hargdude
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: Texas
Reg: 01-18-10
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 06-16-12 07:28 AM - Post#2237780
I have a 1974 C10 I am trying to put A/C on. I added everything new last year except the condenser, evaporator core and high pressure hose which I flushed out. I want to change the condenser out to a r134a compatible condenser but can't seem to find one for a 1974. The hose come through the header panel on the driver side and everything else seems to come in on the passenger side. I really don't want to swap sides as I will have to cut holes in the header panel but the A/C isn't cooling as ell as it should.
Does anyone know what condenser will fit?
Thanks.
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Bad Bowtie
Senior Member
Posts: 4243
Age: 40
Loc: TX
Reg: 07-04-03
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 06-16-12 09:40 AM - Post#2237813
In response to hargdude
Seems like someone on here used one from a 1995 Silverado. The hose ends had to be custom made though...
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 Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13552
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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06-16-12 01:50 PM - Post#2237891
In response to Bad Bowtie
R134 requires a larger condensor than the R12 trucks do. If you can find a condensor that has about the same area (length X width) as a truck that had R134a, then that is about the size you need. Yes, there are formulas to calculate the surface area, but this is an easier way of doing it for most people.
If you can find a 84-87 truck condensor, it should bolt in. From what I remember, GM started converting over to R134a about 84 - so any truck after that should have a R134a condensor. Yes, the 84-87 condensor will fit your 74, but you might have to fabricate a few things.
You will need to use an orifice valve that is set up for use with R134a - and the A-6 Frigidaire torpedo compressor isn't really the best thing to use in a R134a system. It pumps huge volumes of R-12 through a system, and R134a systems aren't set up for that. The A-6 is also horribly inefficient, it can knock several MPG off of your fuel mileage.
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 gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 20822
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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06-17-12 05:13 AM - Post#2238141
In response to Vaughn
Wow, did a search and found nothing for a 74. You'll have to retro fit one. Which side is the compressor on? Hoses can be made to fit. I had new hoses made for $100. I relocated the compressor to the opposite side from stock. The 95 system has the compressor close to the evaporator and condensor lines. Hoses are shorter and don't go over the engine or radiator.
Here is a picture of mine with a bypass pulley installed while the compressor was off for repairs.
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS |
Edited by gchemist on 06-17-12 10:42 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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hargdude
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: Texas
Reg: 01-18-10
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06-17-12 07:25 AM - Post#2238195
In response to gchemist
Thanks for the info. The A6 compressor and the pass thru for the condenser hoses are on the left, drivers, side. I don't really want to change everything to a serpentine belt.
Which compressor is better suited for r134a?
Edited by hargdude on 06-17-12 07:26 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 20822
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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06-17-12 11:14 AM - Post#2238264
In response to hargdude
All you need are brackets for 80's compressors. The one on my truck is made for R12. However, it seems to be working fine. Even the old stock one was converted to Freeze 12. It worked the best. The guy who coverted one to R134 also made it run good. I've just had bad luck with compressors. Rebuilt ones just don't last as long. High RPMs don't help either. 
Call these guys: http://www.4s.com/4%20Seasons%20Product s-Compresso...
If anyone can find you parts to keep your current V setup they can. You may have to upgrade to 80's V-belt brackets.
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS |
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gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 20822
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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06-17-12 11:17 AM - Post#2238265
In response to gchemist
An R4 with a V belt clutch will fit later model brackets.
http://www.4s.com/Problem%20Solving%20P arts-PSP%20...
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS |
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gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 20822
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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06-17-12 11:56 AM - Post#2238277
In response to gchemist
One more idea just popped into my head. Are you good at fabrication? Actually, I think you can buy brackets. You can install a F*$D compressor!! the big one!! It's been converted into an air compressor on 4X4 trucks.
http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/brackets/bracket s101.ht...
Here is a complete conversion for a squarebody air pump: http://coloradok5.com/york.shtml
You can add it as a R134 compressor.
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS |
Edited by gchemist on 06-17-12 12:12 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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hargdude
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: Texas
Reg: 01-18-10
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06-17-12 12:42 PM - Post#2238294
In response to gchemist
Thanks to you both. I think I will check into putting an 87 model A/C into mine.
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Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13552
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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06-17-12 02:52 PM - Post#2238330
In response to hargdude
A Sanden compressor - which is the most common type of compressor around the world - will work for your system. It is also the most RELIABLE compressor, which is why it is the world's most popular compressor. You can get brackets to mount it on your truck, and they have Sanden compressors available with 1 or 2 v-belt drive.
An R-4 compressor is easy to fit because they came stock on mid 80s trucks, but they aren't as reliable as a Sanden, or even an A-6. Yes, the R-6 is easy to convert R134a, because it was designed to be - GM knew the change to R134a was coming in the 70s, so they made sure that their replacement for the A-6 was compatible with R134a. Yes, they have a nasty tendency to blow up - but if you don't mind replacing the compressor every 5 years or so (depends on how much you use it), they work OK. They are more efficient than the A-6 by a wide margin.
Ford uses a York compressor, by the way. It is horribly inefficient and the early models were prone to breakage. The most reliable York compressors are the Volvo US versions, they have a longer stroke that the 4x4 air compressor people like (it puts out more volume than the standard stroke York does).
An 87 has serpentine belts, so you might want to go with an 85 or a first run 86 to get the v-belt version.
The hoses associated with an R-12 unit are not as good as the r134a hoses with a barrier liner on later vehicles. They will have a tendency to leak down coolant - so you will have to recharge the system every couple years with R134a, because the smaller R134a molecule will tend to leak out of the R-12 hose over time.
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Brother65
Senior Member
Posts: 1137
Loc: Gainesville Missouri
Reg: 06-15-02
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06-18-12 08:25 PM - Post#2238953
In response to Vaughn
I had a 74 that I had "converted" ie fittings, flushed, and filled and it worked great. Probably better than my Lexus. It had the huge compressor on the drivers side.
Hotrodders-America's first recyclers.
78 C20 Hunting Rig/Work Truck 350 4 spd. |
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hargdude
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: Texas
Reg: 01-18-10
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06-19-12 07:17 AM - Post#2239074
In response to Vaughn
Do you know what Sanden model will work on my truck or is there a way to determine this?
Thanks
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Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13552
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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06-19-12 03:39 PM - Post#2239213
In response to hargdude
Either the 5 piston model or the 7 piston model will work.
The bracket(s) you use will determine the specific model you need.
These are a few different aftermarket big block AC brackets that are available for the Sanden compressor:
http://alangrovecomponent s.com/Big_Block_Long_Pump...
You will probably want the 122R-AC. If you buy from them have them powdercoat it black ($10 extra, it is worth the extra 10 bucks).
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hargdude
Forum Newbie
Posts: 21
Loc: Texas
Reg: 01-18-10
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07-19-12 10:42 AM - Post#2249902
In response to Vaughn
Ok If I convert to a serpentine system can I keep my current power steering pump and swap the pulley?
I just put it on about a month ago. The alternator also is about a month old.
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Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13552
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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07-19-12 02:14 PM - Post#2249969
In response to hargdude
The pump itself will probably work, but the reservoir may not, depending on the serpentine bracket system you use.
If you are using a CS series alternator, yes - but probably not if you are using a 10si or 12si. Again, this will depend on what serpentine setup you use.
If you buy a serpentine conversion kit, the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and AC compressor (an R-4) usually come with it. Like this:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-19172805/
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gchemist
Senior Chevytalk Moderator
Posts: 20822
Loc: Austin, TX 78748
Reg: 05-09-00
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07-19-12 03:50 PM - Post#2249996
In response to Vaughn
I think I remember using the stock pump with a serpentine pulley. The alternator definately has to be changed. You can find my pictures of my serpentine swap here:
I run a '08 145 amp alternator on my truck. All the extra amps run LS1 dual cooling fans, sub and amp behind the seat, and all power accessories.
'83 Silverardo XST - ZZ4 powered
'96 GMC Jimmy LS |
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