| Engine Air Conditioner [message #252148] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 07:52  |
djester
Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis
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My '75 Palm Beach has had an engine driven air conditioner, but the compressor, condenser and some brackets are missing. Some lines are still there, but I'm going to have to start from scratch, I suspect. I was wondering if someone has the various parts and pieces off of a parts vehicle.
Secondly, I have noticed that Applied GMC has a couple of units that go in the cabin that is suppose to improve efficiency of what I understand is very inefficient air conditioning in these vehicles. They cost about the same, but one is smaller and indicates some capacity to heat, which is horrible in my vehicle. I'll talk with Applied about these units, but wonder if anyone has experience with them and have a recommendation.
Dave
David A. Jester
Indianapolis, In
1975 Palm Beach
djester@comcast.net
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| Re: Engine Air Conditioner [message #252154 is a reply to message #252152] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 08:56  |
djester
Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis
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Do you have the Vintage Air or Vintage Air 850, the smaller one?
Dave
David A. Jester
Indianapolis, In
1975 Palm Beach
djester@comcast.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252156 is a reply to message #252154] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 09:25 |
Neil Fonville
Messages: 68
Registered: May 2014
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I'm looking at installing this:
http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/universal-hurricane-systems-electronic/old-air-products/cap-2100/hurricane-2100-complete-system-p-4298.html
My thought was to remove the existing heater/evaporator box completely. Open up the firewall. Build a sheet metal box replacement and insulate. Then remove the old plastic ducting and install with flex tubes. Use sheet metal to build an interface to the existing ducts. Someone has done that part based on photos on the gmcphotos site.
My feeling is this would completely modernize the entire system. Since the compressor is big enough I was going to add a second AC as the vintage air under dash unit. Also, someone who knows more than me said both coils are not the right type for 134a. They do work but not efficiently. If I'm going to do this, I will replace everything. The PO had converted to 134a but a bearing is out in the compressor and will require replacement anyway. I did not get lucky and it be the clutch bearing.
Have I totally lost my mind in thinking of doing this?
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1975 GMC II
Allen, TX
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| Re: Engine Air Conditioner [message #252159 is a reply to message #252148] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 09:42 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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I visited Barry Owen last week and had a look at the stretch he is building. He removed the factory unit completely and is installing the complete heat, ac, unit including the blower and duct work from a 2001 ish GM pickup. I have one of those trucks and they REALLY put out a lot of air.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252180 is a reply to message #252161] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 11:58 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Jim Galbavy wrote on Sun, 15 June 2014 09:58Why reinvent the wheel when there are A/C units available from GMCMH venders
who have done the leg work and been installing them at a reasonable price
successfully for years. No guess work.
jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, FL
1- Why not? There have been some technology advancements in the past 40 years.
2- Better system, more air flow
3- Clean original dash looking installation
4- Everyone doesn't live within reasonable driving distance of Jim K or Jim B.
Are you still running your original '73 non-radial wheels?
I'm not proposing that Dave rip out his dash and install a newer unit but it is an option and might not cost much more than the add on alternative, especially when you consider he doesn't have all the original pieces/parts anyway.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252193 is a reply to message #252185] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 12:33 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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I had installed a under-dash system using the existing compressor and condenser (r12) a few years ago and it works great. I understand it is not worth the effort to try make the early ducting work thus the under dash unit. Also I was told some under dash installations have to be removed if you ever have to pull the engine. Mine had the hose to the below dash evaporator positioned so the unit can be moved to the side without breaking the connections. The total installed cost parts & labor was around $1,500
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252197 is a reply to message #252180] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 12:53 |
djester
Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis
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From what I've read on the forum, the original heating and cooling system does an inadequate job, at best. I like the idea of putting in an after market unit like some suggested above. I wonder, however, where one would get this kind of work done; a custom auto shop?
Another reason for a new unit is that my existing heating system doesn't work either. The only way I get any heat out is if I put the control on "vent", and that is not enough to keep my dog's house heated -- if you understand the analogy. You just don't want to be in my coach unless the sun is out and the temp is above 50. Obviously, the vacuum system is all screwed up and I can't find anyone who wants to tackle the job of sorting through it. The point is, I also have a heating problem, as well as wanting an air conditioner.
Dave
David A. Jester
Indianapolis, In
1975 Palm Beach
djester@comcast.net
[Updated on: Sun, 15 June 2014 12:57] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Engine Air Conditioner [message #252202 is a reply to message #252200] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 14:57 |
djester
Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis
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I just got a call from Bill Michaels, about this subject, but didn't get a call back number. Would you give me another call, please. I'd like to talk with you.
Dave
David A. Jester
Indianapolis, In
1975 Palm Beach
djester@comcast.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252206 is a reply to message #252197] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 15:31 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
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As far as who can you find to do the work? I suggest going to some hot rod car shows and look for some of the cars on display that have modern AC installed and find out where they got the work done. They should be able to direct you to a shop that will tackle something other than stock replacement. Those guys always like to talk and share how it was done. My conversion was done by a regular AC shop but they had experience working a several GMC's.
Has anyone here ever mounted or seen a commercial roof-mounted AC like the ones on flower delivery trucks put on a GMC. I assume they run off of an engine mounted compressor?
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252213 is a reply to message #252156] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 18:30 |
Tom Whitton
Messages: 235
Registered: February 2004
Location: Paducah, KY
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David,
There is definitely a learning curve to work on these machines. When I first bought my coach 13-years ago I took it to a highly experienced local mechanic who worked on everything from diesel engines to race cars. He was a port engineer for a towing company and had his own well-equipped shop where he took in outside work. I paid a fairly high price for him to learn just a little about the GMC motorhome. For the most part, after that, I ended up doing most things myself after building a garage to be out of the weather. The great bi-product of doing it yourself, of course, is the feeling of accomplishment when you finish. Regardless, your problems don't seem to be too serious for a shop familiar with the GMC. If you don't want to tackle them yourself you might contact one of the GMC Service Providers listed here: http://www.bdub.net/GMCServiceComments.pdf
There is one listed in Greenfield, Indiana. I'm not familiar with this particular business, Cory's Automotive, but someone here might know them or might be able to recommend another shop experienced with the GMC near you.
Just a thought.
Tom Whitton
26 foot updated GMC
Paducah, KY
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 11:53:33 -0600
From: David Jester
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> From what I've read on the forum, the original heating and cooling system does an inadequate job, at best. I like the idea of putting in an after
market unit like some suggested above. I wonder, however, where one would get this kind of work done; a custom auto shop?
Another reason for a new unit is that my existing heating system doesn't work either. The only way I get any heat out is if I put the control on
"vent", and that is not enough to keep my dog's house heated -- if you understand the analogy. You just don't want to be in my coach unless the sun is
out and the temp is above 50. Obviously, the vacuum system is all screwed and I can't find anyone who wants to tackle the job of sorting through it.
The point is, I also have a heating problem, as well as wanting an air conditioner.
Dave
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252222 is a reply to message #252215] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 21:21 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
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The factory dash a/c, at least on my 76, can be made to work just fine. Three things
1 - have everything working
2 - do the modification to recirculate instead of fresh air
3 - have a curtain behind the driver/passenger seats (no way the dash a/c will cool aft of the front two seats. Keep the cold air close and all is good.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine Air Conditioner [message #252227 is a reply to message #252222] |
Sun, 15 June 2014 21:37 |
djester
Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis
Karma: 0
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Neil, I can understand that if the temps gets to about 85, but I was hoping it would be adequate up to that point -- at least the front half of the coach.
Dave
David A. Jester
Indianapolis, In
1975 Palm Beach
djester@comcast.net
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