A/C Options? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Piper71c10 · 12-05-2003, 12:48 AM

I been thinking about this alot lately.

Should I find an A/c Dash and install it into my non A/C '71?

what's the aftermarket quality like on units for our rides?

Who's got the best one?

What would be involved in swapping the dashs ?

I know it's winter, but now is the time to move while everyone else is freezing and not thinking about having cool air.

Piper

dinnut · 12-05-2003, 01:12 AM

cutting the tach welds and unbolting the old one and reverse the procedure. put new dash in... bolt, weld

71swb4x4 · 12-05-2003, 01:45 AM

I have a 71 also that I have been wanting to ad AC too. I put up a similar post and most people thought I should cut my dash instead of install the AC one. I think I will try to cut it. I have an AC one also so if I mess it up I can always weld in the AC dash.
Anyway - here is the best idea that I got from others on how to do it.
Find an AC dash, and put a piece of paper over the existing AC vent holes and darken it with a charcoal pencil to get the outline of the AC vent hole, be sure to fold the paper underneath the dash to get the bolt holes - that will also give you a great place to tape the paper to on the non-AC dash and be sure that you are cutting in the right place. One guy said he took his dash to a welding shop and they cut the holes with a plasma cutter for $10, and then he finished them to make them look good with a small grinder.
Anyway - that's what I am going to do, seems cheap and easier than welding in the new dash, and the end result should be exactly the same.

Hutch · 12-05-2003, 02:20 AM

Piper71c10
Unless you are doing a factory restoration go with one of the aftermarket units.
In the end the cost is about the same and the factory units are not as efficiant as the newer units when using the newer refridgerants.
My Truck had a complete system with a bad compressor.
After refurbing the unit and replaceing all the parts that were bad
(compressor,dryer,expansion valve, r134 conversion kit underdash hoses and box seals)and converting,flushing and charging it was about $800.
And it works marginal
I could have replaced it with a new style kit for about $1200.
This is an upgrade that will add to the value of your truck.
Do a search on Vintage Air or Old Air to find previous posts on this topic

tom hand · 12-05-2003, 12:11 PM

If you want to replace the dash, this is the easy way.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=dash+hackers

I would buy an aftermarket air and never look back....I replaced a factory air because it just couldn't cut the 98% humidity here. I bought a vintage air....it frosts the vents up on a 98 degree day...I love it

Mike Culpepper · 12-05-2003, 02:59 PM

I agree with the aftermarket unit! I LOVE my Vintage air and it cools real well here in Houston. Go to the FAQ folder and read my and DDSMITHS discussion on Old Air and Vintage air.
Mike
BTW I installed the V.A. myself and total cost was about $1050($950 for the unit, and $50 for the dealer to charge it. The rest was for heater hoses, new gatorback belt and a few other little things).

**john** · 12-05-2003, 08:27 PM

71swb4x4 has the right idea. I cut mine in about an hour using dremel tool with small cutoff wheel for center vent and a hole saw and die grinder with rotary file for side vents. Alot quicker than changing dashes. OLD AIR kits come with templates for the factory outlets. Make sure and tape around openings so protect paint before cutting. John

12-05-2003, 12:48 AM	#1
Piper71c10 Unending Project Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sequim, WA Posts: 337	A/C Options? I been thinking about this alot lately. Should I find an A/c Dash and install it into my non A/C '71? what's the aftermarket quality like on units for our rides? Who's got the best one? What would be involved in swapping the dashs ? I know it's winter, but now is the time to move while everyone else is freezing and not thinking about having cool air. Piper

12-05-2003, 01:12 AM	#2
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	cutting the tach welds and unbolting the old one and reverse the procedure. put new dash in... bolt, weld __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

12-05-2003, 01:45 AM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I have a 71 also that I have been wanting to ad AC too. I put up a similar post and most people thought I should cut my dash instead of install the AC one. I think I will try to cut it. I have an AC one also so if I mess it up I can always weld in the AC dash. Anyway - here is the best idea that I got from others on how to do it. Find an AC dash, and put a piece of paper over the existing AC vent holes and darken it with a charcoal pencil to get the outline of the AC vent hole, be sure to fold the paper underneath the dash to get the bolt holes - that will also give you a great place to tape the paper to on the non-AC dash and be sure that you are cutting in the right place. One guy said he took his dash to a welding shop and they cut the holes with a plasma cutter for $10, and then he finished them to make them look good with a small grinder. Anyway - that's what I am going to do, seems cheap and easier than welding in the new dash, and the end result should be exactly the same. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-05-2003, 02:20 AM	#4
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Piper71c10 Unless you are doing a factory restoration go with one of the aftermarket units. In the end the cost is about the same and the factory units are not as efficiant as the newer units when using the newer refridgerants. My Truck had a complete system with a bad compressor. After refurbing the unit and replaceing all the parts that were bad (compressor,dryer,expansion valve, r134 conversion kit underdash hoses and box seals)and converting,flushing and charging it was about $800. And it works marginal I could have replaced it with a new style kit for about $1200. This is an upgrade that will add to the value of your truck. Do a search on Vintage Air or Old Air to find previous posts on this topic __________________ 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

12-05-2003, 12:11 PM	#5
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	If you want to replace the dash, this is the easy way. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=dash+hackers I would buy an aftermarket air and never look back....I replaced a factory air because it just couldn't cut the 98% humidity here. I bought a vintage air....it frosts the vents up on a 98 degree day...I love it __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

12-05-2003, 02:59 PM	#6
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	I agree with the aftermarket unit! I LOVE my Vintage air and it cools real well here in Houston. Go to the FAQ folder and read my and DDSMITHS discussion on Old Air and Vintage air. Mike BTW I installed the V.A. myself and total cost was about $1050($950 for the unit, and $50 for the dealer to charge it. The rest was for heater hoses, new gatorback belt and a few other little things). __________________ '72 Cheyenne LWB 350/350 "The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time." - Catfish Hunter (commenting on why he was not able to pitch another perfect game).

12-05-2003, 08:27 PM	#7
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	71swb4x4 has the right idea. I cut mine in about an hour using dremel tool with small cutoff wheel for center vent and a hole saw and die grinder with rotary file for side vents. Alot quicker than changing dashes. OLD AIR kits come with templates for the factory outlets. Make sure and tape around openings so protect paint before cutting. John __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/



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