AC options for a non-ac truck - LS swapped

[Janz99]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to add AC to my truck for next summer and I was hoping to get some advice from guys that have converted a non-ac vehicle. The truck currently has a 5.3L LS installed running on a stock PCM. It is a non-AC truck so I am starting from scratch.


There are two options that I see:

1. Source an AC compressor from the JY, find a suitable condenser that will fit, expansion chamber? , then find a heater core/evaporator box setup to replace the heater core box I currently have. Use the LS pressure switches and wire to the stock PCM to control the compressor and then have all custom lines made and install new HVAC controls.

2. Go straight to aftermarket and use a ready made ac system like vintage air.

From the guys that have done it either way, is the added hassle of #1 worth the savings over buying a system like vintage air? Does either one out perform the other in terms of cooling?

The truck is a driver so appearance isn't a consideration at this point. If it works and keeps the cab cool during the summer months that's all I care about.

[Grumpy old man]

Buy the Vintage air system and be done with it . OEM parts are best but finding everything new old stock will get expensive fast . I wouldn't waste any time buying and patching together a junk yard system . If you had factory air with the correct firewall cutouts it would be a different story .

[Janz99]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Buy the Vintage air system and be done with it . OEM parts are best but finding everything new old stock will get expensive fast . I wouldn't waste any time buying and patching together a junk yard system . If you had factory air with the correct firewall cutouts it would be a different story .

That's actually one thing I had forgot to consider. What is involved with modifying a cab to allow the for AC evaporator? Is it as simple as just making a few modifications to the cutouts on the firewall, or is there more to it then that?

I have a decent amount of fabrication/welding experience as a hobbyist. Depending on whats involved I should be able to tackle it.

[Grumpy old man]

This should explain .

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558005

[JMac11]

This guy did an old underdash with the factory LS compressor

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...er+dash&page=2

[Janz99]

Thanks for the links guys. I need to go through and cost both scenario's and see what the difference is. From what ive seen online, aftermarket AC/Heat is anywhere from $1300-$2000 depending on options and parts included.

I'm not sure what it would cost to piece a setup together.

-Ryan

[Grumpy old man]

Check and see if the guy still has this A/C system . $100

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pts...927662926.html

[Janz99]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Check and see if the guy still has this A/C system . $100

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/pts...927662926.html

Thanks for the link! Sent him an email, we'll see if its still available.

I see that vintage air also sells just the evap kit for under the dash. You would need to add compressor, condenser, dryer and lines. How would that work with the heat side of things since the heater core sits on the opposite side of the firewall?

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...del/c10-pickup

[grschell]

I have the vintage air unit in my son's 70 C-15 and it is awesome! The air is colder than my 09 Avalanche and I don't have that massive HVAC box protruding into the engine compartment. It is a bit pricey (~$1500), but worth it in my book.

[Janz99]

grschell - Is this the kit you used:

https://azproperformance.com/product...em-67-72-c10-1

Looks like ~$1500 without compressor or mounting bracket. Which isnt bad as I was looking at using this dirty dingo kit:

https://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/prod...oducts_id=1720

Comes with a sanden sd7b10 compressor. I would just need to make sure the comp works with the VA setup.

[grschell]

That first kit is what I used. Of course, I am running the older SBC too. Just commenting that the Vintage Air unit is 5 out of 5 stars in my book!

[Janz99]

Originally Posted by grschell

That first kit is what I used. Of course, I am running the older SBC too. Just commenting that the Vintage Air unit is 5 out of 5 stars in my book!

Great to hear, thanks for the feedback.

-Ryan