Hey you thriftee nickel types!

[jorgensensc]

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]

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

[grayw0lf]

Very good question! Details! Pics please.

[BarryB]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[boostat4500]

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]

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.