1965 Chevy C10 : factory air conditioner question.

[423trader]

My 65 came with factory in-dash a/c but my truck is missing alot of the under hood
parts. It has the pulleys wiring but its missing the brackets, compressor, hoses, dryer, condenser and other parts im sure. My question is where can I get these parts? I have ben looking on ebay and craigslist with no luck. maybe you guys know some ppl who have
this stuff they dont need. Thanks for the help.
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[1963c-10]

The dash vent is pretty rare too....good thing you have that. I dont know personally, but just wanted to say nice truck and welcome to the board. If you scan the classifieds here, you might have some luck also.

[423trader]

Nice 63! Thanks for the post its nice to have a place where others have the same interests.
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[60-66]

Heres a couple links to ebay items. CALL the guy on the condensors and save a couple bucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200424761828...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230438065586...84.m1423.l2649

Tony Smith at 456 trucks makes the compressor brackets

Looks like a NICE 65 !!

[423trader]

Thank you sir. I am hoping to find some used brackets. Those are v
kinda expensive for my budget.
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[60-66]

Originally Posted by 423trader

Thank you sir. I am hoping to find some used brackets. Those are v
kinda expensive for my budget.
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Sir makes me sound like an old man ...LOL . Heres another link to a set that just sold so you get an idea what they look like. Jon

http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-61-62-63-...vip=true&rt=nc

[chevyrestoguy]

Actually, you're pretty lucky. You already have all of the hard-to-find (and expensive) stuff like the dash vent, the evaporator assembly, the A/C-specific heater box, and the pulleys ($$).

The compressor (A6) is easy to find. GM used those compressors for years, so finding a rebuilt (or new unit) is not a problem. The brackets are available on ebay or at some of the parts places that deal in the early Chevy trucks. The condensers can be found on-line at places like Old Air. The hoses can be made by any competent hose fab shop. Almost all of the electronic parts like the thermostat, the resistor, the A/C switch, and the blower relay can be found at Old Air as well.

So, does your truck have the underdash ash tray as well? It's a highly sought-after part that was part of the A/C package.

[423trader]

I feel lucky to have found a number matching nearly complete '65 with all the options it has. From what Ive learned '65 was the first and rarest chevy truck to have in-dash a/c. So thats why Im trying to put it back in usable condition.
My truck is missing the under dash ashtray also. I have been searching for that to.
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[423trader]

Originally Posted by 60-66

Sir makes me sound like an old man ...LOL . Heres another link to a set that just sold so you get an idea what they look like. Jon

http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-61-62-63-...vip=true&rt=nc

Yea I had a $60.00 bid on ot and because I drive a big truck for living I was unable to up my bid. That sucked...
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[1963c-10]

The ashtrays pop up in the classifieds from time to time

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by 423trader

I feel lucky to have found a number matching nearly complete '65 with all the options it has. From what Ive learned '65 was the first and rarest chevy truck to have in-dash a/c. So thats why Im trying to put it back in usable condition.
My truck is missing the under dash ashtray also. I have been searching for that to.
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The '65 is an excellent year truck, and you are partially correct on the statement that it was the first to have the in-dash A/C. The '65 is the first year to have it available as an assembly-line option. It was actually available as a dealer-installed option in 1964.

I like your truck a lot. A fully loaded '65 in red is a great combination!

[423trader]

Thanks Chevyrestoguy. I enjoy learning more about these old trucks. Thid is my first 65. I had a 61short bed fleet side a few years back but I like this body style better.
I looked at your truck pics and you are doing a super job!
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[423trader]

I'm still needing A/C compressor brackets if anyone has a set for sale let me know. Thanks
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[65Gregg]

Unless you're dead set on OEM brackets Alan Grove Components has nice stuff at reasonable prices. Nice truck!

[64fleetside]

Up to '72 V8 chevy pickup brackets will work and look close enuff to original. Actually1964 was the first year for factory a/c, I have two with it.

[423trader]

Thanks guys. I would really like to find original set of brackets but I'm willing to look at any of them right now. I did get an ashtray this week!
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[tincan1966]

You don't have to buy a bunch of old worn out stuff. Most of what you need is available new. I would highly recommend buying a new compressor, dryer and condensor.
A used dryer, once opened to the atmosphere, cannot be reused nor can they be cleaned. Also, you cannot remove the oil that is in them and the mineral oil from R12 is not compatible with PAG or synthetic oil needed for R134A.
A used condensor MAY be useable if properly flushed and pressure tested, but by the time you do all of that, with the cost of the unit itself, you could have a new one.
There's a new compressor out there, called and A-10- looks identical to an A-6, mounts the same, but has new upgraded internals to be alot more compatible with R 134A refrigerant. You'll also want to get new hoses, as the old hoses for R 12 will seep refrigerant.
Now, several will argue with me on these hints, but I am speaking from an installer standpoint, so you'll get the best service from it, over the long haul. A little more money spent now will save you alot later.

That's such a clean truck, i wouldn't cheap out on used parts at this point.

[tincan1966]

Compressor brackets are available brand new thru most of the truck sites.

[64fleetside]

I'm using a retrofit condensor from Old Air in Ft Worth-fits exactly like the OE but made for R134a. Mandatory, IMO.

[Budman56]

Originally Posted by 423trader

I feel lucky to have found a number matching nearly complete '65 with all the options it has. From what Ive learned '65 was the first and rarest chevy truck to have in-dash a/c. So thats why Im trying to put it back in usable condition.
My truck is missing the under dash ashtray also. I have been searching for that to.
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The ashtray can be found on ebay too but they are pricey the last one I seen was $250. same thing for the ac pump bracket 456chevy.com has those. you can also look under 65 impala they had the same underdash ashtray. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1964-CH...d23bf7&vxp=mtr
http://4-5-6chevytrucks.com/new-parts.html

[423trader]

I certainly appreciate the knowlege on this forum. You guys amaze me with how much help you give to fellow truck owners. Thanks. Air Conditioning is great and I will be so happy ehen I do get it working.
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[chevymankyle]

My 64 has all the ac stuff including a big under dash unit that my shifter hits if your not careful haha.
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[423trader]

I wonder how many trucks produced from 1964-66 have factory air conditioning.
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[cortcomp]

I had the same issues (everything there but compressor and brackets.) DO get a new condenser and drier that fits your truck and is made to fit the core support. That kit is like $205 from old air products.

You can also put a pressure safety switch in the drier and run a single wire from the firewall to it and to the compressor (same wire that runs right to the compressor) as a safety shut off. I chose to just get sanden compressor brackets and compressor and hoses from them, but you can find A6 compressor and brackets. If you're using an A6 compressor, you need the manifold w/muffler to connect to it and of course the brackets. The sanden uses less HP to run, is more efficient, and you can scuff it and paint it black and throw a harrison decal on it. A6's are huge, heavy, and most leak because rebuilders do crap jobs (like steering boxes). A good A6 will cost you a few hundred at least, or you can get the progen or whatever aluminum one that is the same shape for like $600. Or the sanden and brackets for like $150. I took the sanden.

The factory A/C lines were very complex connectors. Details are scarce, but top minds think that you slide these little devices over the hoses and tightened them with a screw driver. They are called "worm driven mechanical cylindrical compression devices" or, in slang "host clamps". Apparently they worked despite their non-fancy no o-ring design.

To clean out your evaporator, get some denatured alcohol from the hardware store, hook up a hose and funnel to the upper evaporator line at the firewall and pour it in, then use compressed air to blow it out. Should get any mice, bugs, etc out of there. If you need blower resistors, relay switches, selector switches, etc, all of that stuff is repopped now.

[63burban]

My 65 C30 camper has a aftermarket under dash unit but everything under the hood is gone. I will be using the under dash unit and Vintage Air kit under the hood, they will build a kit according to your needs. Obviously I am not concerned about originality at this point but the new parts will run more efficiently. I have Vintage Air in my 56 Chevy car and you can't even tell when the compressor kicks in.