Aftermarket a/c

[rrent]

Whose done one?
What brand?
How easy was it?
How does it work?

 

[75gmck25]

Do you have a factory A/C truck that you want to fix the A/C, or do you have a non A/C truck where you want to add it? Fixing and upgrading the existing A/C is not really difficult, but there are also complete add-on A/C systems from companies like Vintage Air. Most use Sanden compressors instead of the original GM R4 or A6 compressor.

Bruce

 

[Craig 85]

I rebuilt my complete OEM system except I went with a Sanden compressor. Since I basically replaced all the OEM parts, cost was about the same as a Vintage Air system. I've had aftermarket air in two prior vehicles back in the mid 90's and I prefer the operation of an OEM system. Things have changed a lot over the years and I don't know how the new aftermarket systems perform vs. those of the past. I'm sure someone else can chime in.

Here's my set up. Blows at 40 degrees.

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[1979k10]

I installed an old air products system. The parts seem ok and I don't have any issue with the quality. My gripes and overall non recommendation to buy their system are -
Outdated instructions. Would state to see illustration 123 and it would not match with the instructions. They sent the wrong parts and it took several calls and a couple weeks to get some of the right parts.
If I didn't work in hvac and have certain tooling and supplies to make the stuff fit right with the wrong parts I would have been months trying to install that system.
Now that's its installed the heater works great ( no floor option) and the ac was blowing 29 and I spent an hour adjusting it cycle at 38-40.

 

[Gus Moore]

What is the best place order and AC system from?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[roundhouse]

We used vintage air In the 76 K10 and in the 65 Falcon wagon.
It’s a good kit , not too hard to install

We have a LS engine so was a little more expensive since we had to buy the kit to put the compressor in a different location than stock on the LS

 

[Oaasport]

I am currently installing an old air products heat/ac kit in my Chevrolet K10. Kit is awesome and cleans up the engine bay. I will agree with @1979k10 that instructions can be updated. Overall the system is a breeze to install. One day from starting to rip out old to almost finished with my install, about 6 hours. However prior owner cut firewall before me so i have to get a spacer plate made up before i can finish the install.

 

[Joshua Keith]

I rebuilt my complete OEM system except I went with a Sanden compressor. Since I basically replaced all the OEM parts, cost was about the same as a Vintage Air system. I've had aftermarket air in two prior vehicles back in the mid 90's and I prefer the operation of an OEM system. Things have changed a lot over the years and I don't know how the new aftermarket systems perform vs. those of the past. I'm sure someone else can chime in.

Here's my set up. Blows at 40 degrees.

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That’s the exact setup I’d like. I’d your oem a/c compressor brackets swap over or did you have to buy something new? Where’s you find your a/c lines?

 

[JoeR Jr]

I just installed one from Classic Auto Air. Build quality of everything except for the vents louvers was nice. Vents were a little cheesy, but not any worse than competitive systems. Nothing like OEM ones.
It blows colder than any other AC system I've ever had. I don't know how it doesn't freeze the evaporator. Installation was pretty straight forward.
If I had any complaints it would be that I wished the low blower speed was slower. Even on low the AC system freezes me out of the truck.

I bought it from MCBParts in California. Saved around $200 doing that.

Joe

 

[Craig 85]

That’s the exact setup I’d like. I’d your oem a/c compressor brackets swap over or did you have to buy something new? Where’s you find your a/c lines?

I used A/C brackets from Vintage air. On a BBC, it moves the compressor out and forward just a little (1 belt groove). I assume they did this so it would clear tall valve covers. I have an old guy nearby that has an A/C shop and is a Vintage Air dealer. He fabbed up the rubber hoses.

 

[Joshua Keith]

I rebuilt my complete OEM system except I went with a Sanden compressor. Since I basically replaced all the OEM parts, cost was about the same as a Vintage Air system. I've had aftermarket air in two prior vehicles back in the mid 90's and I prefer the operation of an OEM system. Things have changed a lot over the years and I don't know how the new aftermarket systems perform vs. those of the past. I'm sure someone else can chime in.

Here's my set up. Blows at 40 degrees.

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Did you add any oil after getting that Sanden? My Sanden came with 7.2oz.

 

[TX87R10]

Did you add any oil after getting that Sanden? My Sanden came with 7.2oz.

Most everything I read suggested turning the compressor port side down and draining all oil from it by turning the clutch by hand before adding anything to make sure you put the right amount of oil in the system.

 

[Craig 85]

Did you add any oil after getting that Sanden? My Sanden came with 7.2oz.

I only installed it on the truck. My A/C guy did the rest.