AC system recommendations

[Blue Boy]

Any thoughts on which ac system is better? Vintage air or classic auto air? Another option? There was only an ARA unit in it before and when I stripped the truck out I threw that POS as far as I could! (cold air out of only the middle vent) Now that I am gonna upgrade and need a complete system I was looking for some experiences that you folks have had with both before I pull the trigger on a unit. Live in the desert so I hope they work better than that old unit Any info is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[dd1990]

I followed the write up I found on this forum and just upgraded my system with sanden compressor, dirty dingo bracket, new belt, new style condenser and new hoses. I went this route because I have a suburban with rear ac and the aftermarket kits dont work with my rear ac especially because their compressors are smaller.

link below for the sanden conversion forum post

R4 to Sanden whith stock ac lines(for serpantine)

Went ahead with a sanden change out on my suburban. Kept original lines by picking up a sanden unit with rear line mount and adding inline #8 discharge adapter. I will get part numbers and drawing for adapter plates posted on monday. The pulley on the compressor has extra ribs, but it does not...

www.gmsquarebody.com

 

[Blue Boy]

Thanks but I already have the compressor. Got it with the march pulley set up. But i dont have any of the hivac parts. That's why i was thinking of a complete system vs piecing together a system from old parts. See what you mean with rear ac. Done quite a few 134 conversions but out here when it gets 115 deg and up it only they only blow coolish air. The evap and condensers are too small for 134 and the lower heat transfer it has vs r12

 

[Blue Boy]

The more I look the more i am leaning vintage. Looked at the controls and like how the compressor is off on heat.

 

[kkgp81]

I have done 3 Vintage air systems and zero complaints.

 

[CalSgt]

I cant speak to the daily operation of the vintage air system because my truck is still not finished but the install was straight forward

 

[SquareRoot]

Hi Mike in the desert. It's Mike here in the desert. At the moment it's 95 outside and feels like hell has come early. Anyhoo, I put V/A in my 85 K20. I like it, it's a good, simple system. It does the job well 80% of the time. It will maintain a 40 degree difference from the outside air. The problem is, when it's 115 here that 40 degrees doesn't feel like much. If I had to do it over again, I would build a hybrid system using the OEM evaporator/box, Sanden Compressor and the biggest crossflow condenser I could find. But, outside the 4-5 months of hell, I mean summer, here in AZ it works great.

 

[Blue Boy]

Hi Mike in the desert. It's Mike here in the desert. At the moment it's 95 outside and feels like hell has come early. Anyhoo, I put V/A in my 85 K20. I like it, it's a good, simple system. It does the job well 80% of the time. It will maintain a 40 degree difference from the outside air. The problem is, when it's 115 here that 40 degrees doesn't feel like much. If I had to do it over again, I would build a hybrid system using the OEM evaporator/box, Sanden Compressor and the biggest crossflow condenser I could find. But, outside the 4-5 months of hell, I mean summer, here in AZ it works great.

Yep i know about the heat too! Im in the colorado river area and am VERY familliar with those months. Since its not gonna be my daily driver I think im going with the vintage unit. Thanks all for your input!