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Old 02-08-2016, 11:58 PM   #1
1972K20
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LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

I've got a 72K5 that doesn't have air conditioning, so none of the AC components are currently there. Eventually, I will swap in a 5.3 w/AC and was wondering what AC parts I need from the 1972 setup to run AC with the 5.3 engine? I've never tried to setup AC before, so I'm not sure what all I'd need to make it work on a truck that never had it. I don't want to start buying original ACs parts when they may not be necessary. Thanks
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Old 02-09-2016, 08:00 AM   #2
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1972K20 View Post
I've got a 72K5 that doesn't have air conditioning, so none of the AC components are currently there. Eventually, I will swap in a 5.3 w/AC and was wondering what AC parts I need from the 1972 setup to run AC with the 5.3 engine? I've never tried to setup AC before, so I'm not sure what all I'd need to make it work on a truck that never had it. I don't want to start buying original ACs parts when they may not be necessary. Thanks
If your truck didn't originally have AC, then the easiest approach will be to get a kit from a manufacturer like Vintage Air or Old Air Products and purchase the kit with the LS bracket. I'm happy with my VA kit, and I did have to buy some parts for my upcoming LS swap, most of it will stay in place.
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Old 02-09-2016, 10:18 AM   #3
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Do you have a pic of that? I didn't say this in my original post, but I'll be changing the dash to an original AC dash so all the original holes and vents will be there. I don't want the AC mounted under the dash or in a place that doesn't "look" original from inside the cab. Behind the dash and under the hood I'm not too worried about the "original" look.
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Old 02-09-2016, 10:30 AM   #4
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1972K20 View Post
I'm not sure what all I'd need to make it work on a truck that never had it.
You don't need any original parts. None.

Quote:
Originally Posted by clemsonteg View Post
If your truck didn't originally have AC, then the easiest approach will be to get a kit from a manufacturer like Vintage Air or Old Air Products and purchase the kit with the LS bracket. I'm happy with my VA kit, and I did have to buy some parts for my upcoming LS swap, most of it will stay in place.
This ^

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1972K20 View Post
Do you have a pic of that? I didn't say this in my original post, but I'll be changing the dash to an original AC dash so all the original holes and vents will be there. I don't want the AC mounted under the dash or in a place that doesn't "look" original from inside the cab. Behind the dash and under the hood I'm not too worried about the "original" look.
All you will need for the LS is a compressor mounting bracket, and compressor to fit it and you can connect to the vintage air. My truck was a non-AC truck originally, and I just cut the holes in the dash for the vents, and the VA sits under the dash. VA provides the hole templates and vents. The firewall cleans up nicely too, since the heater box is inside the cab.















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Old 02-09-2016, 10:43 AM   #5
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Thumbs up Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

You will need to buy are make the covers to cover the old heater openings though as in the pictures that Wasted Income posted. One for the fan motor and the big panel that hides all the heater openings.
If your truck didn't have AC then a kit would be the easy way.
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It sucks not being able to hear!

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After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.
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Old 02-09-2016, 11:16 AM   #6
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

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You will need to buy are make the covers to cover the old heater openings though as in the pictures that Wasted Income posted. One for the fan motor and the big panel that hides all the heater openings.
If your truck didn't have AC then a kit would be the easy way.
Nope, not true. The Vintage Air kit comes with all the covers for the holes in the firewall.

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Old 02-29-2016, 02:02 AM   #7
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Wink Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

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Nope, not true. The Vintage Air kit comes with all the covers for the holes in the firewall.

That all depends on the kit that he buy's!
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Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun!
It sucks not being able to hear!

LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB!
After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.
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Old 02-09-2016, 11:46 AM   #8
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wasted Income View Post
You don't need any original parts. None.



This ^



All you will need for the LS is a compressor mounting bracket, and compressor to fit it and you can connect to the vintage air. My truck was a non-AC truck originally, and I just cut the holes in the dash for the vents, and the VA sits under the dash. VA provides the hole templates and vents. The firewall cleans up nicely too, since the heater box is inside the cab.















I plan on using an original AC dash and not templates because the one I have was cut up by the previous owner for a radio. Do I have to use Vintage Air's vents in the dash or can I use factory GM holes/vents?
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Old 02-09-2016, 02:20 PM   #9
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

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Originally Posted by 1972K20 View Post
I plan on using an original AC dash and not templates because the one I have was cut up by the previous owner for a radio. Do I have to use Vintage Air's vents in the dash or can I use factory GM holes/vents?
I don't know 100% since I didn't have anything factory, but I believe you can use the factory stuff. The best thing to do would be to contact a vendor that sells the kits (I used LaidBackCreations) and tell them everything you are using/will need so they can put a quote together for you. The basic questions that will get you 90% of the way there will be things like what engine are you using, which accessory drive (truck or car), which controls (factory air or non-factory air, I used the non-factory air), etc.
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Old 02-17-2016, 11:48 AM   #10
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

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Originally Posted by 1972K20 View Post
I plan on using an original AC dash and not templates because the one I have was cut up by the previous owner for a radio. Do I have to use Vintage Air's vents in the dash or can I use factory GM holes/vents?
You can use the original vents. Having a non-ac cab will be good since you won't need the block off plate for the original box, you'll just need to drill the holes for the bulk fittings to go through the firewall.
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Old 02-18-2016, 11:04 PM   #11
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

If you install a factory a/c dash, Vintage air makes a kit for that. There are separate part numbers for a factory a/c dash or non a/c dash.
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Old 02-19-2016, 01:38 AM   #12
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Great, it sounds like Vintage Air is the way to go. Thanks
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Old 02-19-2016, 10:54 AM   #13
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

I am about ready to order my kit for a non AC cab. where is the best place to purchase it from? or who is the cheapest?
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Old 02-26-2016, 10:35 AM   #14
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

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I am about ready to order my kit for a non AC cab. where is the best place to purchase it from? or who is the cheapest?
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Old 02-29-2016, 02:59 PM   #15
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Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question

Yeah...I guess if he buys one for a chevelle, it probably wouldn't have those covers
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1969 Chevy K-10 L33 5.3 / 4L80E / NP241 / 4" lift
1964 Buick Skylark Twin TURBO 383 LS pro-touring project
2014 VW Passat TDI - Daily Driver
Turbo diesel
2015 Sierra Denali HD Duramax Turbo diesel
2023 Ford Explorer ST - Twin Turbskis
2023 Ford F150 RCSB - Whipple Supercharged
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2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards

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