ARA manufactured A/C

[shawn57nomad]

Hello all! I've got a new to me 71 C10 250 NP440 truck with add-on air conditioning. I'm wondering if parts are available in the event it does need repair? It's got a fabbed bracket for the Sanden 509 compressor, as I'm sure the up fit one was broken long ago since it's install in 1983 (have the paperwork from the Texas install). It does work and is very cool, but the ducts will need some love later.

 

[Edelbrock]

....

 

[edgephoto]

Typically those old "dealer installed" A/C systems used generic off the shelf parts. You can see even the hoses are made from parts using hose clamps instead of crimped fittings. You already know what compressor you have. The receiver-dryer is a standard unit but you may have to look at dimensions in a catalog to figure out which one you would need. The expansion valve will be for R134a instead of R12 now and you just need to get the bulb length close and the fitting sizes. The condensor will be based on dimensions and fittings. The hardest thing will be the evaporator. Again, just need to find it by dimension.

 

[fast 99]

If originally R12 hoses are not compatible with 134A. You will need barrier hose, should be replaced anyway just because of age. Those were decent systems and worked well provided any needed parts are located.

 

[Doppleganger]

Thats the system mine came with. Every posting I found online about it was that even when it worked, it didnt work. Never got very cold. IIRC the company is out of business and someone bought up all the spares (years ago).

I have a few pieces parts from it if there's something specific you need - if I have it, its yours.

 

[shawn57nomad]

Thanks all! I'll do that edgephoto.

The system has been retrofitted and does blow cold for now. I'll have it all out in the coming months for some repairs and such.

Doppelganger, what parts do you have?

 

[Doppleganger]

Thanks all! I'll do that edgephoto.

The system has been retrofitted and does blow cold for now. I'll have it all out in the coming months for some repairs and such.

Doppelganger, what parts do you have?

I think I have the duct work, vents and gauge bezel (with the cutouts for the vents). I suppose if I saw what you needed I'd recognize it enough to know if its here or not.

I -might- even have the main box - not sure.

 

[shawn57nomad]

I think I have the duct work, vents and gauge bezel (with the cutouts for the vents). I suppose if I saw what you needed I'd recognize it enough to know if its here or not.

I -might- even have the main box - not sure.

Would you have pictures of the components? I'm currently away for a few weeks. It's tucked away in the garage til I return.

 

[Doppleganger]

Would you have pictures of the components? I'm currently away for a few weeks. It's tucked away in the garage til I return.

I dont but will try to collect them in one spot. I removed the whole thing opting for a VA setup.

 

[shawn57nomad]

I dont but will try to collect them in one spot. I removed the whole thing opting for a VA setup.

That's really great. I appreciate it! What VA system do you recommend? Going forward maybe that's the way

 

[Doppleganger]

That's really great. I appreciate it! What VA system do you recommend? Going forward maybe that's the way

They have truck-specific kits....mine was a square "without factory AC". So far it looks pretty straight forward to install. Mine is a custom setup because of my FI, where/how it mounts, etc. I sold the Sanden compressor that came with the kit and got a different one because of how I was mounting it. There's loads of vids online of guys installing this. There is a kit for adapting a newer-better Sanden compressor to where the original GM one was. I got it and didn't need the half-moon brackets (made custom ones for mine), so might have them available too.

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[Matt69olds]

That looks like the same compressor Vintage Air uses.

Try this company for more info:

Automobile AC System | Car AC Accessories | Old Air Products

www.oldairproducts.com