Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nico · 05-30-2008, 04:23 PM

As the temps keep rising, I'm seriously considering adding air conditioning to my non-air 1984 SWB... I may have located a good donor (1980 with working A/C, heading to the crusher). What all modifications are necessary to accomplish this? Anyone have pics of the differences between the dashes and cabs?

babyJay · 05-30-2008, 04:35 PM

I don't have any info to share, but sure will follow this thread if you keep it updated. I'm debating the same "upgrade" for my '87. What I do know is the ductwork under the dash is different.

beaterC10 · 05-30-2008, 04:43 PM

I would consider an aftermarket approach to adding AC to a non-AC truck. The factory approach requires sheet metal mods to the firewall to accomodate the system differences. You will probably also end up taking most of the dash apart to complete the swap.

boatpuller · 05-30-2008, 06:07 PM

i don't have cab pics.but i added aftermarket a/c to an a/c cab.vintage air can fix you up.but,it will cost you over a grand.if you go that route there is a few of us on here that have done and will be glad help.

nico · 05-30-2008, 06:44 PM

That may be the best approach... I really enjoy having a non-A/C firewall when doing engine work. Do you have any pics of the vintage air unit installed?

79gmcsierragrande · 05-31-2008, 03:20 AM

I just started looking into it but I heard the other day that there is an a/c unit the runs off electrical instead of being belt driven. The advantage being you don’t have the engine drag from the compressor so you don’t lose gas mileage while you’re running it. I believe you would have to put in a power inverter, a second battery and a stronger alternator. But like I said I just started looking into it, I’ll let you know what I find out.

**old Rusty C10** · 05-31-2008, 04:07 AM

first off the heater box is different and there is a front section you have to bolt up and yo have to make holes to accomodate the studs and bolts there was h oles that had to be made to accomodate the evaporator?? i forget what its called and then theres all the vents and vacuum and the different kick panels and all i started doing this on my 76 years ago but like i have said many times this was my sons truck and when he messed up we scrapped the project and sold it .. i never got it completed but it was a PITA

smashingchuck · 05-31-2008, 07:23 AM

I'm using Hot Rod Air. I have not received my order yet as a takes a few weeks to put the kit together. My order was under a grand and it comes with everything. I have a shaved firewall and the only thing sticking through will be the four hoses (A/C and heater hoses).

S10Fan · 05-31-2008, 12:32 PM

I'd go with aftermarket. My S-10 will be getting a Vintage Air A/C Heat Defrost setup this winter.

boatpuller · 05-31-2008, 06:15 PM

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/06...oning_install/

here's a link to an install that classictrucks magazine did on one of our trucks.it's worth reading for anyone considering the installl.i actually refered to it during mine as kinda a guide/manual type thing.i included an old pic i had that everyone seen a hundred times.but, it show's the firewall panel that covers the old heater box.i went with vintage air mainly because of the "sure fit" system.turned out it wasn't as easy as "sure fit" sounds....but,highly doable.and works excellent.

nico · 05-31-2008, 08:05 PM

Very nice boatpuller... Thanks for the advice.

05-30-2008, 04:23 PM	#1
nico Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Marietta, OK Posts: 153	Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... As the temps keep rising, I'm seriously considering adding air conditioning to my non-air 1984 SWB... I may have located a good donor (1980 with working A/C, heading to the crusher). What all modifications are necessary to accomplish this? Anyone have pics of the differences between the dashes and cabs?

05-30-2008, 04:35 PM	#2
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... I don't have any info to share, but sure will follow this thread if you keep it updated. I'm debating the same "upgrade" for my '87. What I do know is the ductwork under the dash is different. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

05-30-2008, 04:43 PM	#3
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... I would consider an aftermarket approach to adding AC to a non-AC truck. The factory approach requires sheet metal mods to the firewall to accomodate the system differences. You will probably also end up taking most of the dash apart to complete the swap.

05-30-2008, 06:07 PM	#4
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... i don't have cab pics.but i added aftermarket a/c to an a/c cab.vintage air can fix you up.but,it will cost you over a grand.if you go that route there is a few of us on here that have done and will be glad help. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

05-30-2008, 06:44 PM	#5
nico Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Marietta, OK Posts: 153	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... That may be the best approach... I really enjoy having a non-A/C firewall when doing engine work. Do you have any pics of the vintage air unit installed?

05-31-2008, 03:20 AM	#6
79gmcsierragrande Manual Transmission Club Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction CO Posts: 292	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... I just started looking into it but I heard the other day that there is an a/c unit the runs off electrical instead of being belt driven. The advantage being you don’t have the engine drag from the compressor so you don’t lose gas mileage while you’re running it. I believe you would have to put in a power inverter, a second battery and a stronger alternator. But like I said I just started looking into it, I’ll let you know what I find out. __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande, SWB, Heavy Half If I wanted easy I would just buy a NEW truck!

05-31-2008, 04:07 AM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... first off the heater box is different and there is a front section you have to bolt up and yo have to make holes to accomodate the studs and bolts there was h oles that had to be made to accomodate the evaporator?? i forget what its called and then theres all the vents and vacuum and the different kick panels and all i started doing this on my 76 years ago but like i have said many times this was my sons truck and when he messed up we scrapped the project and sold it .. i never got it completed but it was a PITA __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-31-2008, 07:23 AM	#8
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... I'm using Hot Rod Air. I have not received my order yet as a takes a few weeks to put the kit together. My order was under a grand and it comes with everything. I have a shaved firewall and the only thing sticking through will be the four hoses (A/C and heater hoses). __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

05-31-2008, 12:32 PM	#9
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,640	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... I'd go with aftermarket. My S-10 will be getting a Vintage Air A/C Heat Defrost setup this winter. __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

05-31-2008, 06:15 PM	#10
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/06...oning_install/ here's a link to an install that classictrucks magazine did on one of our trucks.it's worth reading for anyone considering the installl.i actually refered to it during mine as kinda a guide/manual type thing.i included an old pic i had that everyone seen a hundred times.but, it show's the firewall panel that covers the old heater box.i went with vintage air mainly because of the "sure fit" system.turned out it wasn't as easy as "sure fit" sounds....but,highly doable.and works excellent. Attached Images __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

05-31-2008, 08:05 PM	#11
nico Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Marietta, OK Posts: 153	Re: Adding A/C to a non-A/C Truck... Very nice boatpuller... Thanks for the advice.



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