Cheap air-conditioning

[the_goat_man]

Is there a parts and piceses from other trucks that will work and if not what is the cheapest kit to buy I leave in Florida and thinking about air con thanks

[cooperhw]

I put classic auto air in my 67 Chevelle. it works ok, not great, but better than nothing. I am also interested in swapping out a unit from a wreck in my 63 pickup. Something about these factory units. The little jap cr*p units will freeze you out, where aftermarket units are so so.
I will let you know if I come up with one, please do the same.

[jjzepplin]

I am piecing one together and am about to put it in soon. HAHA. I always say that. But I got a real SD 508 Sanden on CL for $100 new- A parallel flow condensor (needed for 134a) for $60 new And have new line kit coming for $80 with a dryer and trinary switch for an aux fan and switching on and off the compressor should it ever get low on juice or over pump. A line crimping tool is in the works for $150 as I need to do the same for my Blazer. I already have the rest. Turns out that when I got the compressor it says on the side it is for a Jeep. So I bet you can steal all the stuff from a Jeep. They have serpentine though which is what I am running. I was going to go to the junkyard and just steal a whole aftermarket system (which there were plenty to choose from) and started to do so when I found my serpentine system. So now I have a V-belt Sanden I cannot use the clutch with. Oh well back to junkyard. Will post results when it all gets put together.

[chevyrestoguy]

This is a great thread. A lot of folks think that you must buy a complete kit from a vendor in order to have an AC system, but that's not true. If you like to tinker, enjoy hitting the wrecking yards, and put on your thinking cap, you can build a great working system for very cheap. A lot of this depends on whether you want the system to be an in-dash or an under-dash style.

If you don't mind under-dash, find a Williams Mark IV unit. They built them for years and they aren't too difficult to find. With the right compressor and condenser, they will freeze your knees off.

For an in-dash installation, you have a few choices. You can find an original in-dash set-up and do some upgrades (better condenser, change the system to R-134, etc), and they work pretty well. Of course, you can go with a Vintage Air (or others) space-saver unit that has AC and defrost for around $400, but you'll still need the controller, condensor, lines, dryer, and compressor. If you want to get REAL crafty, check out the wrecking yard and look for a loaded Suburban with rear AC and check out the rear AC unit. It's nearly identical to a Vintage Air unit and you can buy them for cheap. You will just need to figure out the controller, but here's a tip: Find a van or RV that has had AC added and snag the controller (switch panel). It's usually two knobs (fan speed and temperature control) and simple wiring (12V hot, temperature sense lead, panel lighting, etc). For a condensor, look at everything in the wrecking yard, especially the imports, because their size fits well within the narrow confines of our radiator opening in the core support. Dryers are real simple, just never reuse an old one, always buy new. Make sure you snag some dryer mount clamps whenever you're at the wrecking yard. You have some options when it comes to a compressor. You can run the original A-6 style, but they are huge and expensive if you have to replace it. You can run the mid-80s/late '90s R-4 style, and they can be had for cheap if you have to replace it, and they can be found in v-belt and serpentine configurations. And lastly, you can go with a Sanden style, but you'll have to buy aftermarket brackets. If you are not hung up on 100% originality, you might want to consider going with a complete serpentine set-up from an '89 to '98 small block. It's a pretty good system, only has one belt, and it'll cover the mount for the R-4 compressor. Just make sure you change the water pump to a reverse flow pump because they spin backwards on a factory serpentine set-up.

For the longest time, AC systems were considered a "black art", and most us us believed that they should only be maintained and designed by AC professionals. You need to look at them just like any other mechanical device. Just do your homework, hit the wrecking yards, and build a custom system using factory parts for cheap. Go for it!

[blown240]

Definitely a great thread! I have a rear a/c unit from a suburban, and plan to mount it under dash in my panel. Ill just need to get the parts under the hood.

Heres a tip: Volvo 240 and 740s from the late 80s have a V belt sander compressor already! And they should be everywhere in junk yards.

[egaray281]

Originally Posted by blown240

Definitely a great thread! I have a rear a/c unit from a suburban, and plan to mount it under dash in my panel. Ill just need to get the parts under the hood.

Heres a tip: Volvo 240 and 740s from the late 80s have a V belt sander compressor already! And they should be everywhere in junk yards.

that is a great idea!

[RUN GMC]

You should check out Rock Auto ......they have a/c kits for a lot of vehicles 4 part kits include compressor, expansion valves, and accumulator/reciever dryer for less than $350 for new reman as low as $150.00..........one for my truck 87 GMC was 178.00 for new components......

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?ck[year_1994]=true&ck[mkt_US]=true&ck[mkt_EU]=false&ck[mkt_CA]=false&ck[mkt_MX]=false&ck[ID]=0&ck[idlist]=0&ck[viewcurrency]=USD&ck[PHP_SESSION_ID]=r7bkelhopg543eu6g9r9sc8ko1

[Turtleman]

Great Information here...

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Turtleman

Great Information here...

I couldn't agree more. This is what Forums are supposed to be like. Sharing of different ideas and thoughts. No nasty dialog. Nobody is stupid or stupid questions/answers.
There is a MONSTER amount of knowledge out there and if we are all civil to each other and welcome a different angle of approach to solve a particular problem we can all benefit.

Thanks guys.

[Jeff La]

Thanks for the info here, it's great to learn these things.

[BigDan3131]

I'm buying this system because its close to the look of the original style.

Linky: http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalo...em-p-4315.html $905 for a complete system cold only since I want to keep the stock heater. $940 with heat.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by BigDan3131

I'm buying this system because its close to the look of the original style.

Linky: http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalo...em-p-4315.html $905 for a complete system cold only since I want to keep the stock heater. $940 with heat.

If u like that style, u may want to look at this--cool AND heat for LESS $$$$. [Read the review re: install in 1955 Olds.]
HTH,
Sam
>> http://www.southernrods.com/a-c-and-...-complete.html <<

[AcampoDave]

Originally Posted by the_goat_man

Is there a parts and piceses from other trucks that will work and if not what is the cheapest kit to buy I leave in Florida and thinking about air con thanks

Living in Florida as you do, you could do an a.c. only right? Do you need a heater in Florida? That would make a kit more economical than the combo units I'm sure.

[Clrussell]

Subscribed.. Thanks everyone for the info!

[CRGRS 66]

Saving this thread in my "once I have it back on the road and want to make some upgrades" folder. Thanks to the OP, and the contributors.

[Captainfab]

Subscribing too

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Subscribing too

me three!

[jjzepplin]

Funny how when I was a kid we were all taking the air off our rides. Now we are putting it back on.
In my truck I cut a hole in front of the fan for the air so it did not have to take the air from the cowl that would be getting heat from the outside. I am going to close up the front cowl anyway to keep trash out that gets in and rust out everything. Most aftermarket systems don't have external air anyway. I can always crack the window. This became controversial and many said I did not need to do it. I did any way as I want to put speakers in the vent holes.
I can tell you this - that fan is blowing like never before and when the air gets hooked back up- if it blows too much I can always turn it down and my new system will have a switch to turn the air compressor off if it pumps too much. Should freeze me out the cab no matter what refrigerant I use.
Over thinking it-maybe. But the more efficient the system is the less fuel I use driving, and less wear and tear on the system and my engine.
I just love experimenting with stuff that makes you more comfortable.
I have modified my home air in several ways and all have worked to help the system. When it's cold out side and I want to cool the house quickly the indoor unit is right next to a window. Open the window and just turn on the fan and boom-whole house is cool in minutes. I built my house so this was my thinking before I installed my own air conditioning. And yes it passed codes the first time.

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Here's One I've Had For Over 20 Years it came In My 1964 SB BW 1 owner Truck

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Originally Posted by 1971 GMC SHORTY

Here's One I've Had For Over 20 Years it came In My 1964 SB BW 1 owner Truck

I Also Have 2 Of These Systems I've Picked up over The Years

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Funny how when I was a kid we were all taking the air off our rides. Now we are putting it back on.

That is so true! Back in the day, I always thought that A/C robbed horsepower and I probably threw away tons of valuable A/C parts that restoration guys would die for today. Live and learn.....

A few months ago, a board member (hotrod49) just finished his "Heinz 57" A/C installation using pieces from a bunch of different applications. I had an old dealer-installed in-dash A/C unit that looked just like a Vintage Air unit that I got from a '73 C-10 that I parted out 10 years ago. The unit sat out in the elements in my parts pile behind the garage for years. I gave it to Brad, along with a tiny Sanden A/C compressor from an '85 Chevy Sprint to use as a mock-up. Brad had a condensor from a street rod that he got from another friend, a control panel from an old Winnebago, and bought a bunch of Beadlock A/C fittings from ebay. He tucked the evap unit up inside the dash, along with the controller, so the system is completely hidden. He had to weld up a couple of custom fittings, but he built the hoses and had them crimped at a buddy's shop. I helped him charge the system, and honestly, we weren't sure how well it would work. It's kicks ass! It'll freeze you out of the truck. I would guess that he's got about $300 total in the entire system, and that's includes a new compressor, dryer, hoses, and fittings.

This shows that you can build a system from parts sourced from different applications. Just get a working knowledge of how an A/C system works, determine how large of an area you need to cool, and go to the wrecking yard with an open mind and a game plan. Almost everything you need is there, you just have to go get it!

[Turtleman]

OH MAN!!

Now I'm all motivated to go get started on one for me so I wont have to go through another Arizona Summer with just my window as A/C,,,, just as soon as I learn anything about A/C units.. or as soon as I can convince hotrod49 to make a visit.. LOL

[jjzepplin]

Ok so I test fit the Sanden Compressor to the serpentine bracket. 3 of the four holes lined up. So why not just use some spacers and mount it? What am I missing here? Why does it require special brackets? Does the rear of the compressor hit the valve covers or something? Does any one have some dimensions to make these brackets? Cheapest ones I could find are $50. Not paying that for a couple chunks of steel.

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Ok so I test fit the Sanden Compressor to the serpentine bracket. 3 of the four holes lined up. So why not just use some spacers and mount it? What am I missing here? Why does it require special brackets? Does the rear of the compressor hit the valve covers or something? Does any one have some dimensions to make these brackets? Cheapest ones I could find are $50. Not paying that for a couple chunks of steel.

Ok so it hits the valve cover and the brackets lift it up and straighten it to level position. I may fab my own or I might save a day of my life and pony up the dough.

[OldGMJon]

Cool thread...I was wondering how I could make this "Harrison" under dash model that I took out of my 66'GMC 2503 fit my 65' Chevy panel. Can't live in SoCal without A/C.
Are your older systems still using R12 or have you switched them over to R34?