Replacing the air conditioning

[AbramJ]

So I was cruising the web and was looking at a truck (1973 Chevy) that looks like It use to have A/C and heat, but looked like everything in the engine compartment was removed. That got me to thinking, how hard would it be to replace all the missing components? I'm sure the box and major components could be found in a salvage yard, and there are of course aftermarket options. I tried searching the forums here because I know some guys have removed their A/C, but I haven't seen one where someone put it back in.

Thoughts?

 

[paratrooper307]

You can get all the replacement parts pretty easily. Rock Auto sells all the A/C and heater parts. For what you'll spend in chasing down replacements, you're likely going to get close to the cost of an aftermarket system like a Vintage Air, which will likely be more compact and efficient. My truck had the A/C taken out, but the evaporator and condenser and wiring were still there. I got a good used compressor, new lines, dryer, orifice tube, and O-rings and put everything back together pretty easily. It just depends on how much is missing and whether originality is important to you.

 

[6872xtc]

I think that it is fairly easy on the '73 and up trucks. But I would look for the parts out of a truck that is maybe an '85 or newer. Simply due to having a better choice for junk yard and replacement parts. I also like the accumulator and evaporator plumbing better.
I had a Vintage Air setup in my '70 and pulled it out for several reasons.