A/C options - 81 C10 Non A/C cab (LS Swap in progress)

[shawn57nomad]

Need real world suggestions on the 3 companies - Vintage Air, Old Air Products, and Classic Auto Air.

I am going to add A/C to our 81 C10 while I'm doing the LS swap and floorplans.

I assume from the web searches and all of the YouTube University certifications I have acquired to date, that Vintage Air is the most available and used.

What's the overall consensus? I want A/C and don't care about Bluetooth and Apps, but serviceability and longevity.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[dusterdude]

You could also consider a12 volt system too

 

[shawn57nomad]

You could also consider a12 volt system too

That's new. Please explain.

 

[Sad Sack]

They require lots a juice…
For example:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCZN35HD/

 

[CountKrunk]

Another option is making the system up yourself based on the sanden compressor.

I already priced that out for my crew cab. It was cheaper than vintage air for the same stuff plus separate rear heat/air controls and vents.

 

[Ricko1966]

I'd build my own engine driven system with OE parts. But here's a guy who did electric, saw the downfalls and figured out the upgrades.

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[CheemsK1500]

Does the truck in question have factory AC? If it does, you might be better off just making the ac refrigerant lines to work with whatever compressor is on the LS engine, and using vacuum ports on the engine or external vacuum pump to operate the controls. Doing it like this guarantees the best parts support. If the truck started life as a heat only, then just buy a complete AC kit or remove the entire AC system out of a factory AC donor truck minus the compressor.