LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1972K20 · 02-08-2016, 11:58 PM

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

clemsonteg · 02-09-2016, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972K20

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.

1972K20 · 02-09-2016, 10:18 AM

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.

Wasted Income · 02-09-2016, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972K20

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

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

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.

Andy4639 · 02-09-2016, 10:43 AM

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.

Wasted Income · 02-09-2016, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

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.

1972K20 · 02-09-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

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?

clemsonteg · 02-09-2016, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972K20

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.

fastpace · 02-17-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972K20

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.

**Hart_Rod** · 02-18-2016, 11:04 PM

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.

1972K20 · 02-19-2016, 01:38 AM

Great, it sounds like Vintage Air is the way to go. Thanks

**First c10** · 02-19-2016, 10:54 AM

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?

**screaminchevypickup** · 02-26-2016, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by First c10

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?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...587293&page=25
Best deals around and great service

Andy4639 · 02-29-2016, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

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!

Wasted Income · 02-29-2016, 02:59 PM

Yeah...I guess if he buys one for a chevelle, it probably wouldn't have those covers

02-08-2016, 11:58 PM	#1
1972K20 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 741	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

02-09-2016, 10:18 AM	#3
1972K20 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 741	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.

02-09-2016, 10:43 AM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	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. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ 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.

02-18-2016, 11:04 PM	#10
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	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. __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

02-19-2016, 01:38 AM	#11
1972K20 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 741	Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question Great, it sounds like Vintage Air is the way to go. Thanks

02-19-2016, 10:54 AM	#12
First c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Banos CA Posts: 2,705	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? __________________ 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door 1956 Chevy 210 4 Door 1970 K20 LWB project the Hulk build w/Supercharged 4.8L-ly2/4L60E HULK BUILD 1970 C10 Yellow/White Deluxe LWB w/ 5.3L-LC9/6L80E 1968 K10 LWB Dark green my son calls it "THE HULK Jr"HULK JR SOLD GO GO!!!

02-29-2016, 02:59 PM	#15
Wasted Income Boosted Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mackinaw, IL Posts: 2,200	Re: LS Swap and Air Conditioning Question Yeah...I guess if he buys one for a chevelle, it probably wouldn't have those covers __________________ 1972 2wd K/5 Blazer Turbocharged 370 LSx - 941 rwhp / 1093 rwtq 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 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo 2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards *TURBO ALL THE THINGS!!*

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