Vintage air in the 73-87 trucks questions

[BruthaMan]

I hear ya, veinbar. It's hell down here with this heat!

88Jimmy, I didn't use the mounts. I bought ac/alternator brackets from Billet Specialties. I originally had the alternator on the passenger side, but we switched the ac and compressor to opposite sides. Mainly because it's very difficult to find a drivers side ac bracket setup, that is polished.

If they are to be used, at a minimum, they would need to be primered/painted with rustoleum to protect them. Powder coating would probably be the ideal solution for long term or those that want to keep their bay area with a clean look.

For someone looking for functionality only and not concerned with how the engine bay looks, I'd just primer/paint with rusto and go.

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by baclay9

Could someone please take a measurement for me? I would like to know how far it is from the front of the rear mounting tabs on the compressor to the rear of the compressor. Thanks.

Off teh top of my head, they are probably 1 to 1 1/2 inch from the rear. I will look and measure tonight. However, mine is the drivers side mount. The compressor should be the same, though.

[baclay9]

I would appreciate it. I ordered my kit this morning. I am going to be running the compressor in my serp brackets and am worried about clearance with my tall valve covers.
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[Jonboy]

Brandon, it is right at 2 inches from the front of the rear mounting tabs to the rear of teh compressor. The tabs are 1/2" thick. The suction and discharge hoses go in the very rear though.

[baclay9]

So does that two inches include the ports where the hoses plug in? I don't know how to explain what I am wanting very well. Lol
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[Jonboy]

Yes. The way the compressor is clocked, the ports are facing directly upward. They don't stick out of the back of the compressor at all.

[baclay9]

Sweet, it should fit then. Thanks alot man.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by BruthaMan

I hear ya, veinbar. It's hell down here with this heat!

88Jimmy, I didn't use the mounts. I bought ac/alternator brackets from Billet Specialties. I originally had the alternator on the passenger side, but we switched the ac and compressor to opposite sides. Mainly because it's very difficult to find a drivers side ac bracket setup, that is polished.

If they are to be used, at a minimum, they would need to be primered/painted with rustoleum to protect them. Powder coating would probably be the ideal solution for long term or those that want to keep their bay area with a clean look.

For someone looking for functionality only and not concerned with how the engine bay looks, I'd just primer/paint with rusto and go.

Thanks for the help

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

hmmm, I dont know of a shop that does that...guess I better ask around

If you are using stock brackets on a smallblock Chevy (and maybe a BBC, I can't remember), you won't need to crimp any hoses. The surefit kits come with everything crimped.

If you run aftermarket brackets, a serpentine setup, change the compressor to the passenger side, run and an Olds or Cadillac engine (yes, there are a few of them here on the board...), Vintage Air provides a "modified hose kit." They don't know what exactly you need, so the ends aren't crimped, and they give you extra hose to make sure it will be long enough for your non-standard application.

Slonaker

[88Jimmy4x4]

Okay thanks for the info. I went thru the order sheet and selected the options, mine is all stock setup/location (SBC) except for headers so hopefully they will come ready to bolt on.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I am pretty sure list for the kit is around $1300. The website says to compare it at 10% off, that looks about right.

Thanks for the props. My truck was originally A/C equipped. The holes are bigger in the firewall for the A/C trucks.

Yes, you will still need heater hoses. Not sure about a polished condensor, as that is hidden. Pretty sure you can get a polished compressor, though.

Check out the link Wade (BruthaMan) posted. It looks like about 10% off.

On the order form it mentions the following options...whats a trinary switch and why would I need an alternator bracket?

Upgrades: Polished Compressor (+$50.00)

Chrome Compressor (+$110.00)

Chrome Dryer (+$40.00)

Trinary Switch (+$35.50)

Alternator Bracket (+$89.00)

[Slonaker]

The trinary switch is recommended to control electric fans, if you have them. If your fan is belt driven off the water pump, you only need the binary switch. IIRC, changing the switch requires you to evacuate the system, so they suggest you get the trinary switch if you plan to go with electric fans eventually.

You would only need an alternator bracket if you are not running a stock setup, or if you want to move the compressor from the driver's side to the passenger side to avoid clutter under the hood. Of course, if you do that, you won't get pre-crimped hoses. The kit assumes you are using a SBC or BBC with stock brackets. If you aren't, you'll have to cut the hoses to fit on one end, then have the ends crimped.

The sales people at Vintage Air are all very familiar with this, and can explain it to you better than I can. They can quote you part numbers and everything if you need something a little different from the norm.

Slonaker

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

On the order form it mentions the following options...whats a trinary switch and why would I need an alternator bracket?

Upgrades: Polished Compressor (+$50.00)

Chrome Compressor (+$110.00)

Chrome Dryer (+$40.00)

Trinary Switch (+$35.50)

Alternator Bracket (+$89.00)

[frankyjoet]

i have 73 gmc 3/4 ton truck with a granny tran 350 w a rv cam. My question is about the cable that attaches to the temp control panel. The end of the cable has a round loop that attaches to a post and is secured with push on clip. I am not sure where the metal part that is attached to the cable goes? There is a slot on the control panel and hole for a screw. There is also a hole in the metal part. Any help would be appreciated.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by frankyjoet

i have 73 gmc 3/4 ton truck with a granny tran 350 w a rv cam. My question is about the cable that attaches to the temp control panel. The end of the cable has a round loop that attaches to a post and is secured with push on clip. I am not sure where the metal part that is attached to the cable goes? There is a slot on the control panel and hole for a screw. There is also a hole in the metal part. Any help would be appreciated.

I just took a control panel out the other day. So the pics are of the bottom side of the temp control. The cable slips over the little post and then is held in place by a small push clip. Pic #1

Pic #2 is where the tab slides in. To the best of my knowledge, it was not secured with a screw.

[frankyjoet]

tkcr, the metal part on the cable doesn't stay in the slot, so i used a screw to hold the cable. Works fine. Am attaching 3 photos. thanks for your help. frankyjoe