The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954 Chevy Truck A/C question

Has anyone out there custom installed an A/C system? I have a friend with a junkyard. There are hundreds of A/C units there for my taking. Can any of them be fitted in a 1954 Chevy 3100?

Just wondering if anyone knows of one that can be fitted.

I put an old york compressor with the bracket I made along with an old sears under dash unit in my 53 3100. Works great here in North Centeral Texas. I bought the condencer off E-Bay. It fit perfectly in front of the radiator and mounted to the inner fender wells. I had my hoses made at a local hose maker. From my reaserch it is exactly what sears would have put on in 1954. Allthough it was a R12 unit I used 134A and it works great, 38 degrees. My 12 volt problem was solved by installing 2-6 volt battery with a 12 volt gen and regulator. My 6 volt truck power comes off the 6 volt center tap. The batteries are in series and remaine charged with 12 volt gen. I'm an origionality nut.

welcome to the bolt Kirkwood and what Beaver says is probably true at least...........I'm an origionality nut........ I know the nut part is correct
just kidding Beav.........have a good one..

I've installed a number of j-yard salvage A/C units that functioned perfectly. However, there are some pitfalls. The early "add-on" units were the easiest and least troublesome but are not easy to find anymore. The modern units have a habit of konking out every few years so you've got the potential for clogged condensors, borderline compressors, and evaporators that have complicated controls, solenoids, and other little manufacturer specific features that can keep you perplexed.

I'm getting ready to add air to my 54...have used local auto-air sources for all the needed components on the others and will do the same for this truck. Most of the pricey "package" deals don't even address the "bracket" situation and have features I don't want or need.

There are several "online" sources for components with lots of good info on setting up a component system even if you don't use their products. Getting your components matched will make your system more efficient and QUIET!

I've already fabricated my low mount driver's side bracket and pass side alternator mount...have pics in my "Tips and Tricks album.

It sure isn't rocket science but with summer just around the corner getting a system installed is a priority. BTW..the average cost for an all-new local component system is $700. Hope this helps.

Dave

I might add that when adding AC to any vehicle not designed for AC you run the risk of overheating. Good constant airflow across the radiator is a must.

check into rear ac units from mini-vans. i heard those are the slick ticket as they are supposed to be self-contained units similar to the old under dash units.

IMO you don't want to go near a R-12 unit. Call a local A/C shop and ask them how much it would cost to charge it. Yeah, I know R-12 works better than 134 but it ain't worth it. Get as big a condensor as you can stand. That's where the heat exchange happens, so bigger is better. I went with an aftermarket unit as I was told that once a "system" was opened the clock started ticking and open unit components go bad quickly. I installed the A/C for the little woman, she didn't care how much it cost or where it came from BUT it sure as heck better work.

I have three of the Chevy mini vans and both front and rear are run from the front. It's not a very effecint system. There are other models, Ford makes a mini and they may have rear self-contained units.