Ac repair or replace

[Magic1]

Hey y'all. Been working on my 82 gmc Sierra k10 for a while and getting close to the finish line. It was stripped of all the ac hardware when I got it. No compressor, accumulator, vacuum lines, etc. I've decided since I've put so much work into redoing this truck that I wanna be able to drive it comfortably year round so I want to get ac in it. I never had a chance to ride in one of these square body chevys that had functioning factory air conditioning so I don't know how well (cold)  they were. I'm wondering how cost effective it is to try and repair/replace what I have vs getting a complete new system such as a vintage air sure fit kit.  They're around 1400$ from what I've looked at. If anyone has one of these trucks with proper working ac or has done a vintage air system in their's, I'd love to hear about any advice you have or can give on the pros and cons of either. Thanks

[LTZ C20]

The systems in these trucks, when working properly, work very well. My friend has a 79 GMC High Sierra K25, all factory a/c, blows ice cubes. I have a 73 Chevy Cheyenne C20, all a/c parts in dash are factory, lines and compressor are newer because of the serpentine system I put on, those parts are from a 95 chevy adapted to my system, blows so cold I have to turn it down after 10 min.

As long as it's done right and proper, you should be very pleased.

[Magic1]

Thanks buddy. Now for the million dollar question. Lol. Wonder if I can buy all the parts needed such as compressor, condenser, evaporator, dryer and such and install it myself for much under the price of a modern day full ac kit?

[fxrsrider]

This is a ballpark estimate/comparison that I came up with about a month ago for my '75 C10.  Link to the post is below.

Restore & Upgrade to R134a:
(figures include tax and shipping or cost of gas for will call)
Condenser, Drier, Drier/Accumulator Tube: $125
Hoses (x3): $240
Evaporator: $125
Controller: $80
Sanden Compressor: $225
Switches & Sensors: $ 80
Misc: $50
= $925

Aftermarket System (complete):
=$1300


Aftermarket System (partial) + purchase and install my own outsourced parts:
Aftermarket evaporator and servo package: $800
Condenser, Drier, Drier/Accumulator Tube: $125
Hoses (x3): $240
=$1165

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=30939.0

[LTZ C20]

Yes you can. There are many places that offer pretty much all the pieces you will need, including auto parts starts and resto parts companies, this site store might have some stuff and depending on what it is, you might be able to get it at a junk yard, but that's only if you need to and would be my last place to look. Things like accumulators, compressors, lines, condensers I would get new, if you need the heater cases and such, that would be good from a parts yard but only if you can find them new or used good condition such as ebay or craigslist.

Make and post a list of the parts you need, we can start to get a handle on everything needed.

[Magic1]

OK guys. Appreciate the comments and will try and get a general list together as soon as I can and add to the thread of everything I'll need.

[LTZ C20]

Cool deal

[Magic1]

Alright the best I can tell I'm gonna need everything basically under the hood. Compressor and bracket, condenser, lines etc. In the cab everything is there I believe with the exception of the vacuum lines. Whoever had this thing before me really did a number on it. I guess when something quit working they just cut and pitched. The vacuum plug on the back of the control panel is there but the line just hangs loose disconnected under the dash. Sorry if the post seems kinda vague but I think basically it's everything under hood. The accumulator is still there but if I'm gonna replace everything else I may as well swap it too.

[LTZ C20]

Well that's a good place to start. Do you have pictures, those would really help make sure you get everything you need. Replacing the accumulator is a no brainer, they dry up inside if they sit to long exposed to the open air.

[Magic1]

Pictures? Like pictures of the engine compartment? There's not too much to take pictures of. Lol. From the accumulator out there's nothing there. It's like whoever had it previously just unhooked the lines on the accumulator and pulled everything off air conditioning related and chucked it.

[LTZ C20]

Pictures? Like pictures of the engine compartment? There's not too much to take pictures of. Lol. From the accumulator out there's nothing there. It's like whoever had it previously just unhooked the lines on the accumulator and pulled everything off air conditioning related and chucked it.

Yes.

[Magic1]

At work right now. I'll try and take a few when I get in and upload them to the post.

[LTZ C20]

No problem.

[RAD77C10]

I do commercial HVAC&R for a living, make sure you have accumulator & evap. flushed well! Moisture & dirt will kill a new system! I would go with a new compressor, condenser, drier & refrigerant lines! If the accum. has been open for awhile, change that too. 

[Magic1]

Hmm. Took a few pics on my phone and tried uploading them but even trying to do it individually it says file too large.