Converting a chevy non A/C cab to a factory A/C type

[70Chevy4x4Nut]

I have a 1970 4x4 chevy Pickup with a factory A/C cab. It is rusted on the top lip of the windshield and has worked it's way to the inside. I worry about always having to repair this type of rust (not super bad but not sure how bad it is in the pillars that might start again later). I have an opportunity to get a better cab that is rust free but is non A/C. Can I install my dash and all components to make it a factory A/C type? Are there any major holes that need to be made through the firewall? Has anyone ever done that? And what would be the hardest part? I plan on doing a major restore so I will be gutting this truck anyway. Any information would be appreciated.

(This question not related to A/C swapout but I have to consider it since I'm swapping cabs.
Would I have to do anything about the hump area? I have the tall hump (with a cover) and this one may have the shorter hump. Did they come with a cover where it would be an easy swap or would the hump need to be cut out?

Thanks

[Longhorn Man]

Welcome to the board 70Chevynut4X4 ....I see you found the place...I just hope these guys can help you out with the rest of it.

[bigvinnie]

if you're planning to put a factory a/c system in the new cab, you can remove the entire donor dash and install in the new cab.... if you're going with an aftermarket a/c unit, it would be much easier to cut new holes in the existing dash... I added Vintage Air to a non-a/c cab, which included templates for cutting the center and side vent holes.... center vent is same as factory, side vents are smaller and more flush with the dash...

[MOTHERTRUCKERS]

You can cut your dash face out at the slots under the dashpad to change to ac dash face. The high hump can be installed in a low hump cab also by cutting the high hump out about an inch around the outside edge and using it as a template to cut the low hump out. I use cutoff wheels and a sawzall to cut them out and a wire welder to stitch them back together.

[My72Cheyenne]

Wait a minute. There is more to a factory air cab then the vents in the dash. If you notice, there are 2 holes behind the A/C unit on the firewall, as apposed to one for non A/C cabs. No amount of cutting will solve this problem. Has to do with the condenser unit. I believe you must have a factory A/C cab to install factory A/C. My Cheyenne has factory A/C and my dad's doesn't. We made the comparison a few months ago. Good luck.

[snow man]

can somebody post a pic. of the air fire wall compared to a non air cab. thanks snow man

[72MARIO]

check out Johns site he has some super cool infogo here

[50272]

Non a/c cabs firewalls can be converted to a/c. You can make a template of the a/c firewall and use it to cut the non a/c cab firewall.Then cut the section out of the a/c firewall and weld it in the non a/c cab.I did it- it is a lot of trouble but was my only option at the time. Also helps to have a good welder.

[67/72junkie]

It is not hard to convert a non ac cab over to ac . The fire wall where the ac box is the problem.This needs to be replaced with a donor from an ac cab.It is fairly simple.Drill out spot welds around perimiter and you will have one cut to make about 3 inches long.Remove the other one the same way and swap.It can be finished so that no one will know its been converted unless you tell them.The holes for the vents can be traced and cut out of the dash.Disassemble the ac cab first and by the time you are finished you will notice the other small things when you bolt it back in .This also lets you place the ac firewall section over the non ac section to match the cut I mentioned.It is very easy to see exactly what all the differances are on to bare firewalls.Hope this helps.

[TxGary]

Non A/C firewall.

[TxGary]

Non A/C firewall converted to A/C.

[snow man]

thanks gary i can see the what i need to get now. snow man

[hwedding56]

Dont forget to save the glove box from your donor. They are differant also

[70Chevy4x4Nut]

Thanks for all the replies. I know where to go from here.

Thanks Again

[71k5]

Welcome from PA!

[67/72junkie]

That cut was slightly longer than I remember but it has been several years since I did this.That first cab looks like TxGary has the beginnigs of another one of his fine restorations.

[Low69CST]

I cut my non a/c cab to make it an ac cab. I have all the stock style parts bolted up to it. Theres one bolt hole that needs to be welded up. I didn't figure that out til after my firewall was painted. It isn't hard to cut up the fire wall. If you want to see some pics just let me know.