Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

I recently acquired a 1985 Chevy Crew Cab (3+3) truck. It started life with a 454 but it now has a 6.2 diesel. It is factory AC equipped but most of the components are missing. I am doing some research on the best way to implement a good 134 system. I plan on using a 16 x 28 parallel flow condenser, new accumulator/receiver/dryer and evaporator. I need some thoughts on the compressor.

I picked up some brackets (side mount) for the 6.2 that came with a York 488-22011 (244) compressor from an 84 K1500 (similar to the image below). To my knowledge, GM never used a York like this so it may have been dealer installed. The HR6 and A6 compressors used in these trucks mount with different brackets. In any case, I'm just happy I can mount a compressor. Since this is a Crew Cab, and I live in AZ, I need a compressor that can move enough freon to cool effectively. The Sanden 508 is probably too small, so I started looking at the Seltec TM-16HD Compressor. Is this a good compressor? Will it be sufficient to cool the large cab and work with the large condenser?

Lastly, I don't have any hoses and may have to have some made up. I think there are some replacement AC manifolds for these squarebody's but from what I can tell, they mount differently to the compressor unless there is an adapter to attach them to the TM-16HD.

I hope I'm on the right track, any thoughts or suggestions are welcome at this point. Still researching so haven't fully committed to anything just yet.

Thanks,
Rick

The A6 & York were both 210cc / rev units.

The Seltec 21HX / Valeo TM21 is a displacement match @ 210 cc/ rev:

http://www.valeocompressors.com/en/tm21

The site sponsor can supply such a unit.

Or you could use the York you already have mounts for - site sponsor can supply those as well. Bigger, heavier but still effective.

Your C30 probably had an R4 OEM - be glad it is missing. 1985 would be a CCOT system, so all you need is a compressor, cycle switch, HPCO & some custom hoses to put it together. New accumulator of course.

Does your truck have rear A/C? some had dealer installed rear cooling.

Bohica2xo,

Thank you for the reply! I wasn't sure what the cc rating for the York 244 was, I know the York 210 model puts out a lot since the off roaders like to use them to air up tires.

I did look at the TM21, but it appears to be a direct fit case, not the side mount like I need. If it was offered with a side mount I would definitely be interested. I'm hoping the TM16 will be sufficient but if there is a better choice, I'm all ears.

The goal is to piece together a nice 134 system so I can have meat locker mode. Honestly, I would go with R12 if it wasn't such a hassle. I loved my old R12 under dash system in an old 65 truck, it definitely had meat locker mode.

No rear AC, never seen a squarebody crew cab truck with one, suburban yes, truck no. Would love to see one if there was an option available. I always wondered why the crew cabs didn't have vents on the ceiling like the suburban for the second row.

Thanks,
Rick