on the shaft and will neither close air to the heater or to the evaporator core. The cable has to be adjusted so that the dash temp control lever is operated to direct incoming air as desired. I repaired the temp door on my a/c unit by grinding away 2-3 inches of metal over the center shaft and used JB weld to affix the shaft to the center metal of the door. Also, you might want to affix some sheet rubber around the circumference of the door for a good seal.
The water valve located on a heater hose inside the engine compartment can be another problem if not operating properly. This valve can leak, causing hot water to flow thru the heater core when not desired. Be sure there is vacuum to this valve and that the valve closes properly.... just my 2cents..... Jim

[tkeduk8r]

As for my experience with mechanical parts, they "usually" work well with a good cleaning, a little lube and some minor adjustment... my advice would be to disassemble everything, clean well, and reassemble with the help of a fact service manual...like mentioned above, make sure all controls are loose, doors work and seal properly etc... then as mentioned, anything operating with vaccum checked (can be done with a MityVac or similar)... route all hoses as neeeded and test, replace, or rebuild all other componenets and fittings... tediuos but im still a big fan of factory stuff... no mods, usually work good, and worth more on the resale...JMO..
--Mike