Airconditioning LS swap, 85 to 78 front end swap ???

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Backyard

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Nathan
Truck Year
1985
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C20
Engine Size
6.0
Hello new here

I'll jump right in to it. I have a 1985 chevy truck 2wd restomod. I have drove in a 6.0 ls and a nv4500.

I have relocated the Ac pump with ict billet bracket old style pump can't remember the part# I have swapped the front end to the 1978 and used the 78 condenser. The ict billett located the pump on the pasanger side and the line out of the condenser on the driver side. the 85 ac lines are not the correct length and will not work.

Has any one ran in to this simular swap. If so what did you use to make it all come together and is their any other details that I should know.

Thanks
 

Backyard

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Clip bolts up. You need the older wiper post assembly and the rear bump stops from the earlier cab
 

Backyard

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When I did the front end swap I found that the top fender mounting tabs did not lign up I will likely extend the tabs. The pic of me holding the bolt sits inside the hole in thehood " not a bump stop. The cowl vent from the 78 simply clips in to existing holes. You will need the older wiper arm and post assembly because the posts are shorter to clear the hood. I did have to drill an additional hole for the post. I used the 81-87 body mounts. I did have some alignment issues. I made 1/8 inch flat bar as a shim on the cab. Not sure if this is nessary on all trucks may have been just general alignment issues for me. All and all wasn't that much of an issue.
 

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Backyard

Member
Joined
May 28, 2023
Posts
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Location
Ontario
First Name
Nathan
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
6.0
1/8 cab spacers
 

SquareRoot

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Buy the correct fittings and hose from Vintage Air. Mock them up, index the fittings and take it to a local hydraulic shop for crimping. That's what I did with my 85.
 
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