Hey you thriftee nickel types! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jorgensensc · 05-22-2008, 07:25 AM

Has anyone thought of pulling an entire A.C. system out of a newer truck from the j-yard and trying to use the whole thing in our trucks? it sure seems the newer systems are durable, more compact, and run on r-134. If you could pick up a complete system for a couple hundred dollars this might be a nice alternative to the VA systems (and yes I Love them too, I have/had several, but they are pricey.) Other than finding a good way to mount the different style compressor what would be the other problems? Could a nice after market controller be used on these newer servo controlled systems? Just brainstorming.
Shawn

bagged70 · 05-22-2008, 07:28 AM

well i am useing one out of an 89 geo metro because it was small it does hang down about 2 inches

grayw0lf · 05-22-2008, 04:44 PM

Very good question! Details! Pics please.

BarryB · 05-22-2008, 05:50 PM

Hey very good idea. I am tuning in on this thread.
You would think you could get an aftermarket control switch or retro fit an original to work since basically all they are , are light switches . So why not????

boundstaffpress · 05-22-2008, 06:01 PM

I think sport compact would be the way to go. Smaller systems would be the easiest to hide. The components should be the same as VA or Classic Auto Air. I don't see why a VA controller couldn't control a re-purposed newer unit. You might consider a rear setup from a minivan. Again, it has been designed to be small and out of the way.

**Hart_Rod** · 05-22-2008, 06:04 PM

A buddy of mine did it on his 65. It was a lot of work and he said he would never do it again.....

mrein3 · 05-22-2008, 07:34 PM

IMHO, the new AC systems on new vehicles just don't cool as well as old, non-cycling systems. In my 72 Chevelle (which by the way has worked continuosly since 1972) when I get out to get the mail, my glasses fog up. This just doesn't happen on any of my newer cars.

On the flip side, a pick-up cab is small in relation to a lot of cars that are being cooled so it should work. But then if you put a factory system on your truck you can make ice cubes which for me is the way to go.

jorgensensc · 05-22-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrein3

IMHO, the new AC systems on new vehicles just don't cool as well as old, non-cycling systems. In my 72 Chevelle (which by the way has worked continuosly since 1972) when I get out to get the mail, my glasses fog up. This just doesn't happen on any of my newer cars.

On the flip side, a pick-up cab is small in relation to a lot of cars that are being cooled so it should work. But then if you put a factory system on your truck you can make ice cubes which for me is the way to go.

R12 is a big ol' pain in the you know what to get. And newer systems seem to be an easier/cost effective choice. I had a V.A. system that I couldn't run past low or it would freeze me out. The V.A. system in the Bel Air gets my daughter in the back seat cold. Just looking for cheaper alternatives since we have all of these practically new A.C. systems in these j-yards around here.
Shawn

PanelDeland · 05-23-2008, 01:12 AM

I'll be watching this one also.I don't have a real preference on brand but on the hiway I like to set the control to "MEATLOCKER"
and roll.My wife carries a blanket and pillow and wears a sweater in Aug.

mrein3 · 05-23-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

R12 is a big ol' pain in the you know what to get. And newer systems seem to be an easier/cost effective choice. I had a V.A. system that I couldn't run past low or it would freeze me out. The V.A. system in the Bel Air gets my daughter in the back seat cold. Just looking for cheaper alternatives since we have all of these practically new A.C. systems in these j-yards around here.
Shawn

I figured everbody on this board would have seen this already because I've posted this link about a million times. Use R134a in your stock R12 system. Just adjust your POA to work with R134a.

Normal disclaimers apply. I don't work for autoacforum blah blah blah...

http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...AR_MSGDBTABLE=

If you time it right up here in the north land you can get R134a on the clearance rack at Wal*Mart for $3 or $3.50 a can. If you already have all the components on your truck, the $1000 you save on not buying an aftermarket set-up will pay for the $300 AC vacuum pump you need to evacuate the system. Then after you are done you still have the pump and can service your own AC systems from now on.

bagged70 · 05-25-2008, 07:34 AM

ok guys ill try to get you some pic in a few day of it bolted up under the dash

boostat4500 · 05-25-2008, 05:30 PM

I've got a A/C-heater box out of a 92 chevy pickup in mine. I like having the extra vents now, but would not do it again. The box is HUGE. In order to get it to fit, I had to hammer in the floor corner behind the kick panel vent ( which I can't open anymore ), move my ignition onto the cluster panel, and re-route the throttle linkage up and out of the way of one of the servos. I also had to cut out the middle " bowed " part of the firewall and make it almost flush with the 2 sides. Next winter, when I paint it, I'm going to rip it all out and I think I'll get the Vintageair Gen IV Magnum universal box. It looks to be about half the size.

Arad68 · 05-25-2008, 07:01 PM

This is just my personal opinion, hands down a VA or Old Air "sure fit" system is the way to go rather than trying to retrofit something that just doesn't fit.
In the long and the short run it saves a lot of hassle and time just to bite the bullet and spring for the right stuff.

05-22-2008, 07:25 AM	#1
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	Hey you thriftee nickel types! Has anyone thought of pulling an entire A.C. system out of a newer truck from the j-yard and trying to use the whole thing in our trucks? it sure seems the newer systems are durable, more compact, and run on r-134. If you could pick up a complete system for a couple hundred dollars this might be a nice alternative to the VA systems (and yes I Love them too, I have/had several, but they are pricey.) Other than finding a good way to mount the different style compressor what would be the other problems? Could a nice after market controller be used on these newer servo controlled systems? Just brainstorming. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

05-22-2008, 07:28 AM	#2
bagged70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 77	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! well i am useing one out of an 89 geo metro because it was small it does hang down about 2 inches

05-22-2008, 04:44 PM	#3
grayw0lf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Clanton, AL Posts: 1,253	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! Very good question! Details! Pics please. __________________ 85' CUCV M1009!!! The newest addition! 6.2diesel, Th400, NP208, & only 36k miles! 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside - Looking good these days! 05' Dodge Neon 88' Winner Escape Sport 1750 - 4.3v6 94' Seadoo SP 84' Honda TRX200, bare nekkid. Just a frame & tires. Always looking for another project or any good deal!

05-22-2008, 05:50 PM	#4
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! Hey very good idea. I am tuning in on this thread. You would think you could get an aftermarket control switch or retro fit an original to work since basically all they are , are light switches . So why not???? __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff!

05-22-2008, 06:01 PM	#5
boundstaffpress Jamie Hyneman is my twin Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: La Junta, Colorado Posts: 705	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! I think sport compact would be the way to go. Smaller systems would be the easiest to hide. The components should be the same as VA or Classic Auto Air. I don't see why a VA controller couldn't control a re-purposed newer unit. You might consider a rear setup from a minivan. Again, it has been designed to be small and out of the way. __________________ Justin SOLD 1967 K10 Fleetside, 283, Front and Rear Posi SOLD Color Wiring Diagrams Now in High Resolution V8 and Cab and Cab and Chassis

05-22-2008, 06:04 PM	#6
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,835	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! A buddy of mine did it on his 65. It was a lot of work and he said he would never do it again..... __________________ 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

05-22-2008, 07:34 PM	#7
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! IMHO, the new AC systems on new vehicles just don't cool as well as old, non-cycling systems. In my 72 Chevelle (which by the way has worked continuosly since 1972) when I get out to get the mail, my glasses fog up. This just doesn't happen on any of my newer cars. On the flip side, a pick-up cab is small in relation to a lot of cars that are being cooled so it should work. But then if you put a factory system on your truck you can make ice cubes which for me is the way to go. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

05-23-2008, 01:12 AM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! I'll be watching this one also.I don't have a real preference on brand but on the hiway I like to set the control to "MEATLOCKER" and roll.My wife carries a blanket and pillow and wears a sweater in Aug. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

05-25-2008, 07:34 AM	#11
bagged70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 77	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! ok guys ill try to get you some pic in a few day of it bolted up under the dash Last edited by bagged70; 05-25-2008 at 07:34 AM.

05-25-2008, 05:30 PM	#12
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! I've got a A/C-heater box out of a 92 chevy pickup in mine. I like having the extra vents now, but would not do it again. The box is HUGE. In order to get it to fit, I had to hammer in the floor corner behind the kick panel vent ( which I can't open anymore ), move my ignition onto the cluster panel, and re-route the throttle linkage up and out of the way of one of the servos. I also had to cut out the middle " bowed " part of the firewall and make it almost flush with the 2 sides. Next winter, when I paint it, I'm going to rip it all out and I think I'll get the Vintageair Gen IV Magnum universal box. It looks to be about half the size. __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc.

05-25-2008, 07:01 PM	#13
Arad68 Trucks N Tranzams Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 816	Re: Hey you thriftee nickel types! This is just my personal opinion, hands down a VA or Old Air "sure fit" system is the way to go rather than trying to retrofit something that just doesn't fit. In the long and the short run it saves a lot of hassle and time just to bite the bullet and spring for the right stuff. __________________ Don '68 Chevy LB 383 TH400/GV/373 posi '56 Chevy 4WD SWB '64 Chevy short stepside '79 Trans Am 455/TH2004R/12blt/4whldisc 95 Kia (Wifes car) 2002 S-10 extended cab pickup "God punishes small sins immediately"



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