| [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #168952] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 15:48  |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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As the weather warms up, we inevitably turn to the lousy dash air conditioning issue.
Our '75 has had a fair amount of work done and the a/c works, but not well.
I've seen a number of potential fixes, the two that appeal most are
fresh air intakes and/or more direct airflow from the existing a/c such
as this:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/upgrades/p24945-dash-air-duct-upgrade.html
or possibly the Vintage Air add-on unit such as this:
http://appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/849
The ducting rework solution seems pretty straightforward, but I'm curious
about the vintage air units. As I understand it, the add-on unit in the link
is only a small part of the what's required in materials, and it's a pretty
labor-intensive modification that needs some specialized a/c knowledge
and tools.
Has anybody here had the vintage-air unit added? Did you install it
yourself or have it installed? How well does it work, and what was
the final cost in parts/labor?
Ideas appreciated.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #168953 is a reply to message #168952] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 15:55  |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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On May 8, 2012, at 2:48 PM, KB wrote:
> As the weather warms up, we inevitably turn to the lousy dash air conditioning issue.
> Our '75 has had a fair amount of work done and the a/c works, but not well.
> I've seen a number of potential fixes, the two that appeal most are
> fresh air intakes and/or more direct airflow from the existing a/c such
> as this:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/upgrades/p24945-dash-air-duct-upgrade.html
>
> or possibly the Vintage Air add-on unit such as this:
> http://appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/849
>
> The ducting rework solution seems pretty straightforward, but I'm curious
> about the vintage air units. As I understand it, the add-on unit in the link
> is only a small part of the what's required in materials, and it's a pretty
> labor-intensive modification that needs some specialized a/c knowledge
> and tools.
>
> Has anybody here had the vintage-air unit added? Did you install it
> yourself or have it installed? How well does it work, and what was
> the final cost in parts/labor?
>
> Ideas appreciated.
>
Vintage Air is not the only way to go. I did this several years back before anyone such as applied gmc was offering a kit.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3356-aux-air-conditioner-evaporator.html
Emery Stora
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #168961 is a reply to message #168955] |
Tue, 08 May 2012 17:18 |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
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Karen,
If you buy the kit you have to run 2 hoses through the floor and "T" them into the existing AC lines. If you choose this can be done by an automotive AC shop. The system then has to be recharged which requires a vacuum pump (harbor freight) or can be done by the shop. You also need to mount the unit, wire it to 12V and put in a condensate drain hose. If you decide to do it yourself the only special stuff you'd need would be the vacuum pump some refrigerant and a charging hose.
If you build your own as Emory did you have to do all the same stuff plus design and build a housing.
Be aware, the EPA will spank you if you release your old coolant into the atmosphere.
Glenn
Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #169082 is a reply to message #168952] |
Wed, 09 May 2012 18:49 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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> If you buy the kit you have to run 2 hoses through the floor and "T" them into the existing AC lines. If you choose this can be done by an automotive AC shop. The system then has to be recharged which requires a vacuum pump (harbor freight) or can be done by the shop. You also need to mount the unit, wire it to 12V and put in a condensate drain hose. If you decide to do it yourself the only special stuff you'd need would be the vacuum pump some refrigerant and a charging hose.
>
> If you build your own as Emory did you have to do all the same stuff plus design and build a housing.
>
> Be aware, the EPA will spank you if you release your old coolant into the atmosphere.
>
> Glenn
thanks for the info. Does the kit come with the hoses/fittings,
or does that stuff all have to be bought separately? If it's
complete, I think it'd be doable after getting somebody to remove
the old coolant (my better half wouldn't like my releasing it
either, never mind the EPA :-)
thanks
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| best use of time and money [message #169104 is a reply to message #169082] |
Thu, 10 May 2012 00:08 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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I spent a bunch of time repairing/improving my dash air system
and adding new fresh air vents.
That work helped a LITTLE.
If I did it again I would go for the Vintage Air system
and the wife would be alot happier!
Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #169107 is a reply to message #169082] |
Thu, 10 May 2012 01:53 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Karen,
The Vintage unit does not come with the fittings, but we supply the
parts and crimped hose and fittings.
Alonzo has done more than several units so he can advise you.
On Wed, May 9, 2012 at 4:49 PM, KB <kab7@sonic.net> wrote:
>> If you buy the kit you have to run 2 hoses through the floor and "T" them into the existing AC lines. If you choose this can be done by an automotive AC shop. The system then has to be recharged which requires a vacuum pump (harbor freight) or can be done by the shop. You also need to mount the unit, wire it to 12V and put in a condensate drain hose. If you decide to do it yourself the only special stuff you'd need would be the vacuum pump some refrigerant and a charging hose.
>>
>> If you build your own as Emory did you have to do all the same stuff plus design and build a housing.
>>
>> Be aware, the EPA will spank you if you release your old coolant into the atmosphere.
>>
>> Glenn
>
> thanks for the info. Does the kit come with the hoses/fittings,
> or does that stuff all have to be bought separately? If it's
> complete, I think it'd be doable after getting somebody to remove
> the old coolant (my better half wouldn't like my releasing it
> either, never mind the EPA :-)
>
> thanks
>
> Karen
> 1973 23'
> 1975 26'
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #169137 is a reply to message #168952] |
Thu, 10 May 2012 12:43 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Or think about putting in a REAR evaporator. Removing heat from the box as a big picture. If it's 105 in back, the curtain closed up front isn't much insulation and if people are riding in back you may be able to not run the genny down the road. My thoughts.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] dash a/c upgrades [message #169177 is a reply to message #169174] |
Thu, 10 May 2012 18:39 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Too bad we can't get enough solar on the roof to power the Air Conditioners.
Swamp coolers work great in hot dry climates, but you can't count on that in a glass sided traveling suite, such as our coaches. Heck, I've used the air conditioning in the car all year just to dehumidify, and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where the climate is nearly perfect all year! Redwood City, on the Peninsula, used to have the tag-line "Climate Best By Government Test."
Maybe we should do something similar - GMC Motorhomes - Voted Finest Motorhome since 1973. (By GMC Motorhome fans)
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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