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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: LTZ C20 on May 04, 2014, 06:43:16 pm

Title: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 04, 2014, 06:43:16 pm

When I put a new engine in my 79 C20, I used the serpentine bracket from a 95 Chevy 1500 with a 350. I have to say I am SO happy I did that. Serpentine is great, especially with electric fans.

My problem now is, my truck came with factory A/C. I have the 2 condenser in/out lines on the drivers side of the radiator and the dryer on the right, as normal.

Does anyone know of a kit or place or something that sells/makes A/C lines for this setup. I'm sure I'm not the only person that has done this modification before, I'm sure a few members on here have done it before too.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: mdethlefs on May 04, 2014, 06:59:17 pm

the lines from a 81-84 inline six worked for me. On the six the a/c compressor is on the pass. side

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 04, 2014, 11:52:22 pm

That sounds good. I will check that out. Thank you sir.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: Captkaos on May 05, 2014, 12:58:44 pm

A buddy of mine had a hydraulic hose place make him new crimped lines.. They have do it yourself fitting now, but I have never used them.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 05, 2014, 02:04:10 pm

I have heard that Napa usually does hydraulic and a/c line cutting and crimping. I wouldn't know where to get the flanges that bolt to the compressor and the fitting ends for the hard lines tho.  I'm gonna do a little research on the 81-84 inline six idea that Mdethlefs said.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 05, 2014, 07:58:16 pm

Hey Mdethlefs, would you mind posting some pics of your setup? Also some info like part numbers and such. That would be much appreciated.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on May 05, 2014, 09:23:24 pm

If the compressor is moved to the passenger side, does the condenser get flipped around so the 2 hoses are also on the passenger side? I was looking at my 77 just the other day and thought about doing this very thing.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 12:10:48 am

Not nesacelery, I did not flip the condenser. In fact, the lower line that goes from the bottom of the evaporator box to one of the lines on the condenser is still in place, in it's factory position over the radiator. What I need is the hose unit that goes from the back of the compressor to the dryer and from the back of the compressor to the other pipe of the condenser.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on May 06, 2014, 12:34:36 am

ok. I want to find a way to get all the hoses over on the passenger side along with the compressor. I just think it would look a lot cleaner

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 09:59:13 am

It does! I'll post a pic. I do t have the compressor yet, so there's a bypass pulley in it place but it looks oh so clean. I had the serpentine brackets powder coated satin black.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on May 06, 2014, 12:14:12 pm

Please do post pics. I hadn't thought about a serpentine belt set up before, but it sounds like the way to go. Could you also list what some of the parts are off of?
Looks like I'll be heading off to the wrecking yard soon. lol

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: Captkaos on May 06, 2014, 09:21:50 pm

This is the factory setup on my 1990 Suburban:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/Suburban/Burb-27.jpg)

Same compressor and lines on my R10 with the LS conversion...
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/87R10-Driver/R10drvr_143.jpg)

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 10:04:42 pm

Cool thanks Capt.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 10:08:53 pm

Here you go Badaz.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 10:09:36 pm

Next one

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 10:10:24 pm

Next.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 06, 2014, 10:11:13 pm

Last one

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on May 06, 2014, 11:41:34 pm

Awesome job, LTZ C20. I like the look, and the space, the serpentine belt set up gives you.
Now, You said both the in & out hoses on the condenser are on the drivers side top. Same as my 77. What I want to do is rotate the condenser horizontally so the fittings for those hoses are now on the passenger side top and re-bend, or remake,  the tubes so they come out in front of the compressor. That way there's no hoses crossing in front of the motor. Everything A/C related would be on the passenger side.
Unless I'm missing something, I don't see why that wouldn't work.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 07, 2014, 12:44:08 am

Thank you very much! Yea I really love it. Was goin for that old school muscle look but with modern reliability. Plus, to change the ONE belt is like a 1 minute job. As opposed to 30 min with THREE belts. I will post better pics when the a/c is done, my dual snorkel air cleaner is built and I wash the engine bay. Right now it's dustier then the Beverly hillbillies truck.

When you flip the condenser, keep in mind this. The pipes that are on the radiator side are only cross over pipes. The condenser in/out pipes stop directly before crossing thru sheet metal.

There might be a way, to re-attach or re-orient those crossover pipes so they point out on the right side of the radiator. Because I believe if you flip them now as-is, they will point out the front of the grille and passing tow trucks will think it's a jumper cable attachment. Haha. :P

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on May 07, 2014, 12:54:30 am

Ya, pointing out the grill wouldn't be good. lol. My plan is to re-bend, or remake, those cross over lines so they point back at the engine. But now they would be on the passenger side.

Title: Re: Special A/C lines
Post by: LTZ C20 on May 07, 2014, 01:52:32 pm

That sounds like a good plan.