A/C install

[63chevy4x4]

I got thinking today has anyone ever put an ac system from another veichal in a 60-66 rig? I dont think it would be to hard to put a condensor and a compressor on, the evaporator might be harder to mount and youd have to rig up controls and vet but it would be doable i think?

[bhc41051]

This might work...Not mine.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-under-da...51263373320%26

[63chevy4x4]

definitly a thougt!

[chevyrestoguy]

That would definitely work, but if you're trying to go with a system that looks a little more "period" to the truck, you can find the original GM underdash units and even the old Mark IV (Brand name) units on ebay all the time.

Or, if you want to hide it under the dash, there's always the Vintage Air-style units. I'll tell you one of my secrets.......the rear air unit out of a Suburban. It looks nearly identical to a Vintage Air unit, and you can pick those things up for cheap on Craigslist or your local wrecking yard. Plus, the rear units usually have extremely low hours on them are almost always in pristine condition.

[63chevy4x4]

Thanks chevytrestoguy!! I defintily want it to look period correct even if its not factory and old school looking underdash unit would be awsome. dose anyone have any pics of an old ac set up?

[63chevy4x4]

I found a few cool looking evaporator units on ebay that would work, I have a compressor and accumulator from a 79 silverado that i know works so my next thing is a condensor. Id like to do this on the cheap dose anyone know what condensor would fit in here from something else? i have an area 24in widew and 17 high to work with.

[tincan1966]

The bad news about trying to 'cheap" one together from a bunch of old salvage yard parts is:

1 They are old parts!
2 Most AC systems from about 1995 on back are all R-12 refridgerant- which is not sold anymore and if someone has some it is extremely expensive.
3 Most old underdash units will not work very well with R 134A refrigerant.

A couple other hints of advise - never reuse an acculmulator. They are designed to collect moisture inside the system and once exposed to outside air, they are junk. If you have an accumulator, you will need the high side hard line that has the orifice tube(kinda like a fuel filter for the ac system) in it.
You do not need an accumulator if the sytem has an expansion valve. You will just need a dryer.
Most of the AC system suppliers sell individual parts to build a system, and really aren't too expensive.

I am sure several will disagree that you can make it work, but getting it to work well, is the objective, and not be wasting a bunch of money.

[63chevy4x4]

I am certified A/C tech and have my own reclaimer, vacume pump, manifold etc at home, so i can putz around on this project for awhile haha, I know alot of older componets dont like r-134a being its a less dense refrigrent, for how much i drive it it if have to top it off a few times a summer its not a big deal. I think having an old evaporator unit would be cool even if it isnt super reliable, living up here I really only use a/c for about 3 month out of the year

[tincan1966]

Good luck then! Sorry I offered any info.