AC setup for stock AC trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fastpace · 12-30-2013, 12:09 AM

What/How is everyone running their AC setups in original AC trucks? I've tried searching and reading other threads but it's been difficult trying to find the info. I know you can get the Holley brackets to mount the compressor, but I have a lot of questions on how to adapt to the other stock AC components:

What style compressor is the best? What are the pros/cons? R4, SD508, SD7
Will my original 72 AC lines match up?
What other parts do I need to replace?
Can I still use the original AC controls?
How well will it work with R134 in a R12 system?
Anything else to consider? Wiring, adapters, etc.

ls1nova71 · 12-30-2013, 01:48 AM

You'll get a lot of different answers, but I'll tell you how I did mine. I used the compressor that came on the 5.3, just fabbed up some custom lines so I didn't have to butcher the frame to get them to fit. You'll also need the biggest condenser you can get, preferebly a parrallel flow one made for 134a, your original one generally are not effecient enough. This set up works great for me, it blows 38* on high blow idling in my driveway on a 90* day, but I can't guarantee that everyone else's will work thais well . Your stock controls will work fine. I have pics in my build thread if you're interested.

rgonza · 12-30-2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastpace

What/How is everyone running their AC setups in original AC trucks? I've tried searching and reading other threads but it's been difficult trying to find the info. I know you can get the Holley brackets to mount the compressor, but I have a lot of questions on how to adapt to the other stock AC components:

What style compressor is the best? What are the pros/cons? R4, SD508, SD7
Will my original 72 AC lines match up?
What other parts do I need to replace?
Can I still use the original AC controls?
How well will it work with R134 in a R12 system?
Anything else to consider? Wiring, adapters, etc.

Try to find Here lsbracket.com

i suggest to you to use sd508 there more options for this compressor, not your factory lines will not work but they are easy to make, for the controls you can use the factory one, if your evaporator is from factory and condenser you will consider to run R12, But is not you can run R134 Or R12, The wiring you need to identify what wire come from control to engine bay normally is one black wire.

doubeys_nova · 01-07-2014, 12:27 PM

i have a 93 blazer 4.3L a/c bracket mounted on the passenger side. looks decent, lines up great and has ~70-80% belt contact. it is the pancake style compressor. i cant seem to find a "how to" on making custom lines or it would be back on and hooked up. i spent a couple days looking. i am even willing to pay for braided AN style stuff but had no luck.

solidaxel · 01-07-2014, 01:50 PM

I went the fast way, but not the least expensive!
Aftermarket!

mattcrp1 · 01-07-2014, 02:16 PM

I am still trying to decide how I am going to do my a/c set up. I envision a blend of original and LS componants. My a/c compressor is in the stock LS position ( I have a 76)and is really close to my mounts. Some one mentioned for my application to move the engine mount pedistals back to the 6 cylinder postion for clearance.

doubeys_nova · 01-07-2014, 03:08 PM

that is pretty much what mine looks like minus it is a factory cast bracket and the pancake R4 style pump. i also has an idler pulley on the top belt and the tensioner pulley on the lower belt. it just makes it so you dont have to reposition the upper radiator hose hook up on the water pump. i will get mine put back on tonight and try to post a picture. i am pretty sure i found the guide on how to do it this way on this website a couple years ago.

ADD: here is a link. i clocked mine just enough further counter-clockwise so the radiator hose misses.
http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/vi...hp?=34&t=79059

dwcsr · 01-07-2014, 06:25 PM

Holley make a very nice AC bracket for Sanden type compressors and pancake type for a few hundred. I was going to use the stock ac compressor in the stock location on a vintage air setup but they said it would not work and I needed a Sanden and also needed a bracket. This is the complete kit for Holley AC and PS/ALt

Andy4639 · 01-07-2014, 09:05 PM

I have the Classic air 508 compressor with new evaperator, condensor and acumalator for 134 a with orfice tube. Hawks is going to swap out the v belt clutch for a serpentine. They mounted the upper AC bracket and idler pulley but I forgot to take a picture of it. I'll do that Friday when I'm back over there. It looks like what [dwcsr] posted but I'm not sure. The cooling fans will operate by the computer.

eric8 · 02-14-2014, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I went the fast way, but not the least expensive!
Aftermarket!

Is that the Chevrolet Performance non-AC accessory drive with the Dirty Dingo AC add on?

solidaxel · 02-14-2014, 07:10 PM

Yes stock parts on the drivers side D D set up with a Sanden on pass side,
A few 90* fittings and some hose & "O" rings same dash switch to turn the compressor on and re charge with R134

eric8 · 02-14-2014, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I have the Classic air 508 compressor with new evaperator, condensor and acumalator for 134 a with orfice tube. Hawks is going to swap out the v belt clutch for a serpentine. They mounted the upper AC bracket and idler pulley but I forgot to take a picture of it. I'll do that Friday when I'm back over there. It looks like what [dwcsr] posted but I'm not sure. The cooling fans will operate by the computer.

Hi Andy. Sounds like you have the Classic Auto Air "engine compartment upgrade kit" right? That looked like a good all in one solution too if upgrading to 134. Man it's a small world.....I live in Seneca! Been meaning to get over to Hawk's to check out his shop. Your truck looks great btw! Don't know anyone looking for a ZZ3 crate motor in the area do ya? That's what is getting replaced by the LS3

Andy4639 · 02-14-2014, 10:17 PM

No not right off. Yes it's the classic air setup are was. Now it's got the 6.0 and new compressor installed. Yea he did a good job over all. You know we are having a meeting tomorrow over in Greenville at Quaker steaks & lube. 12pm. They used LS1 bracket. Mine operates just like before. Flip on the AC switch in the cab which goes to the low side pressure switch then to the compressor. I also have it split off to the 30 amp relay to run the extra fan for the ac only.

eric8 · 02-14-2014, 10:24 PM

It's a shame I have to work tomorrow. Plus it doesn't have a motor installed at the moment. But we'll get there. Here's a pic of her before tear down for the swap:

eric8 · 02-14-2014, 10:26 PM

Another

Andy4639 · 02-15-2014, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric8

Another

Nice looking truck man. I like the LWB trucks for sure. What is up with your Avatar it says you live in CT.
Where do work? I work out at Oconee. I'm working tomorrow for another shift.

eric8 · 02-15-2014, 11:10 AM

Hey I live about 3 miles from the nuclear station off of 183. I work for the city of Seneca. Don't live in CT and never have....I've just never put my real location on message boards......don't really know why but just never have,,,lol.

. I saw where they were hiring some operators and rp techs out there on the website....tempting!

12-30-2013, 12:09 AM	#1
fastpace Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 80	AC setup for stock AC trucks What/How is everyone running their AC setups in original AC trucks? I've tried searching and reading other threads but it's been difficult trying to find the info. I know you can get the Holley brackets to mount the compressor, but I have a lot of questions on how to adapt to the other stock AC components: What style compressor is the best? What are the pros/cons? R4, SD508, SD7 Will my original 72 AC lines match up? What other parts do I need to replace? Can I still use the original AC controls? How well will it work with R134 in a R12 system? Anything else to consider? Wiring, adapters, etc. __________________ 1972 C10 LWB Highlander Dark Olive/White - Work in progress 5.3/6L80e, Accuair e-level, Porterbuilt Stage 1 front and Stage 2 rear, Wilwood 14"F 13"R, Vintage Wheel Works V40 18x8/18x11, and more... Build Thread

12-30-2013, 01:48 AM	#2
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,118	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks You'll get a lot of different answers, but I'll tell you how I did mine. I used the compressor that came on the 5.3, just fabbed up some custom lines so I didn't have to butcher the frame to get them to fit. You'll also need the biggest condenser you can get, preferebly a parrallel flow one made for 134a, your original one generally are not effecient enough. This set up works great for me, it blows 38* on high blow idling in my driveway on a 90* day, but I can't guarantee that everyone else's will work thais well . Your stock controls will work fine. I have pics in my build thread if you're interested. __________________ My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html

01-07-2014, 12:27 PM	#4
doubeys_nova Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 34	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks i have a 93 blazer 4.3L a/c bracket mounted on the passenger side. looks decent, lines up great and has ~70-80% belt contact. it is the pancake style compressor. i cant seem to find a "how to" on making custom lines or it would be back on and hooked up. i spent a couple days looking. i am even willing to pay for braided AN style stuff but had no luck.

01-07-2014, 01:50 PM	#5
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks I went the fast way, but not the least expensive! Aftermarket! Attached Images __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

01-07-2014, 02:16 PM	#6
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks I am still trying to decide how I am going to do my a/c set up. I envision a blend of original and LS componants. My a/c compressor is in the stock LS position ( I have a 76)and is really close to my mounts. Some one mentioned for my application to move the engine mount pedistals back to the 6 cylinder postion for clearance. __________________ My Chevy habit is paid for by Ford diesels... Here is my SLOW LS install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post6456355 Caliper Rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613748 Upper Control Arm Bushings: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616974 IG mattcrp1

01-07-2014, 03:08 PM	#7
doubeys_nova Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 34	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks that is pretty much what mine looks like minus it is a factory cast bracket and the pancake R4 style pump. i also has an idler pulley on the top belt and the tensioner pulley on the lower belt. it just makes it so you dont have to reposition the upper radiator hose hook up on the water pump. i will get mine put back on tonight and try to post a picture. i am pretty sure i found the guide on how to do it this way on this website a couple years ago. ADD: here is a link. i clocked mine just enough further counter-clockwise so the radiator hose misses. http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/vi...hp?=34&t=79059 Last edited by doubeys_nova; 01-07-2014 at 03:38 PM. Reason: add' info

01-07-2014, 06:25 PM	#8
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks Holley make a very nice AC bracket for Sanden type compressors and pancake type for a few hundred. I was going to use the stock ac compressor in the stock location on a vintage air setup but they said it would not work and I needed a Sanden and also needed a bracket. This is the complete kit for Holley AC and PS/ALt Attached Images

01-07-2014, 09:05 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks I have the Classic air 508 compressor with new evaperator, condensor and acumalator for 134 a with orfice tube. Hawks is going to swap out the v belt clutch for a serpentine. They mounted the upper AC bracket and idler pulley but I forgot to take a picture of it. I'll do that Friday when I'm back over there. It looks like what [dwcsr] posted but I'm not sure. The cooling fans will operate by the computer. __________________ 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.

02-14-2014, 07:10 PM	#11
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks Yes stock parts on the drivers side D D set up with a Sanden on pass side, A few 90* fittings and some hose & "O" rings same dash switch to turn the compressor on and re charge with R134 __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

02-14-2014, 10:17 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks No not right off. Yes it's the classic air setup are was. Now it's got the 6.0 and new compressor installed. Yea he did a good job over all. You know we are having a meeting tomorrow over in Greenville at Quaker steaks & lube. 12pm. They used LS1 bracket. Mine operates just like before. Flip on the AC switch in the cab which goes to the low side pressure switch then to the compressor. I also have it split off to the 30 amp relay to run the extra fan for the ac only. 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.

02-14-2014, 10:24 PM	#14
eric8 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Utopia Posts: 215	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks It's a shame I have to work tomorrow. Plus it doesn't have a motor installed at the moment. But we'll get there. Here's a pic of her before tear down for the swap: Attached Images

02-14-2014, 10:26 PM	#15
eric8 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Utopia Posts: 215	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks Another Attached Images

02-15-2014, 11:10 AM	#17
eric8 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Utopia Posts: 215	Re: AC setup for stock AC trucks Hey I live about 3 miles from the nuclear station off of 183. I work for the city of Seneca. Don't live in CT and never have....I've just never put my real location on message boards......don't really know why but just never have,,,lol. . I saw where they were hiring some operators and rp techs out there on the website....tempting!



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