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09-27-2020, 11:19 AM | #1 |
Active Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Posts: 135
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Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Hello,
I'm helping my dad get his 75 GMC Gentleman Jim back on the road (second owner since 77). We have a California cab that is being taken to the body shop this week. The original and replacement cabs are AC cabs. My dad took off most of the AC parts (compressor, condenser, etc.) from his truck years ago and lost them. Of course, both cabs still have the ducts and controls. The body shop wants to know which direction he's going -- no AC, factory AC, or aftermarket AC. I'm inclined to think factory AC (partly b/c of the ability to use outside air and because the controls/ducts are already there). What parts are required to get a factory setup going? Is there a certain compressor or any other parts that are needed? Everything has been removed from the firewall on the new cab for prep/paint, so from the firewall forward we have a blank canvas with the factory AC holes to work with. I believe we have an unbroken upper housing from the new cab and unbroken lower housing from the old cab. A list of the proper parts (e.g., what compressor, condenser, and any special parts for getting an old system working by today's standards) would be highly appreciated. My dad isn't getting younger and I want for him to enjoy his truck next summer. |
09-27-2020, 11:41 AM | #2 |
State of Confusion!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 47,223
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
They both (factory & aftermarket) work about the same. Instead of trying to dig up old original stuff (lots is not reproduced either), I think I would go with a Vintage Air aftermarket unit.
1. It looks a lot cleaner in the engine bay with the aftermarket. 2 It gets rid of the vacuum stuff, which can be problematic at time. 3. You can get spart parts. Again, just my 2 cents.
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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! |
09-27-2020, 12:36 PM | #3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: King George, VA
Posts: 22
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Quote:
Old parts, I have condenser, compressor, dash control, duct work, fresh air flaps, old but ok radiator, etc. Not great condition, but maybe ok, not trash either. Let me know if you're interested. I'm not an ac expert, I don't know all the parts you may need for factory setup. |
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09-27-2020, 12:48 PM | #4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: King George, VA
Posts: 22
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Quote:
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09-27-2020, 01:10 PM | #5 | |
Active Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Posts: 135
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Quote:
Also, I truly appreciate the offer re original parts and will keep that in mind. My dad is even closer to you in So. Md. |
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09-28-2020, 03:24 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: King George, VA
Posts: 22
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Not sure about comparing the kits, I almost went with another company but decided on Classic Auto Air, their kit was new to market when I got it like a year plus ago. I like the aftermarket kit, connections to firewall can be clean, not too much box under dash. There was something about the evap box inside that was better with CAA, it could be opened & repaired if needed, case not glued shut or something, plus CAA used large coils or something. I do recommend CAA having been thru the whole kit, I still need to get AC dialed in by pro.
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09-28-2020, 08:03 AM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: King George, VA
Posts: 22
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Re: Factory AC (vs aftermarket) - What's needed?
Light side, Dark side.
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