aftermarket heat and ac

[karlbenz]

I'd like to put ac in my 64 gmc. In the process I'd like to get a unit that has both heat and ac. I have just the basic heater and having to use defrost with the heat on isn't always ideal. Who has done this and are you happy with it?

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Vintage AC

[Klas]

I used Auto Classic Air for both the '64 panel and the wife's '61 Apache. They provided a complete system with good instructions. If I do another conversion, I'll use them again.

[Southcity]

I have the Old Air "Hurricane" heat/AC system in my 66 for years now and it has performed flawlessly. It does a great job of heating/cooling my large Suburban and the fan is very powerful. They offer vehicle specific systems or universal. The vehicle specific systems fit nicely and appear stock. Their support/service has been very good over the years when/if I had questions or needed to troubleshoot anything.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by Southcity

I have the Old Air "Hurricane" heat/AC system in my 66 for years now and it has performed flawlessly. It does a great job of heating/cooling my large Suburban and the fan is very powerful. They offer vehicle specific systems or universal. The vehicle specific systems fit nicely and appear stock. Their support/service has been very good over the years when/if I had questions or needed to troubleshoot anything.

which hurricane did you go with? I see different models of each but not much explanation of the differences

[AcampoDave]

I have a Vintage air "sure fit kit" in my '66. I have regularly driven it in ambient temps around 110 degrees and still stay rather comfortable. Is it late model Silverado comfortable at those temps? No, but its decent. However, when outdoor temps are more moderate like in the 90's it's very comfortable. As for the heat/defrost part, it does work but I don't often need it. The a/c compressor runs on defrost because the unit only uses recirculated air.
I find the fan is a bit loud but I have tinnitus pretty bad and get irritated with noise anyhow so others may find it to be fine. (It's probably also par for the course when the fan is above the passenger's feet.)

I think the key to any of these systems is to have good insullation on the floor and firewall (with no open gaps or holes) and quality weatherstrip. Also be prepared to upgrade your cooling system. I had to get a better radiator and upgrade my fan to an 18 inch 5 blade clutch style.
Edit: one last detail...my truck is light colored. I think a dark truck would be an oven in my climate no matter what.

[Southcity]

Originally Posted by karlbenz

which hurricane did you go with? I see different models of each but not much explanation of the differences

I used the CAP-6610 (complete system) because I was starting from scratch but they have several systems available. I'd give them a call to discuss, they are very helpful and can make recommendations.


https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...defrost-system

[Clyde65]

I have had Old Air Products since about 2001, has always worked flawlessly and has only needed periodic recharges.

[jbgroby]

Karl, What engine are you using? IF a 305-V-6 you will need to custom make a set of brackets to hold the compressor in the block, no one makes one. I have one that I will use in the future but maybe have a copy made at a local shop.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by jbgroby

Karl, What engine are you using? IF a 305-V-6 you will need to custom make a set of brackets to hold the compressor in the block, no one makes one. I have one that I will use in the future but maybe have a copy made at a local shop.

i have a 383 in it. doing a serpentine belt set up soon. have most the parts now

[Southcity]

Also make sure you have an alternator that can handle the increased amperage (the AC/Heat/Defrost fans are a big draw) especially if you also have a stereo, electric cooling pusher/puller fans etc.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by Southcity

Also make sure you have an alternator that can handle the increased amperage (the AC/Heat/Defrost fans are a big draw) especially if you also have a stereo, electric cooling pusher/puller fans etc.

I'm dropping my alternator off in the morning to get it beefed up and one wire it

[The Rocknrod]

I would use a three wire. - http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

[AcampoDave]

That was a good read. No doubt the 3 wire was the OE choice of good reason.

[The Rocknrod]

Yes exactly. I have a 100 amp 3 wire in mine. With the ground it's actually a four wire.
Oh and I'm using the Old Air system too. The footprint (size), CFM and the control panel all sold me.

[karlbenz]

A year later and I finally got my serpentine belt system installed. I'm leaning towards this here https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...omplete-system

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by karlbenz

A year later and I finally got my serpentine belt system installed. I'm leaning towards this here https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...omplete-system

What is your plan on the side fittings?

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

What is your plan on the side fittings?

Not really sure. Don't know much about this. Is there a better model for our trucks?

[The Rocknrod]

Yes, they have a rear exit that uses the firewall heater opening already on the firewall.
You can search their website by year make model and it will show.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Yes, they have a rear exit that uses the firewall heater opening already on the firewall.
You can search their website by year make model and it will show.

They all say lower, upper or side fittings?

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by karlbenz

They all say lower, upper or side fittings?

Download the catalog. https://www.oldairproducts.com/articles/pdfcatalog
Around page nine it shows the various exits. And on page 31 or so our series trucks. Also on Monday you can call them to be sure. You won't be making any decisions here anyway.

[karlbenz]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Download the catalog. https://www.oldairproducts.com/articles/pdfcatalog
Around page nine it shows the various exits. And on page 31 or so our series trucks. Also on Monday you can call them to be sure. You won't be making any decisions here anyway.

Nice, Thanks for the link

and here it is https://www.oldairproducts.com/produ...defrost-system

[Accelo]

Does OldAir have provisions for outside air inlet?
I noticed it mounts in the engine compartment and allows you to keep the glove box.

Vintage Air only used recirculated cabin air. No fresh air option like the factory system.
It mounts under the dash and makes everything very tight under there. Glovebox is only good for a few papers after the air box is installed.

[The Rocknrod]

No, mine doesnt.