AC Swap? (82+ -> 77)

[dragonlovestrucks]

Hey there -

I've got a 77 C10 350 with factory air, but the compressor is missing.

Can I go grab components from some early 80s models that are sitting in a junkyard?

On my previous vehicle, when I swapped out a compressor, I also had to replace the receive dryer.

I assume on this one that would be the case, along with evac-ing the system for an extended period of time.

Has anyone had any experience with this? What about converting connections to R134a? What do I need to grab?

My thinking is that if it is in a junkyard with decent turnover, while the cars could have had R12 initially, they all would have swapped over.

[Dead Parrot]

At some point, they switched from the long round compressor to the short flat one. As long as you get all needed brackets, either should work. The long round compressor is generally considered the better of the pair. You should plan on replacing the matching hose set. If your hose set is original, it is probably end of life. The high pressure hose that runs from the condenser output over to the expansion valve seems to last a lot longer. Also plan on a new expansion valve/filter unit.

Despite all the warnings about replacing the drier, when I put a new compressor on my 75, I kept the original as the replacements all required several pieces of pipe to fit in. Everything is still working fine about 15 years or more later. I did leave in under a vacuum for several hours after installing the new compressor. Went back with R-12 as I had a case purchased just before the phase out deadline.

[Matt Man]

I think the early 80's AC trucks still had the giant old style compressor.

[Bandit130]

Welcome to the site

[dragonlovestrucks]

Originally Posted by Bandit130

Welcome to the site

Thank you sir!

Here is another sweet thread on this topic.
https://www.gm***************/thread...nversion.9684/

If I get any good photos, or a walkthrough, I'll post it up here.