Original A.C or Vintage Air - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dan Wales · 02-06-2016, 12:06 AM

Hi everyone looking for a little advice/help. I'm trying to get started again and finish this 71 shortbed. Been feelin kinda bad for a couple years I think I have that straightened out now.

It was a AC truck to start. The controls are about all that is left. They do work.

The firewall is clean, controls and outlet eyeballs are about all that is left.

I know we have hundreds of folks on here with many, many rebuilds.

In your opinion would it be better to find original parts piece by piece or go with Vintage Air. Price wise I'm not sure if there would be that much difference.

Appreciate all advice.

Dan

**leddzepp** · 02-06-2016, 12:28 AM

Since you are starting from scratch, I vote vintage air.

Gatorman · 02-06-2016, 01:04 AM

The 72 C10 I`m working on was restored several years ago. I myself purchased it after it sat for a few years. It is a Cheyenne and was a loaded truck. It`s a factory Ac truck. The former owner cleaned up the firewall and it now has a Vintage air system. I agree, if starting from scratch why not do a Vintage AC setup. Just my $$ .02. Dale

F.A.A.benny · 02-06-2016, 02:27 AM

Cost will be about the same. So the question is do you care either way? If you don't care about having the factory look then go with aftermarket. But if would prefer factory, then its not that hard to get everything you need.

Andy4639 · 02-06-2016, 10:24 AM

Factory AC/Heater box with 134-A Freon is the way to go. Look's right and is easy to do if you have the parts. I wouldn't change it out if I had all the factory stuff that for sure.
My opinion is the under hood pictures you see of these trucks and they shaved the fire wall's and added the aftermarket AC system makes them look funny like something is missing and it is!

**Hart_Rod** · 02-06-2016, 10:41 AM

Vintage Air....

GoodJobTim · 02-06-2016, 11:16 AM

So Vintage Air works just as well as factory for everyday driving?

69chevy4wheel · 02-06-2016, 12:02 PM

I think it does depends on the build of the truck. If most everything else is original I would keep the a/c system original. If its customized go with vintage air. With that said my truck is customized and I just finished installing a vintage air system. If you decide to go with the original system message me as I have most of the parts you may need.

72MARIO · 02-06-2016, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodJobTim

So Vintage Air works just as well as factory for everyday driving?

I would say NO

Unless your bringing fresh air from outside into the cab (none of the aftermarket units offer this) I would say there not ideal for daily use. Thats from my experience specifically with the OLD AIR system personally I dont like it.

davepl · 02-06-2016, 01:18 PM

If you have most of the old system, make the old system work. It has the fresh air, cowl door, bi-level operation stuff that I don't think Vintage has.

If you're piecing together a factory system and don't have it, it can likely get pricey without a full donor system. Then I'd go aftermarket.

Unless this is for a stock restoration, then you have no choice, but hard to do a stock restoration on an AC truck without all the AC stuff!

**screaminchevypickup** · 02-06-2016, 02:07 PM

Vintage air

F.A.A.benny · 02-06-2016, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

I would say NO

Unless your bringing fresh air from outside into the cab (none of the aftermarket units offer this) I would say there not ideal for daily use. Thats from my experience specifically with the OLD AIR system personally I dont like it.

That is an advantage of the factory system. It has a fresh air mode. The aftermarket kits like vintage don't have that.

In The Ten Ring · 02-06-2016, 03:52 PM

Keep it original brother....as original as you can.

That's what I'm doing with my truck and if I was buying one, I'd pay more for one kept original.

57larry · 02-06-2016, 08:25 PM

Vintage air & heat

RustyBucket · 02-06-2016, 09:40 PM

pm sent

Z10 · 02-07-2016, 12:54 AM

Another vote for Vintage Air. Works fine in this West Texas heat.

hdff · 02-07-2016, 08:24 AM

Original, just finished redoing mine

**special-K** · 02-07-2016, 09:32 AM

My '72 is an A/C truck with all parts present. I will restore that system.

My '67 is built from scratch out of parts from the ground up. I will install Vintage Air

Z10 · 02-08-2016, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdff

Original, just finished redoing mine

Or......this?

I still can't figure out why these pics are loading sideways?

mrein3 · 02-08-2016, 02:23 PM

I always tell people if you have more money than time go with an aftermarket system.
If you're like me and the opposite is true, go original.

**special-K** · 02-08-2016, 11:30 PM

One thing for those who live where it gets cold to consider is how good is the Vintage Air heat? All the focus is on A/C. I have no idea how good that heat works. I know the factory heat is fantastic

mrein3 · 02-09-2016, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

One thing for those who live where it gets cold to consider is how good is the Vintage Air heat? All the focus is on A/C. I have no idea how good that heat works. I know the factory heat is fantastic

Good point. My snow plow was purchased prior to my non-AC to AC mod to the truck. The old, non-AC heater was anemic at best. The current heater, a factory AC heater core setup, is TOO HOT

!
I usually finish my plowing with the window rolled down.

jus2qwk · 02-09-2016, 02:13 PM

Run vintage are and you can clean up the firewall and also run one of these sweet heater control panels haha

F.A.A.benny · 02-09-2016, 02:54 PM

Anyone running a Classic Auto Air ac kit? What about Old Air Products? Or is just about everyone on this forum running VA? If so that's interesting because CAA is the same thing and alot of the chevelle/mustang guys use them.

iGreek · 02-09-2016, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jus2qwk

Run vintage are and you can clean up the firewall and also run one of these sweet heater control panels haha

I've seen the controller online on Dakota Digital's site, but where did you get the bezel for the controller from? Looks real nice!

02-06-2016, 12:06 AM	#1
Dan Wales Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lake Wales Florida Posts: 50	Original A.C or Vintage Air Hi everyone looking for a little advice/help. I'm trying to get started again and finish this 71 shortbed. Been feelin kinda bad for a couple years I think I have that straightened out now. It was a AC truck to start. The controls are about all that is left. They do work. The firewall is clean, controls and outlet eyeballs are about all that is left. I know we have hundreds of folks on here with many, many rebuilds. In your opinion would it be better to find original parts piece by piece or go with Vintage Air. Price wise I'm not sure if there would be that much difference. Appreciate all advice. Dan

02-06-2016, 12:28 AM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Since you are starting from scratch, I vote vintage air. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

02-06-2016, 01:04 AM	#3
Gatorman Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Bossier La. Posts: 9	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air The 72 C10 I`m working on was restored several years ago. I myself purchased it after it sat for a few years. It is a Cheyenne and was a loaded truck. It`s a factory Ac truck. The former owner cleaned up the firewall and it now has a Vintage air system. I agree, if starting from scratch why not do a Vintage AC setup. Just my $$ .02. Dale

02-06-2016, 02:27 AM	#4
F.A.A.benny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Euless, Tx Posts: 431	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Cost will be about the same. So the question is do you care either way? If you don't care about having the factory look then go with aftermarket. But if would prefer factory, then its not that hard to get everything you need.

02-06-2016, 10:24 AM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Factory AC/Heater box with 134-A Freon is the way to go. Look's right and is easy to do if you have the parts. I wouldn't change it out if I had all the factory stuff that for sure. My opinion is the under hood pictures you see of these trucks and they shaved the fire wall's and added the aftermarket AC system makes them look funny like something is missing and it is! __________________ 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.

02-06-2016, 10:41 AM	#6
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,840	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Vintage Air.... __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

02-06-2016, 11:16 AM	#7
GoodJobTim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Magnolia, Tx Posts: 3	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air So Vintage Air works just as well as factory for everyday driving?

02-06-2016, 12:02 PM	#8
69chevy4wheel Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: fleetwood Posts: 15	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air I think it does depends on the build of the truck. If most everything else is original I would keep the a/c system original. If its customized go with vintage air. With that said my truck is customized and I just finished installing a vintage air system. If you decide to go with the original system message me as I have most of the parts you may need.

02-06-2016, 01:18 PM	#10
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air If you have most of the old system, make the old system work. It has the fresh air, cowl door, bi-level operation stuff that I don't think Vintage has. If you're piecing together a factory system and don't have it, it can likely get pricey without a full donor system. Then I'd go aftermarket. Unless this is for a stock restoration, then you have no choice, but hard to do a stock restoration on an AC truck without all the AC stuff! __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

02-06-2016, 02:07 PM	#11
screaminchevypickup Laid Back Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: mcloud ok Posts: 2,658	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Vintage air __________________ 72 chevy swb Direct dealers for.. Vintage Air, Porterbuilt, Billet Specialties,Budnik wheels ,eddie motorsports, raceline wheels, intro wheels, Dakota Digital, precision, unisteer, Trimparts, and many many more... Laid Back Recreations.. Full restoration shop and full paint and body.. Kyle http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=574629

02-06-2016, 03:52 PM	#13
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Keep it original brother....as original as you can. That's what I'm doing with my truck and if I was buying one, I'd pay more for one kept original.

02-06-2016, 08:25 PM	#14
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,162	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Vintage air & heat

02-06-2016, 09:40 PM	#15
RustyBucket Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Space Coast, Fl. Posts: 1,050	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air pm sent __________________ Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!!

02-07-2016, 12:54 AM	#16
Z10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 1,267	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Another vote for Vintage Air. Works fine in this West Texas heat. __________________ 1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i

02-07-2016, 08:24 AM	#17
hdff Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: pasadena,TEXAS Posts: 880	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Original, just finished redoing mine Attached Images __________________ 1971 Cheyenne SWB 402BB, 700R4, 3.73 posi, PS, PB, A/C, Tilt, Tach "Wanda" Don't argue with idiots, People watching may not be able to tell the difference... There's someone in my head........But it's not me...... cheap tricks thread great info here!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394



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02-07-2016, 09:32 AM	#18
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air My '72 is an A/C truck with all parts present. I will restore that system. My '67 is built from scratch out of parts from the ground up. I will install Vintage Air __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-08-2016, 02:23 PM	#20
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air I always tell people if you have more money than time go with an aftermarket system. If you're like me and the opposite is true, go original. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

02-08-2016, 11:30 PM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air One thing for those who live where it gets cold to consider is how good is the Vintage Air heat? All the focus is on A/C. I have no idea how good that heat works. I know the factory heat is fantastic __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-09-2016, 02:13 PM	#23
jus2qwk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wytheville, Virginia Posts: 591	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Run vintage are and you can clean up the firewall and also run one of these sweet heater control panels haha __________________ Corey Jones Designs CoreyJonesDesigns on instagram Ole Silver- 1967 stepside http://www.hotrod.com/articles/1103c...chevrolet-c10/ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=598758

02-09-2016, 02:54 PM	#24
F.A.A.benny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Euless, Tx Posts: 431	Re: Original A.C or Vintage Air Anyone running a Classic Auto Air ac kit? What about Old Air Products? Or is just about everyone on this forum running VA? If so that's interesting because CAA is the same thing and alot of the chevelle/mustang guys use them.

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