AC. Factory or aftermarket

[natec/10]

Ok guys
What’s the better route a factory set up or a aftermarket
If aftermarket which system? I want heat and ac.

Thanks for your input

[Steeveedee]

If you already have heat (and the heater core is good), I'd recommend an after-market AC, as it is less invasive than putting in factory air. Note that if you don't have AC already, a larger radiator should be obtained. You'll have to make the cost trade on your own. I put air conditioning in many older vehicles that I owned, by myself. But in those days I was a mechanic with the experience in the field. It may be advantageous to buy a system from Vintage Air or some company like that. It just depends on what you have and want.

[natec/10]

My truck is a factory ac truck everything is out right now
Want to decide before putting it all together it was a incomplete non working system when I took it apart and out

[chevmn]

I just went through this same thought process. Truck had factory non working AC, and at first I was going to leave most in, but leave off the locked up compressor. After some thought, and staring at the (I consider) ugly factory setup, and knowing how hard it always was to keep a charge, coupled with how clean the aftermarket systems look, I decided to go aftermarket, and it is sure easier to do while fenders and interior is out. Ended up going with an Old Air Hurricane, and got a pretty nice price on the complete setup. Jury is still out on how this will go, as I won't start putting in till paint is on, and at best probably fall. I pulled all the factory set out, and I am already glad I did just seeing how much cleaner the firewall will be. Don't get me wrong, for the most part I like a factory look (no drop spindles, etc), but I have never been a fan of the factory AC setups from that era. Time will tell, but most who have done this do not seem to regret. Good luck with your decision.

[Smitty]

I have an Old Air unit in mine from LMC and am satisfied with its performance.

[Richard]

I am retrofitting factory A/C converted to R134a. The cycling clutch system used in later systems and aftermarket was designed as a cost cutting measure. Obviously it works as it is installed in millions of vehicles, but not necessarily better. Aftermarket systems are designed to be compact, air passages are cramped and restricted. Less BTU's. Servicing is not easy. Fresh air is eliminated with all of them as well. If you have all the original A/C parts no reason not to use unless you prefer a cleaner firewall and the disadvantages I mentioned.

[70cst]

If one is going stock as I am ... Factory.

If staying stock isnt a big deal ... aftermarket.

[tdangle]

Couple of years ago I rebuilt my factory A/C on my 70. Converted it to R134 and it worked OK, but not great. This year I discovered a loose connection and had lost most of the Freon. Recharged it, but not per the gauge values but put a thermometer in a vent and just kept filling until more didn't lower the outlet temperature any more. Called it good. It has never worked so well.

[cj847]

IMPORTANT: Unless you have a virtually complete factory system, and know exactly what you are doing, go aftermarket.

My truck had factory air, but was missing the compressor, hoses, and condenser. I thought about going back factory, but after review went with vintage air and glad I did.

As I looked closer at my system, I found that some of the vacuum switches, etc were missing, and the fresh air door was rusted. If I had gone back factory it would have cost more than a complete, in dash, factory heat, air, defrost sure fit system from vintage.

[Davidf]

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[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I have an Old Air unit in mine from LMC and am satisfied with its performance.

Second that on my '67. My Old Air system works great. I went with the electronic control.

[natec/10]

Thanks fella’s. Decided on aftermarket but now I can’t get a system from vintage air until mid August. Ugh!!

[57larry]

I put Vintage Air in my 68. very happy with it. also have it my 57 chevy & 40 ford

[Jeff1971]

I really like the idea of the Vintage Air systems but what would an LS swap do to the equation. I didn’t see that addressed on their website.

71GMC c1500

Jeff

[cj847]

Jeff,

The only thing that would change are the A/C lines, compressor and the location of your compressor.
I would call vintage and tell them what you are doing. You don't want a surefit system...more likely a builder series. The main differences are:
-Where is the compressor.
-The compressor is a multi rib belt vs V belt
-The hoses and connections are dependent on the compressor and the location.

Everything else should be the same.

[natec/10]

It finally came today!! Ordered it 8/15/21 and it came today! Yay!! Btw it’s 28 degrees here today. ����

[1970 CST Short Wide]

If you are going for originality then stay stock and convert to 134. I went with Vintage Air so I could clean up the fire wall. Cools down the cab quickly and works like a charm. It really all depends on witch direction your going

[Accelo]

Cost wise, I have my doubts onecan get an original system working for what the aftermarket systems cost. They install easy enough. And you eliminate the mechanical control wires as everything is controlled by a computer and servo motors. I haven't confirmed this but it may be a set it and leave it system. (My vintage air system is installed by not charged yet) It may turn on the heat or air as required to maintain the temperature. One has to change out the hoses, the oil, dryer and the R12 to get the old system functional.
If cost is important I would do aftermarket.
If original is important I would use the GM system especially if I had a air cab to begin with.