rebuilding stock A/C unit? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 12:52 AM

I was wondering if it was possable to rebuild the stock A/C unit? I got one out of a 1971 chevy, and it looks pritty bad as far as the plumbing is concerned. I would like to put new plumbing, is it possable to rebuild these things? Thanks for the help in advance, Landon

*Piston* · 02-25-2003, 01:27 AM

Are you talking about the compressor? or?

cdowns · 02-25-2003, 01:43 AM

most parts such as hases,compressor,condenser etc are readily avaivable eather locally or thru places like lmc

jenna's 71 · 02-25-2003, 12:31 PM

Landon, was talking about the box it's self? That is what he was looking to rebuild, the pipes look like thay are aluminum (sp) and they are all faded and such. He was just woundering

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 12:34 PM

I will post some pic's of what I would like to rebuild tonight.

Hutch · 02-25-2003, 01:40 PM

Yes they can be rebuilt.
Starting from scratch is not always the most logical way to go with an original system.
Once they are open then recovery can be expensive.
My unit was complete, only required a new compressor.
After rebuilding the a/c box with new seals and replacing the compressor and flushing, converting and filling the system with R134a. The cost was like $800 and it only works marginal.
In the end I do believe that the newer systems that are being sold take advantage of the newer technology and in the end provide a substantially superior end result.
If I were you I would highly consider the option of an aftermarket system.
Unless of course you have a friend in the a/c business.

Just my opinion

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 02:28 PM

Hutch, I am trying to keep the truck as close to stock as possable. But I do thank you for your opinion. I still have not really decided what I am going to do. I saw one in a hot rod book with the stock A/C unit and it looked like new, it cought my eye. It looked sweet, so that is kind of what I would like to do keep the stock one. Landon

*Piston* · 02-25-2003, 02:32 PM

Exactly what parts are you talking about though? The compressor can be rebuilt or you can buy a remanufactured unit. The AC box can be soda/sand blasted and return it back to orginal condition (I just finished doing mine for the 72).

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 03:08 PM

OK everyone who has asked which one, or what parts I am talking about. I an new to the whole rebuild the truck scene, I probally should have not posted this thread till I took pic's. I have no idea what parts they are. I will post some pic's tonight with the parts that I am looking to repair. Thanks for all the input that I have gotten so far. Landon

*Piston* · 02-25-2003, 03:37 PM

lol dont worry about it, i'm just curious is all. Don't get the feeling that you shouldn't ask questions

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 03:47 PM

I am learning that on this board you need pic's of what you are talking about, or atleast know what you are talking about. I didn't get the feeling that I should not ask questions, That is how you learn, by asking questions... I will get my question answered tonight with the pic's. Hopefully !!!

**1971Stepside** · 02-25-2003, 04:27 PM

I have been thinking about the same issues. I would like to keep the factory air, but am conerned about the quality of output once it is done. I can't imagine putting $800.00 into it and not just buying a Vintage Air system, but was curious about "restoring" my original all the same. I am curious if you can polish the aluminum tubing and how do you recondition the box that hangs on the firewall? Would like to see some pictures of that.

*Piston* · 02-25-2003, 04:30 PM

I can take a few pics of the box im working on now. I was in pretty bad shape to begin with. Lots of under coating sprayed on it and a few scratches. 5 minutes in the blasting cabinet and viola.. its like new. I sprayed some dull clear coat on it after a little clean up and its done.

Fred T · 02-25-2003, 05:38 PM

Don't be afraid to ask questions, just be ready to respond to the answers. All of the parts are available, most can be bought through your local mom & pop parts store. If you want the look of the original, then rebuiling is the way to go. Lots of people here are ready to help, but on something like this, either pictures or a good description are needed. Now, if everyone will sit on their hands until Landon gets his pics posted....

**1971Stepside** · 02-25-2003, 05:45 PM

I don't want to pirate Landon's thread because I am interested in what he is talking about (waiting for pics), but I would like to know if anyone else has had similiar experiences to Hutch. I don't want to spend a lot of money on the stock set up and then be disappointed with the service quality.

landon4421 · 02-25-2003, 06:09 PM

I would not worry about the pirate deal 1971Stepside. That's what the board is for. I would like to say one thing about the service quality, If you want it stock then stock is what you should go with. My 2001 chevy, if you turn on the A/C in that truck you freeze your a$$ off. In my opinion that is 2 much A/C for me. but yet other people like to be frozen while they drive. I'm happy with opening the windows and the floor vents. To be totally honist I will probally not even use the A/C that much. I prefur the fresh air... I want to rebuild for the stock look. We will figure out what we are doing as we go.

Andy4639 · 02-25-2003, 07:31 PM

This is mine, it looks factory but if you look closer it isn't.
No POA valve. Condensor and evapertor from a 80's model truck. I also had a factory compresser ordered for R-134A. I'm very pleased with this set upp and it doesn't freeze up but it will keep you COOL in the 90 degree weather.
Hope this helps with your AC.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 02-25-2003, 07:46 PM

Cleaning goes a long way on the boxes and hardware. Painting the small hardware and fittings will dress it up and you can get the outside decal. If the box is sun bleached, media blasting and clearcoating will work very well. It is very time consuming, but I think well worth it.

I am attaching a pic of one that I am still finishing up the details on.

Jim

jenna's 71 · 02-26-2003, 12:23 AM

the pic that Jimkshortstep4X4 is the part that I was wanting to clean up. All the hoses and such. That is what I was asking about. Thanks Jim

BraveDave · 02-26-2003, 12:54 AM

my '72 is going to the shop tomorrow night for a new vintage air system. he has done lots of them and says they are twice as good as the original system. the cool this about is nothing is visible under the dash, it uses the original control panel and the firewall is smooth - all that bulky stuff is eliminated. can't wait!

Brave Dave

**1971Stepside** · 02-26-2003, 10:54 AM

I have a price quote on a complete Vintage Air system for our model trucks with a chrome compressor....$1095.00 shipped.

02-25-2003, 12:52 AM	#1
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	rebuilding stock A/C unit? I was wondering if it was possable to rebuild the stock A/C unit? I got one out of a 1971 chevy, and it looks pritty bad as far as the plumbing is concerned. I would like to put new plumbing, is it possable to rebuild these things? Thanks for the help in advance, Landon __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 01:43 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	most parts such as hases,compressor,condenser etc are readily avaivable eather locally or thru places like lmc __________________ 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

02-25-2003, 12:31 PM	#4
jenna's 71 my '71 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Paicines, CA Posts: 113	Landon, was talking about the box it's self? That is what he was looking to rebuild, the pipes look like thay are aluminum (sp) and they are all faded and such. He was just woundering __________________ 1971 C10 2wd longbed 1989 Honda Civic "round town car" 4 sale 1969 Chevy Burb 2wd "my new ride" KEVIN'S 4x4 PROGRESS PIC'S ON THE LINK BELOW. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=41708

02-25-2003, 12:34 PM	#5
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	I will post some pic's of what I would like to rebuild tonight. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 01:40 PM	#6
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Yes they can be rebuilt. Starting from scratch is not always the most logical way to go with an original system. Once they are open then recovery can be expensive. My unit was complete, only required a new compressor. After rebuilding the a/c box with new seals and replacing the compressor and flushing, converting and filling the system with R134a. The cost was like $800 and it only works marginal. In the end I do believe that the newer systems that are being sold take advantage of the newer technology and in the end provide a substantially superior end result. If I were you I would highly consider the option of an aftermarket system. Unless of course you have a friend in the a/c business. Just my opinion __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

02-25-2003, 01:27 AM	#2
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	Are you talking about the compressor? or?

02-25-2003, 02:28 PM	#7
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	Hutch, I am trying to keep the truck as close to stock as possable. But I do thank you for your opinion. I still have not really decided what I am going to do. I saw one in a hot rod book with the stock A/C unit and it looked like new, it cought my eye. It looked sweet, so that is kind of what I would like to do keep the stock one. Landon __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 02:32 PM	#8
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	Exactly what parts are you talking about though? The compressor can be rebuilt or you can buy a remanufactured unit. The AC box can be soda/sand blasted and return it back to orginal condition (I just finished doing mine for the 72).

02-25-2003, 03:08 PM	#9
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	OK everyone who has asked which one, or what parts I am talking about. I an new to the whole rebuild the truck scene, I probally should have not posted this thread till I took pic's. I have no idea what parts they are. I will post some pic's tonight with the parts that I am looking to repair. Thanks for all the input that I have gotten so far. Landon __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 03:37 PM	#10
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	lol dont worry about it, i'm just curious is all. Don't get the feeling that you shouldn't ask questions

02-25-2003, 03:47 PM	#11
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	I am learning that on this board you need pic's of what you are talking about, or atleast know what you are talking about. I didn't get the feeling that I should not ask questions, That is how you learn, by asking questions... I will get my question answered tonight with the pic's. Hopefully !!! __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 04:27 PM	#12
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I have been thinking about the same issues. I would like to keep the factory air, but am conerned about the quality of output once it is done. I can't imagine putting $800.00 into it and not just buying a Vintage Air system, but was curious about "restoring" my original all the same. I am curious if you can polish the aluminum tubing and how do you recondition the box that hangs on the firewall? Would like to see some pictures of that. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

02-25-2003, 04:30 PM	#13
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	I can take a few pics of the box im working on now. I was in pretty bad shape to begin with. Lots of under coating sprayed on it and a few scratches. 5 minutes in the blasting cabinet and viola.. its like new. I sprayed some dull clear coat on it after a little clean up and its done.

02-25-2003, 05:38 PM	#14
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Don't be afraid to ask questions, just be ready to respond to the answers. All of the parts are available, most can be bought through your local mom & pop parts store. If you want the look of the original, then rebuiling is the way to go. Lots of people here are ready to help, but on something like this, either pictures or a good description are needed. Now, if everyone will sit on their hands until Landon gets his pics posted.... __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

02-25-2003, 05:45 PM	#15
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I don't want to pirate Landon's thread because I am interested in what he is talking about (waiting for pics), but I would like to know if anyone else has had similiar experiences to Hutch. I don't want to spend a lot of money on the stock set up and then be disappointed with the service quality. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."



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02-25-2003, 06:09 PM	#16
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	I would not worry about the pirate deal 1971Stepside. That's what the board is for. I would like to say one thing about the service quality, If you want it stock then stock is what you should go with. My 2001 chevy, if you turn on the A/C in that truck you freeze your a$$ off. In my opinion that is 2 much A/C for me. but yet other people like to be frozen while they drive. I'm happy with opening the windows and the floor vents. To be totally honist I will probally not even use the A/C that much. I prefur the fresh air... I want to rebuild for the stock look. We will figure out what we are doing as we go. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

02-25-2003, 07:31 PM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Factory LOOK This is mine, it looks factory but if you look closer it isn't. No POA valve. Condensor and evapertor from a 80's model truck. I also had a factory compresser ordered for R-134A. I'm very pleased with this set upp and it doesn't freeze up but it will keep you COOL in the 90 degree weather. Hope this helps with your AC. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-25-2003, 07:46 PM	#18
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Cleaning goes a long way on the boxes and hardware. Painting the small hardware and fittings will dress it up and you can get the outside decal. If the box is sun bleached, media blasting and clearcoating will work very well. It is very time consuming, but I think well worth it. I am attaching a pic of one that I am still finishing up the details on. Jim Attached Images

02-26-2003, 12:23 AM	#19
jenna's 71 my '71 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Paicines, CA Posts: 113	the pic that Jimkshortstep4X4 is the part that I was wanting to clean up. All the hoses and such. That is what I was asking about. Thanks Jim __________________ 1971 C10 2wd longbed 1989 Honda Civic "round town car" 4 sale 1969 Chevy Burb 2wd "my new ride" KEVIN'S 4x4 PROGRESS PIC'S ON THE LINK BELOW. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=41708

02-26-2003, 12:54 AM	#20
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	my '72 is going to the shop tomorrow night for a new vintage air system. he has done lots of them and says they are twice as good as the original system. the cool this about is nothing is visible under the dash, it uses the original control panel and the firewall is smooth - all that bulky stuff is eliminated. can't wait! Brave Dave __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

02-26-2003, 10:54 AM	#21
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I have a price quote on a complete Vintage Air system for our model trucks with a chrome compressor....$1095.00 shipped. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

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