Chrome air conditioning system

[ITSANSS]

1985 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
350c.i. engine
TH700R4 transmission

Vehicle has a Harrison 010452 air conditioning compressor on it now, which is the short, compact air compressor.  Would like to get a chrome one, but haven't seen any that are short and compact, just the old style long compressors.  I don't mind this look, but will getting a long one affect the belt routing, etc.?  I imagine there will be different brackets that may or may not come with a new compressor. 

Also, is there such a kit that comes with compressor, accumulator, and hoses?
The chrome compressors I have seen are all around $300, however I have seen a couple that are $150.  Will I get what I pay for if I went for the cheaper one?

On a side note, this pick-up is getting a new (rebuilt) engine and new accessories, etc. very soon.  Would like to pretty it up a bit in the process.  :-)

Thanks!!!


P.S.  This vehicle is still using Refrigerant 12, but has never held a charge for very long and has never been a very efficient A/C system when charged.  Plan to switch to R-134a in the engine swap process.

[VileZambonie]

Yes retrofit it

http://www.hotrodair.com/

http://www.vintageair.com/

[ITSANSS]

Does it need to be a completely new system to convert to R-134a?  I was thinking someone told me, several years back, that it just needed different o-rings and all the old oil and refrigerant sucked out and new stuff put in.  Is that not the case?  I really wasn't planning on a $1,000 A/C retrofit.   

[VileZambonie]

Well you don't need a $1,000 retrofit But you said you wanted all the hoses, a chrome compressor, acummulator so if you're going to do that much why not go for the gusto? If the cost is a factor, just flush the system with Nitrogen and replace the acuumulator. Fill your new compressor with the correct amount of oil. Vacuum the system for at least 30 minutes. Top off the oil you removed during evacuation and charge it.

Summit sells Chrome compressors

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Cooling-Heating/Part-Type/Air-Conditioning-Compressors/?keyword=compressor