Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

Hello all,

I'm kinda new to all this so take it easy on me. I'm looking at buying a 71 GMC LWB truck that didn't come with Air Conditioning. However, where I live AC is must to enjoy the truck most of the year. So is it possible and if so, how much would it cost to add AC to a non AC factory truck?

Thanks,

Scott

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

There are a lot of aftermarket kits to add a/c to our trucks. Lots of people like Vintage Air, Old Air is another option. I think a complete kit is gonna run around a grand, but I could be wrong. Another option is to by a stock a/c setup and do it that way. Could be cheaper, but then you have to deal with R-12 refrigerant or trying to convert it to R-134a.

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

BTW Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!`

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

Welcome to the board from West Michigan!

We went with the stock AC setup converting the AC to the new freon. We bought an AC cab that had most of the parts with it. It was not a cheap way to go but the finished project turned out well. (pic attached).

The after market units have some advantages so you may want to look at those also.

Jim

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

4 options......

Complete vintage air, heatand defrost type system.....$1025 + refrigerant
Just add new underdash type system......$600ish
Piece together an older dealer installed type under dash unit together..$300
Replace dash with AC dash and piece a factory AC system together..$500ish

If you are making a daily driver I would go with the newer style under dash. Its quick and easy and you wont spend every spring tracking down freon leaks. They make some nice ones now that all you see is a control panel and a few vents.

If your truck is going to be a keeper and $1100 doesnt scare you off.....the vintage air factory system is the way to go...Thats what I am getting. If you decide to go this way you will have to repalce your dash or they offer one similar for non-ac cab.

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

Hmmm. Both the vintage air systems I installed do not require the dash to be replaced. You will have to cut holes in the dash for the vents (no big deal). The center vent will be factory and you can install the factory outers or some that are standard with the system. If you buy a Vintage Air system you want the one that uses the factory air controls. It's a much nicer system than the one that uses the factory non air controls.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...ckMay_05_2.jpg

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

Here are some links with some more info:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=61810
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=61810
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=61810
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...48#post1348448

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

"or they offer one similar for non-ac cab."

I should have said....you will need to cut some holes

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

Well, I went ahead and bought it today. Thanks for all the replies, I got some reading to do.

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

I think I might be interested in the under dash style. Can anyone recommend a brand? I didn't see one on the vintage air website.

Thanks,

Scott

Re: Adding AC to 71 GMC
 

This should help you out a little:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375
Although - the original poster isn't responding to that thread it doesn't seem...I had a question for him, and he didn't reply. :(

That is a nationwide company that you should get some pretty good service from.

I have an aftermarket underdash kit that is a lot more compact than that in mine, but it is a local hot rod company that is building up nationwide right now. I can give you more info if you want me too. PM me.