Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MDFarms · 06-18-2021, 09:49 PM

My current build is a factory a/c truck with all like new factory a/c components. However my 1972 with factory a/c works good but was curious in Vintage air is a better cooling and output system overall?

Would my original condencer and drier work? I also have a new compressor like in their picture and all new lines to factory system so will that work in conjuction with their under dash components?

My other question would be can I still use my factory dash controls meaning do they have a conversion from cable to electronic switches?

It seems like vintage air simplfies underdash and less parts to install or fail getting rid of the vacuum pancakes etc.

If I did go this route what would my factory components be worth all in excellent and some pieces brand new.

**70cst** · 06-18-2021, 10:00 PM

Signed on ...

Lee H · 06-18-2021, 11:05 PM

When I did my frame off I decided to go with vintage air for several reasons. 50 plus year old technology and modern refrigerants make for an inefficient system. I just did not want all that junk hanging off the firewall. The cost to refurb the original components was about the same as the new kit. The kit I used came with a micro switch conversion that I used on an NOS HVAC controller. From an interior view point you can’t see a difference between the original factory AC and the vintage air kit. Eight years later and about 30k miles it blows 45 degrees from the vents on 100 plus degree days.

body bolt · 06-18-2021, 11:41 PM

When I changed to R134 I kept everything the same except I used a parallel flow condenser. It works great and I also get 45F@100F. If I were starting from scratch I'd use something more modern like the VA kit.

tim_mc · 06-19-2021, 08:25 AM

I went with Old Air Product's full kit for heater cab and under dash vents with electronic controls, SBC w/short water pump (for the correct mounting brackets) and am happy with it. FWIW, I have a usable glovebox. I believe this is their complete kit for A/C cab, but they also have kits for just inside the cab if you wanted to use other components.
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...mplete-package

MDFarms · 06-19-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_mc

I went with Old Air Product's full kit for heater cab and under dash vents with electronic controls, SBC w/short water pump (for the correct mounting brackets) and am happy with it. FWIW, I have a usable glovebox. I believe this is their complete kit for A/C cab, but they also have kits for just inside the cab if you wanted to use other components.
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...mplete-package

Thanks, looks like a good kit as well! I wonder if electric fans are way to go as well for maximum cooling? Seems like it would pull air in better for maximum cooling

Thundarr · 06-19-2021, 08:38 AM

I'm thinking the same thing. I may have a side to side comparison soon. I have all new factory AC in my 71 Sierra and it just can't keep up with Texas summers. The latest addition, 72 Chevy, has factory air but I'd like to scale down the size of the hardware and get better cooling.
I'll be watching your progress.

tim_mc · 06-19-2021, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDFarms

Thanks, looks like a good kit as well! I wonder if electric fans are way to go as well for maximum cooling? Seems like it would pull air in better for maximum cooling

I went old school on my cooling.
18" Rigid fan, clutch type, 6-blade, Derale 17118
Fan clutch, thermal, clockwise rotation Hayden 2705

The shroud is a 4x4 SBC version from LMC since my engine is in the I6 position. No problems so far.

**davischevy** · 06-19-2021, 10:27 AM

My 72 Cheyenne super has 100% Factory components with a recalibrated POA valve. I could not ask for it to work any better.

tim_mc · 06-19-2021, 10:45 AM

Here are pics of my Old Air in-cab and underhood install for reference. I went with the underdash vents to avoid cutting the dash, and I think it gives it a nostalgic "farm truck gets aftermarket AC" look. The unit is tucked nicely under the dash. I think Old Air sent me a polished compressor by mistake (shhh!). This is the link to my set-up (heater cab, dash vents, electronic controls):
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...defrost-system

My cousin is building a '71 K10 w/454 and chose Vintage Air components. I don't think you could go wrong with either vendor.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 06-19-2021, 12:56 PM

I don't know what a Vintage Air swap costs, but for a new evap. & condenser, and a rebuilt compressor, hose/muffler, valves & dryer the cost is too close to 2K, for 134A.

If I remember right the old dryers won't work for 134A unless rebuilt for it, not positive.

**davischevy** · 06-19-2021, 02:49 PM

I flushed the system on my 71 Longhorn, installed a new dryer and charged it with 134A.

I didn't even calibrate the POA on this one, although, The POA should be calibrated for maximum performance.

**davischevy** · 06-19-2021, 02:53 PM

The original systems are finicky and a little complicated. I am rebuilding and installing one now. If I was paying someone to do the install, it would be cost prohibitive.

My next build will probably be a custom truck, and I will do vintage air on it, because it is a non air truck anyway.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 06-19-2021, 06:15 PM

Years ago a well seasoned A/C guy told me replacement air systems are the way to go if you're seeking value.

So I'm installing original

W 134A

He's independent. Price was better than the rest, but then again with inflation you can quadruple it

D&D Auto Air in San Antonio TX.

tj1970cst · 06-22-2021, 03:08 AM

I bought 73-87 evap, accumulator. Got my factory linkage and vacuum cans going. $40 parallel flow condenser from ebay. Sanden compressor with Allen grove bracket. Just gotta get hoses made. Can't decide if I will buy a crimper and all the parts or just hire it out to a mobile guy.

**davischevy** · 06-22-2021, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tj1970cst

I bought 73-87 evap, accumulator. Got my factory linkage and vacuum cans going. $40 parallel flow condenser from ebay. Sanden compressor with Allen grove bracket. Just gotta get hoses made. Can't decide if I will buy a crimper and all the parts or just hire it out to a mobile guy.

We get a crimper on loan from the auto parts store. Just buy the fittings and hose from them.

Keith Seymore · 06-22-2021, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davischevy

I flushed the system on my 71 Longhorn, installed a new dryer and charged it with 134A.

I didn't even calibrate the POA on this one, although, The POA should be calibrated for maximum performance.

That's what I did on my '87.

So far so good, and that was 12 years ago.

K

Davidf · 06-22-2021, 10:17 AM

My original '71 POA system with R12 worked ok. Occasionally cooling was subpar...suspect the evaporator was being flooded. Anyway, I am in the final stages of an LS swap and took the opportunity to upgrade the system somewhat...using the LS Denso compressor (R134a), changed out the evaporator for an orifice type (from 1987 c1) with accumulator. The compressor will be ECM controlled so engine idle will remain stable and the system will cycle as needed. I am keeping my newish R12 condenser, but added two 12" electric fans (one on each side of the vertical grille support, wired to come on with a/c request) mounted on the front of the condenser...should help shed latent heat out of the refrigerant.

72c20customcamper · 06-22-2021, 10:31 AM

My 77 was still r12 , 41.6° at idle in 89° degrees and really humid .

No picture but my 85 converted to 134 blows at 39 °same conditions outside ,my wife brings a blanket cause it's too cold in the truck. All I did was flush and installed a new dryer and oil

body bolt · 06-22-2021, 10:56 AM

My original system with R-12 always worked excellent but when the compressor croaked I decided to give R-134A a go. A new aluminum A6 compressor, hoses, expansion valve and drier. I used a new 11"x24" parallel flow condenser and the lower bracket from VA. I removed the evaporator and flushed it, the POA and hard lines with lacquer thinner. The POA was reset for R-134A. I had to by a 12" #8 male-female line from VA to go through the radiator support, some fittings and I made a couple of hoses. I used POE oil in the event I didn't like the R-134A results. The POA system takes well to conversion if it's done correctly. I'm real happy with it. Just yesterday I did decide to add a couple of fans to the condenser as I was going around measuring temperatures related to my fuel system problem.

tj1970cst · 06-22-2021, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davischevy

We get a crimper on loan from the auto parts store. Just buy the fittings and hose from them.

What place do you use

**davischevy** · 06-22-2021, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tj1970cst

What place do you use

Car Quest/Advance Auto Parts

06-18-2021, 09:49 PM	#1
MDFarms Registered User Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan Posts: 477	Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air My current build is a factory a/c truck with all like new factory a/c components. However my 1972 with factory a/c works good but was curious in Vintage air is a better cooling and output system overall? Would my original condencer and drier work? I also have a new compressor like in their picture and all new lines to factory system so will that work in conjuction with their under dash components? My other question would be can I still use my factory dash controls meaning do they have a conversion from cable to electronic switches? It seems like vintage air simplfies underdash and less parts to install or fail getting rid of the vacuum pancakes etc. If I did go this route what would my factory components be worth all in excellent and some pieces brand new.

06-18-2021, 10:00 PM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air Signed on ... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

06-18-2021, 11:05 PM	#3
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air When I did my frame off I decided to go with vintage air for several reasons. 50 plus year old technology and modern refrigerants make for an inefficient system. I just did not want all that junk hanging off the firewall. The cost to refurb the original components was about the same as the new kit. The kit I used came with a micro switch conversion that I used on an NOS HVAC controller. From an interior view point you can’t see a difference between the original factory AC and the vintage air kit. Eight years later and about 30k miles it blows 45 degrees from the vents on 100 plus degree days. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

06-18-2021, 11:41 PM	#4
body bolt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 474	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air When I changed to R134 I kept everything the same except I used a parallel flow condenser. It works great and I also get 45F@100F. If I were starting from scratch I'd use something more modern like the VA kit.

06-19-2021, 08:25 AM	#5
tim_mc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: St Peters, MO Posts: 444	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air I went with Old Air Product's full kit for heater cab and under dash vents with electronic controls, SBC w/short water pump (for the correct mounting brackets) and am happy with it. FWIW, I have a usable glovebox. I believe this is their complete kit for A/C cab, but they also have kits for just inside the cab if you wanted to use other components. https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...mplete-package __________________ 1967 C20, 350 SBC w/Comp roller cam, 700R4 w/3.42 posi, PS, 4-wheel PDB, Old Air AC & GM Tilt column. Last edited by tim_mc; 06-19-2021 at 08:33 AM.

06-19-2021, 08:38 AM	#7
Thundarr Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Coppell, Texas Posts: 176	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air I'm thinking the same thing. I may have a side to side comparison soon. I have all new factory AC in my 71 Sierra and it just can't keep up with Texas summers. The latest addition, 72 Chevy, has factory air but I'd like to scale down the size of the hardware and get better cooling. I'll be watching your progress. __________________ 1971 GMC C15 Sierra Grande SWB 1972 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 2018 GMC Yukon Denali

06-19-2021, 10:27 AM	#9
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,860	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air My 72 Cheyenne super has 100% Factory components with a recalibrated POA valve. I could not ask for it to work any better. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

06-19-2021, 10:45 AM	#10
tim_mc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: St Peters, MO Posts: 444	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air Here are pics of my Old Air in-cab and underhood install for reference. I went with the underdash vents to avoid cutting the dash, and I think it gives it a nostalgic "farm truck gets aftermarket AC" look. The unit is tucked nicely under the dash. I think Old Air sent me a polished compressor by mistake (shhh!). This is the link to my set-up (heater cab, dash vents, electronic controls): https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...defrost-system My cousin is building a '71 K10 w/454 and chose Vintage Air components. I don't think you could go wrong with either vendor. Attached Images __________________ 1967 C20, 350 SBC w/Comp roller cam, 700R4 w/3.42 posi, PS, 4-wheel PDB, Old Air AC & GM Tilt column. Last edited by tim_mc; 06-19-2021 at 10:53 AM.

06-19-2021, 12:56 PM	#11
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,320	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air I don't know what a Vintage Air swap costs, but for a new evap. & condenser, and a rebuilt compressor, hose/muffler, valves & dryer the cost is too close to 2K, for 134A. If I remember right the old dryers won't work for 134A unless rebuilt for it, not positive. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

06-19-2021, 02:49 PM	#12
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,860	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air I flushed the system on my 71 Longhorn, installed a new dryer and charged it with 134A. I didn't even calibrate the POA on this one, although, The POA should be calibrated for maximum performance. Attached Images __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

06-19-2021, 02:53 PM	#13
davischevy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 9,860	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air The original systems are finicky and a little complicated. I am rebuilding and installing one now. If I was paying someone to do the install, it would be cost prohibitive. My next build will probably be a custom truck, and I will do vintage air on it, because it is a non air truck anyway. __________________ other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.

06-19-2021, 06:15 PM	#14
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,320	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air Years ago a well seasoned A/C guy told me replacement air systems are the way to go if you're seeking value. So I'm installing originalW 134A He's independent. Price was better than the rest, but then again with inflation you can quadruple it D&D Auto Air in San Antonio TX. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

06-22-2021, 03:08 AM	#15
tj1970cst Registered User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 170	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air I bought 73-87 evap, accumulator. Got my factory linkage and vacuum cans going. $40 parallel flow condenser from ebay. Sanden compressor with Allen grove bracket. Just gotta get hoses made. Can't decide if I will buy a crimper and all the parts or just hire it out to a mobile guy.

06-22-2021, 10:17 AM	#18
Davidf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin Posts: 749	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air My original '71 POA system with R12 worked ok. Occasionally cooling was subpar...suspect the evaporator was being flooded. Anyway, I am in the final stages of an LS swap and took the opportunity to upgrade the system somewhat...using the LS Denso compressor (R134a), changed out the evaporator for an orifice type (from 1987 c1) with accumulator. The compressor will be ECM controlled so engine idle will remain stable and the system will cycle as needed. I am keeping my newish R12 condenser, but added two 12" electric fans (one on each side of the vertical grille support, wired to come on with a/c request) mounted on the front of the condenser...should help shed latent heat out of the refrigerant. Last edited by Davidf; 06-22-2021 at 10:23 AM.

06-22-2021, 10:31 AM	#19
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,714	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air My 77 was still r12 , 41.6° at idle in 89° degrees and really humid . No picture but my 85 converted to 134 blows at 39 °same conditions outside ,my wife brings a blanket cause it's too cold in the truck. All I did was flush and installed a new dryer and oil Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-22-2021, 10:56 AM	#20
body bolt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 474	Re: Factory A/C Components or use Vintage Air My original system with R-12 always worked excellent but when the compressor croaked I decided to give R-134A a go. A new aluminum A6 compressor, hoses, expansion valve and drier. I used a new 11"x24" parallel flow condenser and the lower bracket from VA. I removed the evaporator and flushed it, the POA and hard lines with lacquer thinner. The POA was reset for R-134A. I had to by a 12" #8 male-female line from VA to go through the radiator support, some fittings and I made a couple of hoses. I used POE oil in the event I didn't like the R-134A results. The POA system takes well to conversion if it's done correctly. I'm real happy with it. Just yesterday I did decide to add a couple of fans to the condenser as I was going around measuring temperatures related to my fuel system problem. Attached Images

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.