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01-02-2023, 03:53 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: Austin, TX
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72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
Hi All,
Looking to re-fit the factory a/c to my 1972 C20 BB after completing an engine swap. I'd like to keep the setup looking as factory as possible, going with modern parts where it makes sense. The new engine won't allow me to use the original compressor setup due to it having much taller valve covers, so I was thinking of instead using something like this: https://www.originalair.com/gm-engin...tment-upgrades I think I'd want to plumb this in to the existing air box and evaporator - here's a couple of pics of what I removed from the truck. I believe a previous owner has already changed the setup from factory as all photos of seen of the stock setup look different. I don't know much about a/c but am keen to learn. If anyone is able to help me figure out how to make this work I'd really appreciate it! Grant Last edited by 540ChevyC20; 01-02-2023 at 04:26 PM. |
01-02-2023, 04:53 PM | #2 |
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Location: Oregon
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
You should be able to retrofit modern A/C components to your existing evaporator and use your original evap housing. I don't know the company or how well their systems work. From a 5 min glance at the website link, I don't see any negatives that jump out. I'm sure they have their recommended parts to use with your evap and with modern compressors and refrigerant pressure regulation, it should be a nice addition to the original A/C interior look.
R12 and r134a systems use different types of oils and the oils do not mix. Evap can be cleaned with solvent type of cleaners (A/C system cleaners are available) and should have no problems. Bob |
01-04-2023, 09:40 AM | #3 |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
That looks like a later (cycling style) square body accumulator and evaporator. The A6 compressors used to be great, but now the Sanden style like your retrofit kit are a better way to go. I think you are on the right track, but your system is not stock 67-72 so you probably can't just order hoses in a kit. You will likely have to have custom hoses made, but some of the better auto parts stores can make them or you can order them online.
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01-04-2023, 12:13 PM | #4 |
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Location: Ca
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
What did you do to the rockers requiring the taller valve cover? Just curious.
If you can, I'd change the covers and keep the original look A6 compressor. To me, it's a better look. My valve cover (edelbrock) interfered with the adjuster arm on the rear mount. Some minor grinding of the arm corrected the problem. It was not so much as to cause concern for strength. I am just starting on this same journey on my 72. All of my system was in tack so it makes things a bit easier. Purchased a new A6 with 134 oil in it as the old compressor was froze up. Also picked up a new drier. The aluminum tubes clean up nicely with sos and a wire wheel. You can pick up a system cleaning tool for pretty cheap. Get plenty cleaning fluid. Flush everything to get any dirt and especially old oil out of the used parts you are using. Harbor freight has a o-ring kit with the correct green material compatable with 134 that seems to fit well. Admittedly, I have little knowledge of AC systems so I am learning as I go and sure to make mistakes. Good luck on your project. I will be watching and learning. |
01-04-2023, 02:41 PM | #5 | |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
Quote:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478564
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01-04-2023, 05:13 PM | #6 | |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
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01-04-2023, 05:15 PM | #7 | |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
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01-04-2023, 05:16 PM | #8 | |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
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01-04-2023, 05:55 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: TX
Posts: 1,624
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
It looks like your truck has an Old Air Products Evaporator Conversion kit installed:
https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...t/default.aspx I put one in 20 years ago and it worked great. |
01-04-2023, 05:59 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: TX
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
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01-05-2023, 05:30 PM | #11 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: Austin, TX
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
Quote:
I'd also like to either freshen up or replace the blower/evaporator box as it's rusty on the back and the diverter flap rubber seal has perished. Has anyone had experience with doing this, or working with vendors that do this? I see Original Air does offer a rebuild service. Last edited by 540ChevyC20; 01-05-2023 at 05:36 PM. |
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01-05-2023, 05:40 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: TX
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
I lightly sanded my box down and used automotive clearcoat on it. Looks great.
I think in the past I had used some aerosol clear and it looked great too. |
01-06-2023, 08:37 PM | #13 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
Quote:
Treat the rubber tube that goes between the evaporator box and blower motor with care and don't lose it. It is not reproduced and as far as I know would be somewhat difficult to fabricate. If it has any splits you can fix with superglue and spread some black RTV on top of the superglued crack. Last edited by dmjlambert; 01-06-2023 at 09:52 PM. |
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01-07-2023, 02:25 PM | #14 | |
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Re: 72 C20 factory air conditioning restoration
Quote:
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1972, a/c, air conditioning, c20 |
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