add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nerve · 02-27-2011, 02:53 PM

Any suggestions, advice for adding air conditioning to a 72 c10 currenty without...preferable on the least expensive side...

and don't say roll the windows down...lol or chop the top!

fencepost · 02-27-2011, 03:44 PM

Start piecing it together from junk parts here and there? (ebay)

67chevy1series · 02-27-2011, 04:19 PM

gather everything you need and then cut the firewall and weld in a ac panle and then cut the holes in the dash

72freak · 02-27-2011, 05:23 PM

Buy a $500 donor truck with AC...take off what you need and scrap it out. You will get most of your money back. You will probably find though once you piece it all together, weed out the bad stuff and juice it...You will be withing a few hundred dollars of a new systyem that will be right! A generic under dash unit may be your cheapest route!

gcburdic · 02-27-2011, 08:17 PM

There's a whole setup for sale on the parts board right now

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449337

48richard · 03-01-2011, 07:25 PM

I put a factory system in my 71 last year, mostly using parts I bought from the forum, but a new compressor and condenser from Vintage Air. It works well, and there's no way to tell the truck wasn't A/C when it was built. But, it was not cheap! About the same cost as an aftermarket kit.
IMO, it comes down to whether you want fresh air (none of the aftermarket kits have fresh air intake; all factory set-ups do) and whether you care about the way it looks.

57larry · 03-01-2011, 10:54 PM

just bite the bullet and buy a vintage air unit

72shortbed12 · 03-02-2011, 12:57 AM

I'm looking at doing this in the future ( since it hits 115 degrees here in the summer), is it worth swapping it all into a non a/c cab or should I watch for a reasonably priced complete cab?

**70cst** · 03-02-2011, 01:36 AM

If the factory look isn't important than go with a aftermarket unit. JMHO

magwakeenercew2jh · 03-02-2011, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

If the factory look isn't important than go with a aftermarket unit. JMHO

Yeah. I use Vintage Air (Because I've had good luck with them. And because my mechanical skill is limited to following directions...slowly). But for budget's sake, and if I were a better wrench,
I'd be all over the one on the parts board. That looks like a great deal.

wwotr · 03-02-2011, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerve

Any suggestions, advice for adding air conditioning to a 72 c10 currenty without...preferable on the least expensive side...

and don't say roll the windows down...lol or chop the top!

The PO put a 1994 350 from a GMC Sierra into my 72.
Had the OEM Compressor, Woiring Harness, everything.
I had to buy a new Head Unbit, Rebuilt Compressor, (My Cab was already AC).
I had a professional do mine.
Final bill was about $700.00.

cdowns · 03-02-2011, 08:39 AM

paying the premium for a new modern system will end up cheaper in the long run

40 year old ACsystems drain ALOT of power and gas mileage compared to the newer modern systems of today

brad_man_72 · 03-02-2011, 02:09 PM

I'm pretty sure it cost about the same to rebuild old stock stuff as a new vintage air setup. Alot less hassle and looks cleaner to just get new stuff.

69sixpackbee · 03-02-2011, 02:58 PM

The BEST thing you could do is go all OEM. Piece it together and just graft the firewall portion from a donor truck. Very little fabrication needed. The only real cutting is for the ball and upper center vents which, you would have to do anyway using the cheesy plastic louvers supplied by the after'mkt folks.
It will work better and you will be much happier....trust me I have been there and done that! If you do go with the original POA system (which I strongly suggest you do, DO NOT remove the POA in favor of the "El Cheapo" **POA Eliminator** kits that you have seen. Re-calibrate the POA to 27PSI for use with 134A (if you go that route) and get a good pump. I am using a Sanden 5-cylinder unit myself but if you want to keep it OEM'ish you can get a good dual-lipped front seal A-6 compressor or the new style The Pro6TEN Compressor which utilizes all of the OEM hoses in the stock location. Get a good parallel flow condenser with the maximum surface area as you can stuff in there. Some of the after'mkt folks have these in the correct size and configurations. Put all of the factory components in right down the the cowl flapper. This will put you way ahead of the rest of the pack (with the exception of this author

) and you will be glad you did. None of the aftermarket suppliers will give you the fresh air blending option like the factory "Four Season" system had and you will be stuck with a system that is sub-par (in my opinion) for your application.

Your dollars, your decision.

Bud

**leddzepp** · 03-02-2011, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 1/2 Six Pack Bee

the new style The Pro6TEN Compressor which utilizes all of the OEM hoses in the stock location.

This is your solution if you go all OEM. I used this compressor and it works fantastic.

nerve · 03-06-2011, 06:21 PM

Awesome! thanks again guys!

DaBigKahuna · 03-06-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 48richard

I put a factory system in my 71 last year, mostly using parts I bought from the forum, but a new compressor and condenser from Vintage Air. It works well, and there's no way to tell the truck wasn't A/C when it was built. But, it was not cheap! About the same cost as an aftermarket kit.
IMO, it comes down to whether you want fresh air (none of the aftermarket kits have fresh air intake; all factory set-ups do) and whether you care about the way it looks.

Stupid question time... what's the difference between fresh air... and non-fresh air? Never been in a situation where I've thought about fitting AC to a car/truck that wasn't fitted that way and I'm not sure of the difference.

BOZO · 03-06-2011, 09:08 PM

When the switch/lever is on fresh air it is bringing fresh air from outside the car whether it be hot or cold. When it is on recirculate, it is just recirculating air from inside the car with none coming in from outside. This is the nice thing about OEM systems. On most underdash units, there are no provisions for bringing air in from outside. All air is just recirculated. The system I have been looking to use is pieced together using a 1999 compressor, 1975 Cadillac condensor(huge), and an older underdash unit. Don't know how this is gonna work together just yet, as I have not gotten to that phase just yet.

TobyArnot · 03-06-2011, 09:21 PM

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...system-351.php

Bought a '70 with one of these. seems to work well, but no hot weather yet!

BOZO · 03-07-2011, 06:45 PM

[QUOTE=TobyArnot;4534587]http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...system-351.php

This is exactly the same one I am installing in my truck. It appears it requires a small modification to the heater box.

trevrolet65 · 03-07-2011, 07:12 PM

I'm doing the donor cab thing, I think I'm going serpentine settup. The parts will mostly be over the counter if I'm on a trip and things go south. I'm gonna adapt the new compressor and lines to make it over the counter-non special order parts. The only thing is in old cabs, is the Cond., Evap., and lines need to be cleaned(Rx11 flush) and pressure checked(nitrogen not air)and maybe replace TXV to go with 134-A. Just remember compressed air is almost putting water back in the system. Just a thought.

cparman · 03-07-2011, 08:03 PM

I agree, I have done several A/C installs. I like Classic Auto Air. ICEY COLD when done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

paying the premium for a new modern system will end up cheaper in the long run

40 year old ACsystems drain ALOT of power and gas mileage compared to the newer modern systems of today

TobyArnot · 03-07-2011, 09:14 PM

Posted by BOZO:

Quote:

Originally Posted by TobyArnot

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...system-351.php

This is exactly the same one I am installing in my truck. It appears it requires a small modification to the heater box.

Did you get any kind of manual or parts list with this unit? I have tried e-mailing twice with no response. I'd love to have copies of any literature.

The PO installed the unit and kinda went over board on cutting the ductwork. I was able to repair the over-kill and get everything working O.K.

Good Luck!

Toby

trevrolet65 · 03-07-2011, 10:13 PM

Oh yeah, run the vacuum pump till it stops the girgling noise. If it still makes the girgle sound, you probably have a leak.

BOZO · 03-07-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TobyArnot

Posted by BOZO:

Did you get any kind of manual or parts list with this unit? I have tried e-mailing twice with no response. I'd love to have copies of any literature.

The PO installed the unit and kinda went over board on cutting the ductwork. I was able to repair the over-kill and get everything working O.K.

Good Luck!

Toby

Sorry, no info. Bought mine from an individual. The complete setup I bought was originally for a 6 cyl. I have the 6 cyl. brackets and and older (upright) compressor and a rather small condensor that came with it that I am not going to use. I'm like you, I would like to have a little more info about this underdash unit before proceeding.
And to the fellow who started this thread, I apologize. It seems I/we highjacked your thread. I didn't intend to.

02-27-2011, 02:53 PM	#1
nerve Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NY Posts: 48	add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 Any suggestions, advice for adding air conditioning to a 72 c10 currenty without...preferable on the least expensive side... and don't say roll the windows down...lol or chop the top!

02-27-2011, 03:44 PM	#2
fencepost Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hamilton, AL Posts: 189	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 Start piecing it together from junk parts here and there? (ebay)

02-27-2011, 04:19 PM	#3
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 gather everything you need and then cut the firewall and weld in a ac panle and then cut the holes in the dash

02-27-2011, 05:23 PM	#4
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 Buy a $500 donor truck with AC...take off what you need and scrap it out. You will get most of your money back. You will probably find though once you piece it all together, weed out the bad stuff and juice it...You will be withing a few hundred dollars of a new systyem that will be right! A generic under dash unit may be your cheapest route! __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere! Last edited by 72freak; 02-27-2011 at 05:24 PM.

02-27-2011, 08:17 PM	#5
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 There's a whole setup for sale on the parts board right now http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449337 __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present Last edited by gcburdic; 02-27-2011 at 08:19 PM.

03-01-2011, 07:25 PM	#6
48richard Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 475	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 I put a factory system in my 71 last year, mostly using parts I bought from the forum, but a new compressor and condenser from Vintage Air. It works well, and there's no way to tell the truck wasn't A/C when it was built. But, it was not cheap! About the same cost as an aftermarket kit. IMO, it comes down to whether you want fresh air (none of the aftermarket kits have fresh air intake; all factory set-ups do) and whether you care about the way it looks. __________________ 1971 C10 Longbed, 350/TH350

03-01-2011, 10:54 PM	#7
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,160	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 just bite the bullet and buy a vintage air unit

03-02-2011, 12:57 AM	#8
72shortbed12 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Santa Clara Utah Posts: 85	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 I'm looking at doing this in the future ( since it hits 115 degrees here in the summer), is it worth swapping it all into a non a/c cab or should I watch for a reasonably priced complete cab? __________________ 1972 K10 4wd Swb 350, 4 speed, 205 t-case Sold 1971 Cheyenne 2wd Lwb 350 4 speed Sold 1972 K5 blazer 4WD auto A/C

03-02-2011, 01:36 AM	#9
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 If the factory look isn't important than go with a aftermarket unit. JMHO __________________ 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!

03-02-2011, 08:39 AM	#12
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 paying the premium for a new modern system will end up cheaper in the long run 40 year old ACsystems drain ALOT of power and gas mileage compared to the newer modern systems of today __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-02-2011, 02:09 PM	#13
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 I'm pretty sure it cost about the same to rebuild old stock stuff as a new vintage air setup. Alot less hassle and looks cleaner to just get new stuff.

03-02-2011, 02:58 PM	#14
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 The BEST thing you could do is go all OEM. Piece it together and just graft the firewall portion from a donor truck. Very little fabrication needed. The only real cutting is for the ball and upper center vents which, you would have to do anyway using the cheesy plastic louvers supplied by the after'mkt folks. It will work better and you will be much happier....trust me I have been there and done that! If you do go with the original POA system (which I strongly suggest you do, DO NOT remove the POA in favor of the "El Cheapo" POA Eliminator kits that you have seen. Re-calibrate the POA to 27PSI for use with 134A (if you go that route) and get a good pump. I am using a Sanden 5-cylinder unit myself but if you want to keep it OEM'ish you can get a good dual-lipped front seal A-6 compressor or the new style The Pro6TEN Compressor which utilizes all of the OEM hoses in the stock location. Get a good parallel flow condenser with the maximum surface area as you can stuff in there. Some of the after'mkt folks have these in the correct size and configurations. Put all of the factory components in right down the the cowl flapper. This will put you way ahead of the rest of the pack (with the exception of this author ) and you will be glad you did. None of the aftermarket suppliers will give you the fresh air blending option like the factory "Four Season" system had and you will be stuck with a system that is sub-par (in my opinion) for your application. Your dollars, your decision. Bud Last edited by 69sixpackbee; 03-02-2011 at 02:59 PM.

03-06-2011, 06:21 PM	#16
nerve Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NY Posts: 48	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 Awesome! thanks again guys!

03-06-2011, 09:08 PM	#18
BOZO Old School Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dover,AR Posts: 185	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 When the switch/lever is on fresh air it is bringing fresh air from outside the car whether it be hot or cold. When it is on recirculate, it is just recirculating air from inside the car with none coming in from outside. This is the nice thing about OEM systems. On most underdash units, there are no provisions for bringing air in from outside. All air is just recirculated. The system I have been looking to use is pieced together using a 1999 compressor, 1975 Cadillac condensor(huge), and an older underdash unit. Don't know how this is gonna work together just yet, as I have not gotten to that phase just yet. __________________ #1 Project...69 Chevy swb Fleetside (Dad's truck) #2...1983 El Camino SS (Choo Choo Custom) #3...1974 Datsun truck (4.3L V6/4L60E) #4...1951 Cadillac Limo (1975 Caddy running gear) #5...1938 Dodge M38 3/4 ton Military truck #6...1968 Sportster XLCH trail bike 5 GMC & Chevy parts trucks 68 to 72 Last but not least; My 1978 Harley Davidson Electraglide (trusted & reliable companion for the last 30 years)

03-06-2011, 09:21 PM	#19
TobyArnot Quit if it's not FUN!!! Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Indian Trail, N.C, Posts: 864	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...system-351.php Bought a '70 with one of these. seems to work well, but no hot weather yet! Last edited by TobyArnot; 03-06-2011 at 09:22 PM.



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03-07-2011, 06:45 PM	#20
BOZO Old School Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dover,AR Posts: 185	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 [QUOTE=TobyArnot;4534587]http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...system-351.php This is exactly the same one I am installing in my truck. It appears it requires a small modification to the heater box. __________________ #1 Project...69 Chevy swb Fleetside (Dad's truck) #2...1983 El Camino SS (Choo Choo Custom) #3...1974 Datsun truck (4.3L V6/4L60E) #4...1951 Cadillac Limo (1975 Caddy running gear) #5...1938 Dodge M38 3/4 ton Military truck #6...1968 Sportster XLCH trail bike 5 GMC & Chevy parts trucks 68 to 72 Last but not least; My 1978 Harley Davidson Electraglide (trusted & reliable companion for the last 30 years)

03-07-2011, 07:12 PM	#21
trevrolet65 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus Texas Posts: 217	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 I'm doing the donor cab thing, I think I'm going serpentine settup. The parts will mostly be over the counter if I'm on a trip and things go south. I'm gonna adapt the new compressor and lines to make it over the counter-non special order parts. The only thing is in old cabs, is the Cond., Evap., and lines need to be cleaned(Rx11 flush) and pressure checked(nitrogen not air)and maybe replace TXV to go with 134-A. Just remember compressed air is almost putting water back in the system. Just a thought.

03-07-2011, 10:13 PM	#24
trevrolet65 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus Texas Posts: 217	Re: add air conditioning ? 1972 C10 Oh yeah, run the vacuum pump till it stops the girgling noise. If it still makes the girgle sound, you probably have a leak.

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