Question about vintage air

[79 red sled]

I’m building a 1979 k10. It’s a non factory A/C truck and I want to put a vintage air system in it. My truck has two manual air vents by the kick panel. I noticed that the trucks with factory A/C doesn’t have that. Do I need to replace those panels or can I keep the air vents?

 

[eskimomann209]

@78C10BigTen
Omg he asked a VA question!!! Post the video! Post it post it posit it! Woooooooo

Those vents are still there. They’re just controlled by a vacuum to open and close the door on the passenger side. But there isn’t one in the driver side. I don’t think VA uses then at all. But they’re cool to have still.

 

[78C10BigTen]

@78C10BigTen
Omg he asked a VA question!!! Post the video! Post it post it posit it! Woooooooo

Those vents are still there. They’re just controlled by a vacuum to open and close the door on the passenger side. But there isn’t one in the driver side. I don’t think VA uses then at all. But they’re cool to have still.

I will on my break when i have a minute

 

[TubeTruck]

I want to see this video now lol

 

[79 red sled]

Ok so I need to order new vent panels for both sides because the ones I have are in bad shape but the passenger side gets the air vent baffle that replaces The manual vent? I’m ordering it from LMC if that makes a difference

 

[Craig 85]

You can keep the vents. VA kits draw air from inside the cab. On factory A/C trucks the right vent is used to switch between fresh air on all modes, but Max A/C which recirculates air.

The vent doors from LMC are for non-A/C trucks only. The tabs welded on them are incorrect for an A/C truck.

Here's the install instruction for the Sure Fit Series.
https://www.vintageair.com/instructions_pdf/751175.pdf

 

[eskimomann209]

I used the Usa1 vents. I put them in the Resto sound panels. I felt the fit ok

 

[78C10BigTen]

@eskimomann209 Skip to 6:30 unless you want to see the nascar exhaust they put on it.

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[79 red sled]

Ok thanks a lot guys hopefully everything goes smoothly.

 

[eskimomann209]

Ok thanks a lot guys hopefully everything goes smoothly.

I helped some kid in my neck of the woods install a 4 link. He said the VA kit kicked his ass. Had a hell of a time getting the evaporator into position. I asked him if he unbolted the lower sides of the dash and he said he didn’t. I dunno if that’s recommended in the instructions. But I’d think it should help

 

[bluex]

I left my floor vents in. The pass side one when open will blow air directly on the case of the VA unit an then redirect it straight into your face. The Dr side one is still very useful but make sure your floor is clean if your going to use the passenger side one lol.

 

[bluex]

I helped some kid in my neck of the woods install a 4 link. He said the VA kit kicked his ass. Had a hell of a time getting the evaporator into position. I asked him if he unbolted the lower sides of the dash and he said he didn’t. I dunno if that’s recommended in the instructions. But I’d think it should help

I didn't have very much trouble with it. I put it in without moving the metal part of the dash but I did have the pad off. I had my 8 y/o start the screws on the firewall side while I did the ones inside. It was tricky but not really a big deal.

 

[MikeB]

Kick panel vents aren't affected if you get the kit for non A/C trucks. I would sure shop around. But no matter who you buy from, V/A will give you great tech support.

 

[roundhouse]

We got our VA kit from Rutters Rod Shop in NC

Also the instructions for installing the evaporator are total garbage

We did not use the spacers that come with the kit

And just leave all the bolts loose for the bracket that bolts to the evap core
And Install it and then find a way to tighten them
It’s a pain , but it’s doable

If you tighten them first , you will never get them lined up with the holes on the firewall

Just get the block off panels for the vents
Once you have ice cold AC you won’t miss em

It’s a good kit , going to add one in our 65 falcon wagon

 

[clendon1]

When I installed VA in my '76 I kept the manual vent on the drivers side and used the block off on the pass side, I believe it came in the kit.