Factory A/C Conversion for '86

[crooney1189]

So a little background info on the truck:

Although from the factory it was a non-a/c truck, someone before us did add an aftermarket a/c kit, which looks to be something like you'd order out of a JC Whitney catalog back in the day. I haven't driven the truck in probably 12+ years (we traded it away, I bought it back a few years later after spotting it in someone's yard while driving through town, then it sat for several years in my possession, and now I'm able to get it back on the road), but I do remember the a/c didn't quite keep up that well. It worked, and it was better than nothing, but it wasn't great. My hope was to find all of the factory components and install them, and run them off the LS compressor as part of the swap.

I don't really want to spend the money that the VA system would cost, and if I can't find the complete factory a/c setup and make that work I'll try and get the aftermarket kit on there working and just use that. Although I'm not sure where to even get replacement parts at this point, and like I mentioned, the truck has been off the road for a bunch of years at this point. My hesitation was spending the money on custom lines and all that to attach to the aftermarket kit on there now, and finding out it either no longer works, or just works pretty poorly.

To further complicate things, I'm trying to have the truck done, driving, and roadtrip-worthy to take the it on Power Tour in June, which is already a lofty goal with my schedule and time available. Pictures attached of the current aftermarket a/c kit on the truck.

 

[RustyPile]

Ummm. I have the surefit system and it's not universal. I ordered it online. The only "custom" thing was indexing the fittings on the hoses when crimping to avoid tension.

Read my post again -- the one you quoted.. I did not say it is universal.. On the contrary. I specifically stated it is NOT universal.. And yes, they are somewhat customized. I put the word customized in italics to indicate the system is not full blown custom.. They units can be "customized" by adding or substituting certain optional items, depending on the individual goals, tastes, and needs of a particular installation..

Just how many of the V/A units have you installed?? If your intent is to start a debate or, Heaven forbid, an argument concerning the attributes of Vintage Air products, trust me Ummmm, SquareRoot, you've chosen the wrong candidate..

 

[SquareRoot]

Read my post again -- the one you quoted.. I did not say it is universal.. On the contrary. I specifically stated it is NOT universal.. And yes, they are somewhat customized. I put the word customized in italics to indicate the system is not full blown custom.. They units can be "customized" by adding or substituting certain optional items, depending on the individual goals, tastes, and needs of a particular installation..

Just how many of the V/A units have you installed?? If your intent is to start a debate or, Heaven forbid, an argument concerning the attributes of Vintage Air products, trust me Ummmm, SquareRoot, you've chosen the wrong candidate..

Fair enough, I'll meet you in the middle. 3 to be exact. What's your beef with VA? If I do want to argue why are you the wrong candidate? Are you a Jake Paul or Chuck Norris in disguise?

 

[RustyPile]

So a little background info on the truck:

Although from the factory it was a non-a/c truck, someone before us did add an aftermarket a/c kit, which looks to be something like you'd order out of a JC Whitney catalog back in the day. I haven't driven the truck in probably 12+ years (we traded it away, I bought it back a few years later after spotting it in someone's yard while driving through town, then it sat for several years in my possession, and now I'm able to get it back on the road), but I do remember the a/c didn't quite keep up that well. It worked, and it was better than nothing, but it wasn't great. My hope was to find all of the factory components and install them, and run them off the LS compressor as part of the swap.

I don't really want to spend the money that the VA system would cost, and if I can't find the complete factory a/c setup and make that work I'll try and get the aftermarket kit on there working and just use that. Although I'm not sure where to even get replacement parts at this point, and like I mentioned, the truck has been off the road for a bunch of years at this point. My hesitation was spending the money on custom lines and all that to attach to the aftermarket kit on there now, and finding out it either no longer works, or just works pretty poorly.

To further complicate things, I'm trying to have the truck done, driving, and roadtrip-worthy to take the it on Power Tour in June, which is already a lofty goal with my schedule and time available. Pictures attached of the current aftermarket a/c kit on the truck.

I tend to agree with it being an aftermarket unit, not one I am familiar with.. My guess is it now obsolete and quite possibly parts are no longer available.. Those Vintage Air units have gone up in price drastically in the past year.. Post covid, they were approximately $1400- $1500.. Today they are over $2,000... Here's the thing about going with original factory pieces.. You won't have a big problem locating parts.. One or 2 donor trucks and you'll probably have everything you'll need.. Here's the drawback.. You cannot (re)use the accumulator/drier, a new one is required.. Same thing goes for the hoses.. It would be extremely risky to (re)use an "elderly" evaporator. They are prone to leak with age.. I can't count the number of 3 - 4 year old evaporators I've replaced. The condenser is also prone to leak with age.. You will save some money -----but for the most part ---- you'll have a 40 something year old AC unit...

 

[RustyPile]

Fair enough, I'll meet you in the middle. 3 to be exact. What's your beef with VA? If I do want to argue why are you the wrong candidate? Are you a Jake Paul or Chuck Norris in disguise?

SquareRoot, you are totally misunderstanding my words.. I am OH SO PRO Vintage air products.. I've installed a number of them and, when properly done, they work flawlessly.. I do not have a beef with their products.. I'm trying to convenience crooney1189 that even though they are expensive, it's the better route he should take over some 40 year old second hand pieces..

I'm not a "Chuck Norris" or any other type of badass.. I'm an experienced technician with over 35 years working the field.. You want to debate AC systems with me, you are most likely not armed enough..

 

[Doppleganger]

The time to buy a VA unit is October as dealers dont want all that coin taking up shelf space over the winter. When I got mine, avg price was $1400. I got it for $1000 even with add-on pressure switches and a fancier control head.

That doesn't help you for FL in June.....but just saying.

 

[SquareRoot]

SquareRoot, you are totally misunderstanding my words.. I am OH SO PRO Vintage air products.. I've installed a number of them and, when properly done, they work flawlessly.. I do not have a beef with their products.. I'm trying to convenience crooney1189 that even though they are expensive, it's the better route he should take over some 40 year old second hand pieces..

I'm not a "Chuck Norris" or any other type of badass.. I'm an experienced technician with over 35 years working the field.. You want to debate AC systems with me, you are most likely not armed enough..

We're good. Maybe my brain just suffered a neuron misfire reading your post. If you're for VA, I like you. I respect your experience. I also have a robust background in AC systems. It gets hot here you know? Oh wait, your in Texas, you probably know. Sorry if I sounded like a knuckle head. Carry on

 

[RustyPile]

We're good. Maybe my brain just suffered a neuron misfire reading your post. If you're for VA, I like you. I respect your experience. I also have a robust background in AC systems. It gets hot here you know? Oh wait, your in Texas, you probably know. Sorry if I sounded like a knuckle head. Carry on

I accept your apology fully.. We all make mistakes, especially when deciphering written words... Emotion and intent often gets lost... I consider this subject closed and forgotten...

 

[AuroraGirl]

I accept your apology fully.. We all make mistakes, especially when deciphering written words... Emotion and intent often gets lost... I consider this subject closed and forgotten...

speak for yourself, Ive never ONCE made a mistake EVER and will continue to be RIGHT FOREVER.

Jk lol

 

[RustyPile]

speak for yourself, Ive never ONCE made a mistake EVER and will continue to be RIGHT FOREVER.

Jk lol

Taylor, you sound just like Sheldon Cooper

 

[SquareRoot]

speak for yourself, Ive never ONCE made a mistake EVER and will continue to be RIGHT FOREVER.

Jk lol

 

[crooney1189]

I tend to agree with it being an aftermarket unit, not one I am familiar with.. My guess is it now obsolete and quite possibly parts are no longer available.. Those Vintage Air units have gone up in price drastically in the past year.. Post covid, they were approximately $1400- $1500.. Today they are over $2,000... Here's the thing about going with original factory pieces.. You won't have a big problem locating parts.. One or 2 donor trucks and you'll probably have everything you'll need.. Here's the drawback.. You cannot (re)use the accumulator/drier, a new one is required.. Same thing goes for the hoses.. It would be extremely risky to (re)use an "elderly" evaporator. They are prone to leak with age.. I can't count the number of 3 - 4 year old evaporators I've replaced. The condenser is also prone to leak with age.. You will save some money -----but for the most part ---- you'll have a 40 something year old AC unit...

So more than anything I need the housings, and the diverter blades and all of the miscellaneous parts and pieces that go with them, as well as the control unit and any associated wiring. Most of the "guts" and wearable parts I would be replacing with new, and for a little over $200 on Rockauto (quick examples selected below, not exact) I can have the bulk of them. The lines would be custom anyway since they'd have to go from the LS compressor to the C10 drier and condenser. I've had success in the past going to a local hydraulic shop with a mockup of what I need in terms of line length and fitting orientation and having them crimp it for me, so that's likely what I'd look to do again. And I have the a/c compressor from the donor, which was a truck I owned and drove and know the a/c worked well on.

If I could have a working factory style a/c for under $500 or so, I would be very happy.

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[Craig 85]

My truck has factory A/C (originally A6 compressor) and due to the fact before I bought it, it sat parked for 10 years baking in the Central California sun. I replaced just about every part in the system. I added a Sanden compressor and custom lines. It works great. I've had a couple aftermarket systems over the years (last one was almost 30 years ago). My '80 C20 3+3 had a unit specifically designed for it. It had 4 dash vent just like the factory ones.

My preference is OEM A/C products over the aftermarket, even Vintage Air. Last spring helped a friend install a VA servo style into in his 1962 Belair Wagon. I don't like the added fan noise in the cabin and although it blows cold air at the vents, it doesn't seem to cool as well as an OEM unit. I will say the VA would probably be easier to install than adding factory air to a non-A/C truck. The firewall is different. You cost will probably be similar. I had to buy a complete NOS control unit for my truck as the vacuum valve on it has not been available in years. It used to be about $200, now it's closer to $300.

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OEM A/C Firewall

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[kkgp81]

I’ve got an 86 coming up on year 2 of running. I bought it in pieces vs the kit. We set it up to use an R4 and have had zero issues or complaints. My current build is getting the same treatment.

 

[Finkaire]

Using the LS compressor and brackets only makes sence.
If you are going to use the OE accumulator/evaporator system you will need to use the OE condenser for the orifice tube. Anytime that you use OE parts from that era and plan on using 134a refrigerant you must use an ester oil, Pag oil is a corrosive and will take out your evaporator.
Best of luck to you!