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| | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 45 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 45 | Hey Guys, I am interested in finding out a little about the history of A/C in Chevy trucks.
When did factory A/C start showing up in Chevy trucks?
When did underdash A/C start being added as an option? | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | 1959 for factory A/C in Trucks, which, coincidently, was also an underdash A/C of sorts. Here's the shop manual section for it.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 | I believe I'm correct in saying that this system was not a factory installed accessory but rather was done at the dealership. I don't remember seeing it as a factory option until the 64-65 or so era. But I don't claim to have a perfect memory. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,382 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,382 | The earliest I seen with a in dash a/c system was a 66. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,363 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,363 | An option is an option. 1959 is when A/C was available. The firewalls were made by the factory for the option. So then they must have been installed by the factory too. I'm sure that option is shown with directions for install in the 1959 factory assembly manual.
The only thing I know of that was an option of sorts but not installed at the factory till 57 was 4x4. The pratice has been even in those days, and now, that you could order the options you wanted. They were added during the build process, even the option of not having anything more than just a primer coat for paint, or electric vs vaccum windshield wipers, oil filter on 6 cylinder 235's, 4speed or automatic transmission, delux or recirculating heaters, power brakes and steering, why would A/C be any different?
And reguardless of who did the install the A/C option was factory in that it was not an after market item that a dealer goes out to purchase. It was designed to work in the truck and fit.
Last edited by Truckrolet; 07/28/2013 12:04 AM.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks.
Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | optional A/C [factory or dealer installed] for the cars started in 55, so no doubt GM was scheming on it for trucks soon after .... it would be in the "Accessories Installation Reference Manual" for whatever year, as it is in the 1960 Accessory Price Schedule Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,363 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 1,363 | 59 trucks, not doing cars here.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks.
Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 45 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 45 | Thanks for all the insight Guys! I am adding A/C to mt 1948. I was going to go the usual vent route but decided to go with Vintage Air's Mark IV under dash box. My truck is more of a resto-rod due to engine and tranny upgrades (250-6 and 200R4) but I have it outfitted as more of a "work truck" rather than a Hot Rod. So I just am looking for some A/C knowledge because people are going to ask questions at the Car Shows and I want to have some info! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 28 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 28 | | | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,262 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,262 |  Excellent Point Although the Factory Air only remained in the tires, everything else is automatically replaced during the trip from the factory to the dealer.  | | |
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