Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970Chevrolet · 06-22-2018, 03:51 PM

I tried searching for old posts but can't find what I'm looking for. I've got a 1977 K10, NON AC truck, and I want to put AC in it but I don't want to spend 1,500 on a vintage air kit. Is there a cheaper way of doing it by using parts from another truck and what all do I need? If there are posts about this already, please feel free to point me in that direction. Thanks.

**Palf70Step** · 06-22-2018, 05:08 PM

Under-dash unit probably simplest and probably cheapest too.

v30crewcab · 06-22-2018, 10:22 PM

you can use factory parts off a 81-87, but you have to cut and modify the firewall, so its not real easy. but not undoable either. just depends on your skillset. I added factory a/c to my crewcab. wouldn't do it any other way.

68C15 · 06-22-2018, 10:37 PM

Do you have a sliding back window? If so then get a house window unit and a generator. Ice cubes on demand

*gmachinz* · 06-22-2018, 11:29 PM

This guy has the right idea....

BIGglaSS · 06-23-2018, 01:15 AM

I was just at the junkyard picking parts off a 84 'burban with the complete A/C system still there. I was wondering the same thing, if I could make it work in my 81 non a/c pickup.

bluex · 06-23-2018, 07:22 AM

I just did vintage air on mine and I'm really happy with it. The cool thing about it is there are unlimited fan speeds and blend options for temperature and where the air exits. It's all electronic so no need to run vacuums or cables. The install was fairly simple and the instructions are really well done.

If you add up all new system components for a factory setup (evap, heater core, condenser, compressor, lines etc) and your time refurbishing/fixing/modifying what you cant get new, I don't think you'll save very much over a VA kit.

100%Chevy · 06-23-2018, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

Do you have a sliding back window? If so then get a house window unit and a generator. Ice cubes on demand

I'm planning a similar install on my riding mower!

I've done 2 non-factory ac to factory a/c.One 68,C-10 and one 78,C-10.
It's a lot of work,but was worth it to me.
Mike.

1970Chevrolet · 06-25-2018, 07:38 AM

haha I like the idea with the window unit.

So another question I have is, if I went with a factory air off of a junk yard truck, I'm guessing I would need a new dash too since my dash doesn't have any AC vents. Or is it possible to cut holes in the dash and put in some vents? I am comfortable with cutting/welding etc...

MalibuSSwagon · 06-25-2018, 09:19 AM

The dash is already setup for AC vents, you just need the trim pieces.

There is a really good thread on factory AC swap here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=721374

Personally, I'm just going to order a Vintage air kit. It all comes in a box and should be a weekend install with all new components, and for $1500 thats not bad. If you don't have the cash to lay out all at once, factory system works just figure $500-600 to get it all reconditioned, new ac compressor, evaporator, lines, and getting it charged. AC ain't cheap but it sure is nice.

Oh and if you do get vintage air, there is a vendor here that offers a good deal on the kit to forum members.

06-22-2018, 03:51 PM	#1
1970Chevrolet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Houston TX Posts: 92	Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? I tried searching for old posts but can't find what I'm looking for. I've got a 1977 K10, NON AC truck, and I want to put AC in it but I don't want to spend 1,500 on a vintage air kit. Is there a cheaper way of doing it by using parts from another truck and what all do I need? If there are posts about this already, please feel free to point me in that direction. Thanks.

06-22-2018, 05:08 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,223	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? Under-dash unit probably simplest and probably cheapest too. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

06-22-2018, 10:22 PM	#3
v30crewcab Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chatt Tn Posts: 982	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? you can use factory parts off a 81-87, but you have to cut and modify the firewall, so its not real easy. but not undoable either. just depends on your skillset. I added factory a/c to my crewcab. wouldn't do it any other way. __________________ 88 military v30 crewcab shortbed 5.9 cummins, nv4500, 205 86 k30, 89 diesel burb, 76 gmc pathfinder 71 longbed 5.3 4l80 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522535

06-22-2018, 10:37 PM	#4
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? Do you have a sliding back window? If so then get a house window unit and a generator. Ice cubes on demand __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

06-22-2018, 11:29 PM	#5
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? This guy has the right idea.... Attached Images

06-23-2018, 01:15 AM	#6
BIGglaSS Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: ID Posts: 663	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? I was just at the junkyard picking parts off a 84 'burban with the complete A/C system still there. I was wondering the same thing, if I could make it work in my 81 non a/c pickup.

06-23-2018, 07:22 AM	#7
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? I just did vintage air on mine and I'm really happy with it. The cool thing about it is there are unlimited fan speeds and blend options for temperature and where the air exits. It's all electronic so no need to run vacuums or cables. The install was fairly simple and the instructions are really well done. If you add up all new system components for a factory setup (evap, heater core, condenser, compressor, lines etc) and your time refurbishing/fixing/modifying what you cant get new, I don't think you'll save very much over a VA kit. __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

06-25-2018, 07:38 AM	#9
1970Chevrolet Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Houston TX Posts: 92	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? haha I like the idea with the window unit. So another question I have is, if I went with a factory air off of a junk yard truck, I'm guessing I would need a new dash too since my dash doesn't have any AC vents. Or is it possible to cut holes in the dash and put in some vents? I am comfortable with cutting/welding etc...

06-25-2018, 09:19 AM	#10
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: Cheapest way to install AC on a non AC truck? The dash is already setup for AC vents, you just need the trim pieces. There is a really good thread on factory AC swap here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=721374 Personally, I'm just going to order a Vintage air kit. It all comes in a box and should be a weekend install with all new components, and for $1500 thats not bad. If you don't have the cash to lay out all at once, factory system works just figure $500-600 to get it all reconditioned, new ac compressor, evaporator, lines, and getting it charged. AC ain't cheap but it sure is nice. Oh and if you do get vintage air, there is a vendor here that offers a good deal on the kit to forum members. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi



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