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.

 

[shawn57nomad]

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.

It is a Heat Only cab originally. Looks like the 12 volt AC is out. I'm not sure if I can find all the components to add the factory parts for A/C, as I'm not home enough to scrounge the wrecking yards. Ideas on how to find the parts I need? I had considered a complete kit.

I am in the process of LS swapping an L76 6.0 from our 2008 Avalanche currently. It does have the compressor intact and functional

Is there a cost difference in adding Factory A/C versus aftermarket? Vintage Air is around $2200. .

 

[CheemsK1500]

It is a Heat Only cab originally. Looks like the 12 volt AC is out. I'm not sure if I can find all the components to add the factory parts for A/C, as I'm not home enough to scrounge the wrecking yards. Ideas on how to find the parts I need? I had considered a complete kit.

I am in the process of LS swapping an L76 6.0 from our 2008 Avalanche currently. It does have the compressor intact and functional

Is there a cost difference in adding Factory A/C versus aftermarket? Vintage Air is around $2200. .

There’s really no easier way to get the OE style AC parts, than to find or buy a truck a that already has them and take what you need. However, there’s not too much AC specific parts you need to acquire, and a lot of them can be purchased new. Off the top of my head, the 81-91 square body specific parts you’re going to need are an entire HVAC box, Heat/AC dash board control module, dash pad trim and vents, the behind dash duct work, the instrument bezel AC vents, AC specific kick panels and lower vent, an evaporator core, and dryer. Things like refrigerant lines and vacuum lines, you’ll have to make yourself or send someone else the details to make them for you, since the compressor, condenser (if you use a condenser out of a newer truck), and vacuum port locations are going to be different with the LS.

The cost difference between converting to OE style air conditioning vs an aftermarket kit will depend how you source the OE style parts. I’d wager you can do it for a lot less than $2200 though. I’d recommend posting a “want to buy” ad on this website, and see if anyone wants to sell you some salvaged AC components. There’s plenty of rust buckets that still have good HVAC boxes and control boards in them.

 

[Finkaire]

I am in agreement with CheemsK15, no sense in messing with the compressor and the mount at least. Nothing compares with OE parts!

 

[shawn57nomad]

There’s really no easier way to get the OE style AC parts, than to find or buy a truck a that already has them and take what you need. However, there’s not too much AC specific parts you need to acquire, and a lot of them can be purchased new. Off the top of my head, the 81-91 square body specific parts you’re going to need are an entire HVAC box, Heat/AC dash board control module, dash pad trim and vents, the behind dash duct work, the instrument bezel AC vents, AC specific kick panels and lower vent, an evaporator core, and dryer. Things like refrigerant lines and vacuum lines, you’ll have to make yourself or send someone else the details to make them for you, since the compressor, condenser (if you use a condenser out of a newer truck), and vacuum port locations are going to be different with the LS.

The cost difference between converting to OE style air conditioning vs an aftermarket kit will depend how you source the OE style parts. I’d wager you can do it for a lot less than $2200 though. I’d recommend posting a “want to buy” ad on this website, and see if anyone wants to sell you some salvaged AC components. There’s plenty of rust buckets that still have good HVAC boxes and control boards in them.

Oh man that's awesome information! I'll probably have to ask as you mentioned.

 

[CheemsK1500]

If you commit to an OE style setup, I recommend looking at some schematics and diagrams before you start making purchases to make sure you don't miss anything. The parts list in my earlier post covers the majority of it, but be sure to look at the various diagrams to make sure you do not miss any of the "little" things.

 

[ali_c20]

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.

I installed a Vintage Air direct fit system in my wife's 69 Mustang a few years ago. Install was a breeze, all required parts were in the kit. Cools and heats great.

 

[Kwik Wayne]

Here's another option. I have an 81 C10 with no factory AC. Instead of ripping out the heater and replacing all that with OEM parts of dubious condition or a complete aftermarket system, I'm looking at adding an old-school under-dash unit. Vintage Air still offers the old Mark IV cool-only unit for $450. I'll still need a condenser, compressor and bracket but the installation should be a bunch easier since I'll be leaving the heat and defrost in place. My calculations show a total cost of about $1000 less than something like a VA SureFit system.