Missing A/C components

[hondarider188]

Ok so i have  1983 chevy k10 with the 5.7L engine and the previous owner took out the old compressor and the lines for it and recently i have gotten new lines for the compressor and the kit to convert it to the r134, but now all i need is the compressor and i think the brackets for it but im not sure so if someone could post some pictures of their system i would really appreciate it so i can see what i still need. Also im not sure what type of compressor i need. I have seen some with the axial and the radial style. and when look here http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/A!s!C+Compressor/02645/C0354.oap?year=1983&make=Chevrolet&model=K10%2BPickup%2B4WD&vi=1299315  and the description says the axial style is A6 and the radial is R4 and i dont understand what that means so help please. Thanks You (and pictures if you can).

[hondarider188]

Anyone?  And I think I need the radial style but I just want to be sure on which one before I order it.

[Irish_Alley]

does this help?

[Jason S]

All I have to offer for examples are A6 (Axial 6-piston) compressors on 70's trucks...  The compressor your truck had is more than likely the R4 (radial 4-piston) compressor. 

If you have to start from scratch on the compressor and have to hunt for brackets, it may be a good time to go with a Sanden style compressor.  This is a style of compressor that doesn't use much engine power to operate, but in most cases would require different brackets and modification of hoses.

This is an example of the A6 compressor on a '74 Chevy K10 with a 350. 


Here is an image of the R4 installed on a '89 Chevy Blazer that CaptKaos (site administrator) has. 

More about the Blazer here:http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,15648.30.html

70's trucks had their compressor on the driver's side of the engine compartment; so even if your truck had the A6, it would've been on the passenger side of the engine.  Late 80's trucks, if I remember correctly, had some differences with bracketry versus early 80's trucks.   Being that it is Summer and Independence Day and so forth, others should be able to post 80's setups as time allows.

[hondarider188]

ok thanks that does help alot. i think you are right that i need a radial compressor. and plus i already bought the lines from a salvage yard that are still in really good shape and the compressor hooked to it was radial. but i mainly just wanted to make sure i get the right compressor. and plus through my work i can get brand new compressors either the R4 or the A6 at cost which is still cheaper that getting a rebuilt one. but what is sanden style that you mentioned

[Captkaos]

A Gas motor will have a R4 like on my Blazer.  You can put anything on there though if you have the brackets for it.  You technically can pull the serpentine system off a newer truck with its current AC and as long as you can get some lines it will work.

[hondarider188]

yeah capt. i did think about getting a new style of compressor that was made for the r134 but they use a serpentine belt like you mentioned but how would that work on a V belt system?

[Captkaos]

I was saying removing the serpentine setup and put it on yours.

[hondarider188]

ok so just to clarify switch out the serpentine pully and put on a V style. If thats right then my only issue is i don't have another pully or clutch but at the same time thats what salvage yards are for. I dont know though I might just get me an r4 and call it good, it will still blow cold air and thats all i want out of it.

[Captkaos]

I think we are getting off topic.
The simplest solution would be to get the compressor that your vehicle calls for and put it on.

[Irish_Alley]

this is off your topic but the same topic ;-) my 94 chevy blows really cold while my 04 impala is just cold. make sense? if i do put air in one of my trucks i will be getting a system made for 134a like my 94 not retrofit a r4 for 134a.

[hondarider188]

ya i think i will go with the original compressor. so thanks for the help guys but i think i might wait until next summer to get it. i dont know though im still trying to decide since after next month it will start to cool down here and im trying to put all the extra $ into the body work and try to have it painted before winter comes. we'll see how it goes i guess