Aftermarket A/C units/kits - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Justin Jones · 01-18-2018, 03:06 PM

I searched for best kits and some older threads came up from 2009. I was looking for more recent info on what's worked for you.

We are working with someone that's a dealer for Classic Auto Air. But we are looking to try to use a "factory looking" switch panel. I know a couple of the companies will offer to rebuild the switch panel too. If we need to we will buy a factory looking A/C switch panel that came in factory A/C trucks. Ours is a non A/C truck.

Thanks.

JMC1965 · 01-18-2018, 03:29 PM

I did the Classic Auto Air...kind of wished I had kept the original control unit; however, the unit itself has been incredible (2 months in)

I do like the modern servo-based units

Justin Jones · 01-18-2018, 03:38 PM

Thanks. I just think with the look we're going for it would work better to have an original looking switch panel with a top of the line aftermarket unit behind the dash.

NoNeck · 01-18-2018, 03:56 PM

Justin, we went with the Vintage Air SureFit kit specifically built for '67-72 C-10s. You can get the kit for either a factory air conditioned dash or to convert a non-air dash over.

The cool thing about the Vintage Air Kit is that you can use the factory control module. It comes with instructions to modify the factory levers to be operated by the computer ECM from the unit. It's pretty slick!

Let me know if you need more info. Here are a couple of pics of our install.

POP

reeltales · 01-18-2018, 05:35 PM

was the install on a original a/c cab? or did you cut in your center vent?

ElKotze · 01-18-2018, 06:13 PM

I'm in the same boat. I'm restoring my '72 Cheyenne Super and I'm going with the Vintage Air unit. Little more $$, but looks very clean and easy install.

Kennuck · 01-18-2018, 07:15 PM

I put Vintage Air in my non AC truck, I cut in the vents holes and used original equipment AC vents and control. The Vintage Air kit integrates very well.

Justin Jones · 01-18-2018, 07:40 PM

Nice installs gentlemen! It looks like Vintage Air might be the way to go.

NoNeck · 01-18-2018, 08:55 PM

Quote:

was the install on a original a/c cab? or did you cut in your center vent?

Ours was installed in an AC cab and when you order the kit you need to specify AC or non AC cab. The factory AC kit uses some of your existing ductwork. The Non AC kit has some different components in it.

By the way, the factory control unit when modified doesn't use the original fan switch.

POP

Dagobah · 01-18-2018, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoNeck

Ours was installed in an AC cab and when you order the kit you need to specify AC or non AC cab. The factory AC kit uses some of your existing ductwork. The Non AC kit has some different components in it.

By the way, the factory control unit when modified doesn't use the original fan switch.

POP

Our cab is non a/c. I would prefer to not cut holes in the dash for vents. Does the kit you're recommending require doing this? I thought I would include a pic of the oem a/c control panel for you or anyone else interested in the thread:

https://www.classicparts.com/1967-72...tinfo/68-483/#

Here's a better pic:

https://www.vintageair.com/images/49767-LCE.jpg

I'd never even seen one of these til yesterday, and it's pretty neat that the letters match those in the dash...

BugzC10 · 01-19-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagobah

Our cab is non a/c. I would prefer to not cut holes in the dash for vents. Does the kit you're recommending require doing this? I thought I would include a pic of the oem a/c control panel for you or anyone else interested in the thread:

https://www.classicparts.com/1967-72...tinfo/68-483/#

Here's a better pic:

https://www.vintageair.com/images/49767-LCE.jpg

I'd never even seen one of these til yesterday, and it's pretty neat that the letters match those in the dash...

Yes..you have to cut the center and two side vent holes. Template is provided.
Check with them...they may have an under dash vent system.

Justin Jones · 01-19-2018, 12:27 PM

I've seen a kit or two that have an option for in dash vents or under dash vents but can't remember what company they are.

**SIXTY9** · 01-19-2018, 12:58 PM

Look at OLD AIR products it has under dash vents and not sure if you have to use their controller.

https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...112508-c112541

**MidLifer** · 01-19-2018, 04:58 PM

+1 for Vintage Air Gen IV SureFit. Cutting the dash isn't hard at all and the vents look great once installed. Just got the truck back on the road late fall so can't speak for how well the A/C works but the heat is awesome!

**dennislbrooks** · 01-20-2018, 01:01 PM

I have old air from Ft Worth. It used the existing non ac heater controls. I did cut side holes but did not cut the center. I used an under dash center for a while but did not like the cluttered look so my center hoses just point down out of site in the center. I have no preference over old air or vintage.

Z10 · 02-20-2018, 09:58 PM

Using Vintage Air. Here's some pics of my install.

You can see more on my build thread. Link below.

Z10 · 02-20-2018, 10:01 PM

Maybe a better pic

Justin Jones · 02-21-2018, 01:31 AM

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm sure we're going with a Vintage Air kit as we like the original looking A/C and heat panel. We just haven't figured out what we're going to do with the vents yet.

01-18-2018, 03:06 PM	#1
Justin Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 39	Aftermarket A/C units/kits I searched for best kits and some older threads came up from 2009. I was looking for more recent info on what's worked for you. We are working with someone that's a dealer for Classic Auto Air. But we are looking to try to use a "factory looking" switch panel. I know a couple of the companies will offer to rebuild the switch panel too. If we need to we will buy a factory looking A/C switch panel that came in factory A/C trucks. Ours is a non A/C truck. Thanks.

01-18-2018, 03:29 PM	#2
JMC1965 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 119	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits I did the Classic Auto Air...kind of wished I had kept the original control unit; however, the unit itself has been incredible (2 months in) I do like the modern servo-based units __________________ JMC1965 1967 C20 LWB 350 (ATK-HP32) / FiTech EFI 4L60e / 4 wheel disc brakes 20" American Racing VN327 & 245/50/20 Michelin

01-18-2018, 03:38 PM	#3
Justin Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 39	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Thanks. I just think with the look we're going for it would work better to have an original looking switch panel with a top of the line aftermarket unit behind the dash.

01-18-2018, 03:56 PM	#4
NoNeck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,108	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Justin, we went with the Vintage Air SureFit kit specifically built for '67-72 C-10s. You can get the kit for either a factory air conditioned dash or to convert a non-air dash over. The cool thing about the Vintage Air Kit is that you can use the factory control module. It comes with instructions to modify the factory levers to be operated by the computer ECM from the unit. It's pretty slick! Let me know if you need more info. Here are a couple of pics of our install. POP Attached Images __________________ 2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND.

01-18-2018, 05:35 PM	#5
reeltales Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Saint Cloud Posts: 23	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits was the install on a original a/c cab? or did you cut in your center vent?

01-18-2018, 06:13 PM	#6
ElKotze Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Southwest Kansas Posts: 306	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits I'm in the same boat. I'm restoring my '72 Cheyenne Super and I'm going with the Vintage Air unit. Little more $$, but looks very clean and easy install. __________________ '64 C10 LWB, 283, 5speed '68 C20 LWB, 327, 4speed '69 C20 Custom Camper Longhorn, 350, 4speed '72 C20 Cheyenne Super, 396, TH400 '66 C60, 292, 4speed

01-18-2018, 07:15 PM	#7
Kennuck Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Dresden, Ontario Posts: 647	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits I put Vintage Air in my non AC truck, I cut in the vents holes and used original equipment AC vents and control. The Vintage Air kit integrates very well. Attached Images __________________ 1970 Short Wide 5.3 4L60E BlackBear tune 3:73 gears, Boyd's Tank 2.5 / 4 drop 5 lug disc brakes Vintage Air 18x8 Ridlers 255/55 frt. 18x9.5 275/60 rear

01-18-2018, 07:40 PM	#8
Justin Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 39	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Nice installs gentlemen! It looks like Vintage Air might be the way to go.

01-19-2018, 12:27 PM	#12
Justin Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 39	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits I've seen a kit or two that have an option for in dash vents or under dash vents but can't remember what company they are.

01-19-2018, 12:58 PM	#13
SIXTY9 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Charleston SC Posts: 504	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Look at OLD AIR products it has under dash vents and not sure if you have to use their controller. https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...112508-c112541 Last edited by SIXTY9; 01-19-2018 at 01:05 PM. Reason: Added web site

01-19-2018, 04:58 PM	#14
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,268	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits +1 for Vintage Air Gen IV SureFit. Cutting the dash isn't hard at all and the vents look great once installed. Just got the truck back on the road late fall so can't speak for how well the A/C works but the heat is awesome!

01-20-2018, 01:01 PM	#15
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,801	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits I have old air from Ft Worth. It used the existing non ac heater controls. I did cut side holes but did not cut the center. I used an under dash center for a while but did not like the cluttered look so my center hoses just point down out of site in the center. I have no preference over old air or vintage. Attached Images __________________ 1942 Chevy 1/2 ton Rod, 1959 GMC 1/2 ton Fleet Stepside, 1967 Chevy SWB K10, 1985 Corvette Coupe 4+3, 2015 Chevy Duramax reg cab 4WD W/T Last edited by dennislbrooks; 01-20-2018 at 02:12 PM. Reason: words

02-20-2018, 09:58 PM	#16
Z10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 1,267	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Using Vintage Air. Here's some pics of my install. You can see more on my build thread. Link below. Attached Images __________________ 1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i

02-20-2018, 10:01 PM	#17
Z10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 1,267	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Maybe a better pic Attached Images __________________ 1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i

02-21-2018, 01:31 AM	#18
Justin Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 39	Re: Aftermarket A/C units/kits Thanks for the responses guys. I'm sure we're going with a Vintage Air kit as we like the original looking A/C and heat panel. We just haven't figured out what we're going to do with the vents yet.



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