1972 GMC Sierra A/C question

[Roadkillerv8]

Hey fellas, wondering how hard it would be to put an original looking a/c system in a truck that doesn't have it. i know there will be a lot of cutting and fitting and such, but is it worth it? I know some will say just roll the windows down, but it gets into the 100's where i'm at, and while the truck purrs along at 180 im feeling like its about 200 in the cab. Thanks.

[Davidf]

Would be much easier and cheaper to go with Old Air Products or Vintage Air complete system. If you insist on GM a/c system, anything is possible with enough funds and/or time.

[MARKDTN]

It has been done many times. Original is the only way to get fresh air. You have to cut the firewall. It is best if you have a complete donor vehicle to get all the little parts. Some commonly broken parts are available like the control levers. I would change to a Sanden style compressor and replace all the soft lines. I would stay R12, but R134 will work.

[Tdrcreyn4]

I am converting mine to factory AC. Really not much fab work with templates....adding holes and resizing the firewall vents is the worst of it. The factory has placed dimples in the metal almost everywhere you need to drill. Lots of people on this board can help also. I got a great price on a full set up from the board. I personally prefer the look of the original. I got the worst of it done in one weekend. Used an air body saw to cut the dash vent holes in about 20 minutes.

I agree It is much easier to go aftermarket but really just depends on what you are after. You could also consider an original under dash unit.

[Roadkillerv8]

Alright, doesnt sound like its a job i could acomplish. Iis there enough space for the vents though? Im looking at my dash now and it just seems like if i wanted to put the original type vents in (one circular on either side and the rectangular one Above the radio) there just wouldnt be enough room. But maybe thats because im just not used to haveibg them there anyhow.
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[Tdrcreyn4]

The dashes are identical except for the holes.

[kehstr]

sometimes the original ac units don't work the best, and a vintage air unit would put more space in the engine compartment. Plus there are lots of vacuum valves and 1 control cable that an ac cab has, that none ac cabs don't have. So if i was you, i would just use a vintage air, or something very similar.

[Andy4639]

As with anything there are more than one way to do this. I used factory correct box with late model innereds. I have all 134 a stuff but it looks factory.
I cut the dash and the fire wall on my non AC cab and love it.