Air Conditioning - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*red70* · 11-05-2009, 02:54 PM

My truck is a factory air cab with all of the parts intact except for the main components in the engine bay like compressor condensor ie etc. My question is should I try to piece it all together with restoration parts or try to get a new aftermarket kit? I looked at some of the aftermarket kits and I dont like the idea of a shaved firewall and losing the main "box" on the passenger side of the firewall. Any help appreciated.

cedorris · 11-05-2009, 03:09 PM

If it were me, I would go with the factory air.

It will increase the value of your truck and look correct.

Plus, you have an AC cab... so you should use it.

Just my opinion.

Sinister · 11-05-2009, 03:25 PM

I don't have the patience to try and get a 40 year old AC system going. Pretty complex setup. I'm going to go with aftermarket when I get to that point. More power to you, if you stick with the factory system.

**70cst** · 11-05-2009, 04:06 PM

red70 ... You will get answers all over the place with your question. I kept the factory ac set up with my truck as thats what came with it and like your it was pretty much comeplete. Yours sounds like it is fairly complete so I would stick with the factory unit. If all the brackets were missing along with the rest of the hardware in your truck then I would go aftermarket. A far as total cost...I think its a toss up. Good luck!

Tkmadone · 11-06-2009, 03:15 PM

I used the factory parts except for a new style compressor and condenser and just had hoses made for it. Works great, but the only thing I don't like is the center vent in the dash. It only blows straight ahead, when it really needs louvers to be able to direct air towards the driver and passenger.

Zoomin · 11-06-2009, 04:05 PM

If you like the factory box, you don't have much choice. Parts aren't that hard to find.

Hottrucks · 11-06-2009, 05:27 PM

subscribed I have the same issue does the late model stuff fit pretty well as far as hoses condensors and such??? any ideas on what models will fit our trucks

big_al_71 · 11-06-2009, 06:45 PM

I would go thru the trouble and make it fsctory completely..I went aftermarket because my truck did not have a/c...
good luck..

**425HP409** · 11-10-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red70

My truck is a factory air cab with all of the parts intact except for the main components in the engine bay like compressor condensor ie etc. My question is should I try to piece it all together with restoration parts or try to get a new aftermarket kit? I looked at some of the aftermarket kits and I dont like the idea of a shaved firewall and losing the main "box" on the passenger side of the firewall. Any help appreciated.

Try Old Air Products in Ft Worth. They have the factory AC compressor bracket set, compressor and all the other components you need, and they are good people.

GMC Jim · 11-11-2009, 06:56 AM

I replaced the missing parts from the original air cond. system (compressor, hoses and condensor were missing!) Installed new receiver-dryer and charged up with Freon... All this was done over 15 years ago and has beem blowing cold ever since !!!!

cdowns · 11-11-2009, 09:42 AM

the newer the air conditioning system the few MPG it takes to run them

rsavage · 11-11-2009, 09:59 AM

I wanted to restore my 70 to factory but was missing lots of A stuff. I started to piece meal it but quickly found that it was going to cost a fortune and I wouldn't be able to find all the pieces. I started looking for a parts truck and found a 68 Custom Camper rust bucket that had AC that still worked. Bought the truck for $500 and used the parts and the working system as a pattern, pulled a good running 70 350 out, sold the TH350 and assorted other parts, and scrapped the rest. Ended up ahead of the game. I converted to R134a and the AC works great, looks correct. In my opinion, if you are doing a stock restore, keep it original. If you are roddin it, go aftermarket.

**Tom Vogel** · 11-11-2009, 09:59 AM

OK... Ive got to be different I guess. My current project was factory air. I pulled it in favor of Vintage Air. I saved all the old setup... but... in some cases, new technology is still tops. My last truck was a beutiful shortbed with factory air. I had it all in great shape, but honestly... out here in the West, it was marginal on a hot day.

**425HP409** · 11-11-2009, 11:12 AM

I am in hot, humid north Texas and I find that if the system is operating properly with the expansion and POA valve doing their job, there is no other system that is as efficient. The old POA valves were extremely efficient, but very tempermental, not liking any moisture or contaminants. They are not available anymore, but the POA conversion to a cycling system works great. Just make sure that the drier is replaced and the system is evacuated and charged properly.

lsx72 · 11-11-2009, 12:30 PM

me personally, my truck also came with factory air but i am going to go with the vintige air system due to im going with a ls swap and its so much cleaner under the hood and it blows so much cooler..(i cant stand to be hot, and here in sc it gets myserable) but thats just me..

**425HP409** · 11-11-2009, 12:38 PM

That would be a good idea if going with the engine swap, serpentine setup and all. It really looks good in the engine bay of our trucks.

71meangreenc10 · 11-11-2009, 01:47 PM

Old air has a nice electronic set up with a new control unit that looks sweet.

Smitty

11-05-2009, 02:54 PM	#1
red70 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kingston, TN Posts: 178	Air Conditioning My truck is a factory air cab with all of the parts intact except for the main components in the engine bay like compressor condensor ie etc. My question is should I try to piece it all together with restoration parts or try to get a new aftermarket kit? I looked at some of the aftermarket kits and I dont like the idea of a shaved firewall and losing the main "box" on the passenger side of the firewall. Any help appreciated.

11-05-2009, 03:09 PM	#2
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Re: Air Conditioning If it were me, I would go with the factory air. It will increase the value of your truck and look correct. Plus, you have an AC cab... so you should use it. Just my opinion. __________________ -Clayton 1972 Cheyenne Super LWB 350 - farm truck restore project - twitter @oldgreen

11-05-2009, 03:25 PM	#3
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Air Conditioning I don't have the patience to try and get a 40 year old AC system going. Pretty complex setup. I'm going to go with aftermarket when I get to that point. More power to you, if you stick with the factory system. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

11-05-2009, 04:06 PM	#4
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Air Conditioning red70 ... You will get answers all over the place with your question. I kept the factory ac set up with my truck as thats what came with it and like your it was pretty much comeplete. Yours sounds like it is fairly complete so I would stick with the factory unit. If all the brackets were missing along with the rest of the hardware in your truck then I would go aftermarket. A far as total cost...I think its a toss up. Good luck! __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

11-06-2009, 03:15 PM	#5
Tkmadone Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 193	Re: Air Conditioning I used the factory parts except for a new style compressor and condenser and just had hoses made for it. Works great, but the only thing I don't like is the center vent in the dash. It only blows straight ahead, when it really needs louvers to be able to direct air towards the driver and passenger.

11-06-2009, 04:05 PM	#6
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: Air Conditioning If you like the factory box, you don't have much choice. Parts aren't that hard to find.

11-06-2009, 05:27 PM	#7
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Air Conditioning subscribed I have the same issue does the late model stuff fit pretty well as far as hoses condensors and such??? any ideas on what models will fit our trucks __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

11-06-2009, 06:45 PM	#8
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Air Conditioning I would go thru the trouble and make it fsctory completely..I went aftermarket because my truck did not have a/c... good luck.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

11-11-2009, 06:56 AM	#10
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Re: Air Conditioning I replaced the missing parts from the original air cond. system (compressor, hoses and condensor were missing!) Installed new receiver-dryer and charged up with Freon... All this was done over 15 years ago and has beem blowing cold ever since !!!! __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal). Last edited by GMC Jim; 11-11-2009 at 06:56 AM.

11-11-2009, 09:42 AM	#11
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Air Conditioning the newer the air conditioning system the few MPG it takes to run them __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 11-11-2009 at 09:43 AM.

11-11-2009, 09:59 AM	#12
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Air Conditioning I wanted to restore my 70 to factory but was missing lots of A stuff. I started to piece meal it but quickly found that it was going to cost a fortune and I wouldn't be able to find all the pieces. I started looking for a parts truck and found a 68 Custom Camper rust bucket that had AC that still worked. Bought the truck for $500 and used the parts and the working system as a pattern, pulled a good running 70 350 out, sold the TH350 and assorted other parts, and scrapped the rest. Ended up ahead of the game. I converted to R134a and the AC works great, looks correct. In my opinion, if you are doing a stock restore, keep it original. If you are roddin it, go aftermarket.

11-11-2009, 09:59 AM	#13
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,564	Re: Air Conditioning OK... Ive got to be different I guess. My current project was factory air. I pulled it in favor of Vintage Air. I saved all the old setup... but... in some cases, new technology is still tops. My last truck was a beutiful shortbed with factory air. I had it all in great shape, but honestly... out here in the West, it was marginal on a hot day.

11-11-2009, 11:12 AM	#14
425HP409 425hp409 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Prosper Texas Posts: 841	Re: Air Conditioning I am in hot, humid north Texas and I find that if the system is operating properly with the expansion and POA valve doing their job, there is no other system that is as efficient. The old POA valves were extremely efficient, but very tempermental, not liking any moisture or contaminants. They are not available anymore, but the POA conversion to a cycling system works great. Just make sure that the drier is replaced and the system is evacuated and charged properly. __________________ Charles 68 SWB, Dad bought new, now 396 & factory ac 64 Impala SS, 409 425HP, 4 speed AC 64 Bel Air Wagon, 400 Small Block 57 Bel Air all original 283 w/Factory Air 77 GMC Sprint, 454/425HP 67 Olds 442, all original 90 ZR1 Corvette

11-11-2009, 12:30 PM	#15
lsx72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: greenville,sc Posts: 89	Re: Air Conditioning me personally, my truck also came with factory air but i am going to go with the vintige air system due to im going with a ls swap and its so much cleaner under the hood and it blows so much cooler..(i cant stand to be hot, and here in sc it gets myserable) but thats just me..

11-11-2009, 12:38 PM	#16
425HP409 425hp409 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Prosper Texas Posts: 841	Re: Air Conditioning That would be a good idea if going with the engine swap, serpentine setup and all. It really looks good in the engine bay of our trucks. __________________ Charles 68 SWB, Dad bought new, now 396 & factory ac 64 Impala SS, 409 425HP, 4 speed AC 64 Bel Air Wagon, 400 Small Block 57 Bel Air all original 283 w/Factory Air 77 GMC Sprint, 454/425HP 67 Olds 442, all original 90 ZR1 Corvette



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

11-11-2009, 01:47 PM	#17
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,159	Re: Air Conditioning Old air has a nice electronic set up with a new control unit that looks sweet. Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.