mackdss

Got my 78 running great. All that is left is to paint the beast. I am sure it is possible but how much of a hassle would it be to install AC in the truck. It gets really hot in this thing. I have seen condensors on Ebay for cheap but I know there are many other parts needed to be installed. Would anybody know of a website that sells a kit or parts needed. Is it a waste of money and time to do it. Thanks for any info, Mack

kyle_22r

usually ackits.com has conversion kits for everything, but not that particular truck. i KNOW that A/C was available in '78. you may get lucky and find a setup on ebay, but you can always scrounge the junkyards. i believe the cab and vent system from '79-83 trucks is very similar, you may be able to use parts from those, as they are easier to come by.

mackdss

thanks Kyle. I checked ackits.com and they have parts for the 78 but no kit. They have a kit for a 79 pickup. How much different was the 79 from the 78. I thought they were pretty much the same truck. My truck was built in i think september of 78. I emailed ackits with the same question. Mack

slacker

iTrader: (1)

anything after July (month 7) production , is considered =NEXT year production .....

meaning your truck 7809 is a 79 vehicle.

kyle_22r

easy way to tell if it's a "78" or "79" -- if it has 4 headlights, it's a 78, 2 and it's a '79.

mackdss

it has 4 headlights. so is the HVAC system totally different between the two??

kyle_22r

i'd think that the main difference is in the ducts. both trucks have the same type of side vents(the ones with the little ball), that is what the A/C air comes out of, on a non A/C truck they just flow fresh outside air. i'd imagine the compressor setup would be nearly identical as well.

i'm not 100% sure here, but i think that's where i'd start.

mackdss

Thanks Kyle. I'll wait to see what ackits has to say about the difference. It is nearly impossible to find a junked 78 with ac I could pull out of. That would be the easy way. But doubt I could locate one. thanks again.

Phssthpok

the A/C on my 77 was a factory 'retrofit' under-dash unit....no cold air from the 'ball' vents.

Too bad you didn't post this a bout 8 months ago when I yarded it all out... I woulda just GIVEN you the stuff!

mackdss

After some time ackits.com replied and said that their 79 kit would not work. But they gave no reason to what the difference is. I have looked on the internet to check what the differences are but can't find anything. If anybody knows let me know.

also would anybody know if anybody sells a universal kit. the retro kit Phssthpok talked about would work with me. I hate the heat!!