1981-1987 Chevy Truck Air Conditioning Kit
Configuring your own 1981-1987 Chevy Truck Restomod Air A/C Kit is a simple, guided process. Whether you are working with a factory cab or a highly customized classic Chevy truck, our configurator helps you build the right air conditioning system from the start. From our direct bolt-in applications to fully custom kits for trucks with modified cabs, shaved firewalls, custom dashboards, engine swaps, and one-off interiors, choose the evaporator, vents, controls, bulkhead options, hose kits, compressor setup, and finishes that best fit your vehicle and vision.
STANDARD ON ALL RESTOMOD A/C KITS
Every Restomod Air A/C system comes standard with built-in Bluetooth technology, giving you continuous access to the latest features and performance updates through simple wireless downloads. Control your system directly from your mobile device, run self-diagnostics, and troubleshoot with the most advanced electronics Restomod Air has ever created. No other a/c manufacturer does what we do.
Engineered through rigorous testing and designed to set a new industry standard, the Restomod Air wiring system keeps your technology current without replacing parts or shipping components. Just download the latest update and go. Welcome to the next level of climate control.
Restomod Air’s all-new app design puts complete control at your fingertips. Designed with the user in mind, the wiring system with Switch Technology lets you seamlessly switch between the mobile app, remote control, and hard-mounted dash controls at any time.
There’s no need to choose just one control option, you can have them all. No one gives you more flexibility and control options than Restomod Air.
For those wanting an alternative to traditional dash-mounted controls, Restomod Air offers an optional remote control designed to deliver modern A/C control without compromising your interior. Purposely sculpted to ergonomically fit in the palm of your hand, its smooth, fully encapsulated design is ideal for builders who want to avoid cutting holes in the dash or dealing with custom fabrication.
Compact and minimalistic, the remote fits easily in your pocket while giving you complete control anywhere in the vehicle. Restomod Air puts convenience, flexibility, and clean design directly in the hands of the user.
Troubleshoot faster and easier than ever. Our advanced wiring system with Switch Technology features built-in self-diagnostics through the mobile app, giving you the ability to quickly identify problems without hours of guesswork. Best of all, it’s included at no extra cost, something virtually unheard of in the automotive industry.
With a quick scan, the diagnostic app can detect voltage drops, compressor clutch activity, servo motor operation, airflow door movement, and system bleed- through. It can even help determine whether the issue comes from the controls or the A/C system itself, dramatically reducing troubleshooting time. Instead of chasing wires or tearing into components, you get clear answers quickly and accurately.
Knowing exactly what’s happening with your A/C system saves time, money, and frustration. Combined with the best tech support in the industry, Restomod Air’s diagnostic technology delivers a smarter, faster approach to service that no other A/C manufacturer offers.
Installing your Restomod Air A/C system is easier than ever thanks to a thoughtfully engineered design built around simplified wiring and straightforward setup. Switch Technology streamlines the installation process, while plug-and-play connections eliminate guesswork and give you the confidence to handle the install yourself.
The Bluetooth ECU, the “brain” of the system, features clearly labeled connections and flashing LED indicators that guide you through each step of the installation process. With only three cables connecting to the ECU. Power, Servo, and Controls setup stays clean and simple. Need more information? Just scan the QR code on the ECU with your phone for instant access to additional system details and support.
STANDARD ON ALL RESTOMOD A/C KITS
Every Restomod Air A/C system comes standard with built-in Bluetooth technology, giving you continuous access to the latest features and performance updates through simple wireless downloads. Control your system directly from your mobile device, run self-diagnostics, and troubleshoot with the most advanced electronics Restomod Air has ever created. No other a/c manufacturer does what we do.
Engineered through rigorous testing and designed to set a new industry standard, the Restomod Air wiring system keeps your technology current without replacing parts or shipping components. Just download the latest update and go. Welcome to the next level of climate control.
Restomod Air’s all-new app design puts complete control at your fingertips. Designed with the user in mind, the wiring system with Switch Technology lets you seamlessly switch between the mobile app, remote control, and hard-mounted dash controls at any time.
There’s no need to choose just one control option, you can have them all. No one gives you more flexibility and control options than Restomod Air.
For those wanting an alternative to traditional dash-mounted controls, Restomod Air offers an optional remote control designed to deliver modern A/C control without compromising your interior. Purposely sculpted to ergonomically fit in the palm of your hand, its smooth, fully encapsulated design is ideal for builders who want to avoid cutting holes in the dash or dealing with custom fabrication.
Compact and minimalistic, the remote fits easily in your pocket while giving you complete control anywhere in the vehicle. Restomod Air puts convenience, flexibility, and clean design directly in the hands of the user.
Troubleshoot faster and easier than ever. Our advanced wiring system with Switch Technology features built-in self-diagnostics through the mobile app, giving you the ability to quickly identify problems without hours of guesswork. Best of all, it’s included at no extra cost, something virtually unheard of in the automotive industry.
With a quick scan, the diagnostic app can detect voltage drops, compressor clutch activity, servo motor operation, airflow door movement, and system bleed- through. It can even help determine whether the issue comes from the controls or the A/C system itself, dramatically reducing troubleshooting time. Instead of chasing wires or tearing into components, you get clear answers quickly and accurately.
Knowing exactly what’s happening with your A/C system saves time, money, and frustration. Combined with the best tech support in the industry, Restomod Air’s diagnostic technology delivers a smarter, faster approach to service that no other A/C manufacturer offers.
Installing your Restomod Air A/C system is easier than ever thanks to a thoughtfully engineered design built around simplified wiring and straightforward setup. Switch Technology streamlines the installation process, while plug-and-play connections eliminate guesswork and give you the confidence to handle the install yourself.
The Bluetooth ECU, the “brain” of the system, features clearly labeled connections and flashing LED indicators that guide you through each step of the installation process. With only three cables connecting to the ECU. Power, Servo, and Controls setup stays clean and simple. Need more information? Just scan the QR code on the ECU with your phone for instant access to additional system details and support.
BUILD THE RIGHT A/C SYSTEM FOR YOUR 1981-87 CHEVY TRUCK
Bring modern comfort to your square-body Chevrolet truck with an air conditioning system built specifically for your project. The Restomod Air 1981–1987 Chevy Truck A/C Kit allows you to configure a complete climate-control solution that matches your truck’s engine combination, interior design, and overall build goals.
Whether you’re restoring a classic C10, building a weekend cruiser, creating a high-end show truck, or completing a full restomod, choosing the right A/C components from the beginning helps simplify installation and improve long-term performance.
Every square-body Chevy build is unique. Engine swaps, custom dashboards, upgraded interiors, shaved firewalls, and aftermarket accessories all influence how an A/C system should be designed. That’s why Restomod Air offers configurable options that let you build a system around your truck rather than forcing your truck to fit a generic kit.
From 1981 through 1987 Chevrolet pickups, Blazers, and Suburbans, builders can select the components that best fit their specific application and style.
CHOOSE YOUR A/C SYSTEM PACKAGE
The first step is choosing the evaporator and climate-control package that serves as the foundation of your system. This determines the primary heating and cooling components used throughout the installation.
For trucks that retain much of their factory layout, a direct-fit solution can provide straightforward installation while delivering modern air conditioning, heat, and defrost performance. More customized builds may require additional flexibility to accommodate modified dashboards, firewall alterations, or unique interior configurations.
Choosing the proper system package ensures the rest of the components work together seamlessly throughout the build.
Choose Your Controls
If a full custom setup is your style, Restomod Air gives you additional control options and flexibility. But for builders looking for a simple bolt-in installation, those extras are completely optional. Controls are one of the most visible and frequently used parts of the A/C system. The right control option should match both the function and style of the build.
Some customers may want a clean modern control panel. Others may want controls that blend into a classic interior. This is where the customer decides how they want to operate the system from inside the cab. For factory-style builds, subtle controls may be the best choice. For custom interiors, upgraded controls can help create a cleaner, more refined finish.
Choose Your Interior Vents
Your vent choice affects both airflow performance and interior appearance. Some builders prefer a subtle factory-inspired design, while others want a modern billet or performance-oriented look.
The configurator allows customers to choose vent styles that fit the personality of the truck. Round vents, rectangular vents, billet vents, and slim low-profile options can dramatically change the final appearance of the dashboard and cabin.
Interior vents play a major role in both comfort and design. The right vent option should complement your dashboard, trim, upholstery, and overall build direction.
Some builders want an understated look that blends into a factory-style interior. Others prefer machined billet or custom-finished vents that stand out as part of the cab design.
After selecting a vent style, the next step is choosing the finish or color that best matches the interior. Black finishes work well for subtle performance-inspired interiors, while polished, brushed, or custom-colored finishes can tie the A/C system into the rest of the build.
Select Your Condenser and Cooling Components
The condenser helps remove heat from the A/C system, making it a critical part of cooling performance. Selecting the proper condenser package is especially important for classic trucks with upgraded engines, modified radiators, or custom core supports.
For most 1981-1987 Chevy truck builds, the goal is to maximize airflow and cooling efficiency while maintaining a clean, serviceable installation.
Select Hose and Fitting Options
The right hose option helps support both performance and appearance. Hose routing is a major part of a clean A/C installation. The right hose and fitting options help determine how the system is routed through the engine bay and into the cabin.
Customers should think about whether they want a standard install, a hidden-hose look, or a more custom firewall layout. This is especially important for trucks with shaved firewalls, custom inner fenders, engine swaps, or show-quality engine compartments.
The hose kit determines how the A/C system is routed through the truck. A clean hose layout can improve the look of the engine bay, simplify serviceability, and help the final installation feel more professional.
Choose Firewall or Bulkhead Options
Bulkhead fittings can create a cleaner transition through the firewall and help give the engine bay a more finished appearance. For custom 1981-87 Chevy truck builds, this can be one of the most important visual upgrades in the builder. This option can make a major difference in achieving a clean, show-quality engine bay appearance.
The firewall connection is one of the biggest visual differences between a standard installation and a custom-quality installation.
A standard hose pass-through may be right for a traditional build, while a bulkhead fitting can create a cleaner transition through the firewall. This is especially important on trucks with shaved firewalls, painted engine bays, custom inner fenders, or highly detailed engine compartments.
Select Your Engine and Compressor Setup
This section helps ensure your 1981-87 Chevy truck A/C kit is compatible with the engine setup you are actually running. Your compressor is one of the most important choices because it affects fitment, belt routing, bracket compatibility, engine-bay clearance, and long-term system performance.
Why Choose Restomod Air for Your 1981-1987 Chevy Truck?
Restomod Air designs climate-control systems specifically for classic trucks, custom builds, and enthusiasts who expect both performance and appearance from every component.
Rather than adapting universal parts to fit your truck, our systems allow you to select the components that match your engine package, interior layout, firewall configuration, and personal style.
Whether you’re building a reliable daily driver, a weekend cruiser, or a show-winning square-body Chevy, Restomod Air provides the flexibility to create an air conditioning system that delivers modern comfort while preserving the character of your classic truck.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This kit is intended for 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 Chevy truck applications. Customers should confirm fitment based on their specific truck, engine, dash, and firewall configuration.
Many classic Chevy trucks have engine swaps, so compressor and bracket selection is important. Customers should choose the option that matches their engine and accessory drive setup.
Yes. The configurator is designed to let customers select the vent and control style that best matches their interior.
Bulkhead fittings are a good option for customers who want a cleaner firewall and engine-bay appearance. They are especially popular on custom, shaved-firewall, and show-quality builds.
Yes, depending on the options you have selected, this A/C kit will include all the major components needed to add modern air conditioning to your 1981-1987 Chevy truck.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This kit is intended for 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 Chevy truck applications. Customers should confirm fitment based on their specific truck, engine, dash, and firewall configuration.
Many classic Chevy trucks have engine swaps, so compressor and bracket selection is important. Customers should choose the option that matches their engine and accessory drive setup.
Yes. The configurator is designed to let customers select the vent and control style that best matches their interior.
Bulkhead fittings are a good option for customers who want a cleaner firewall and engine-bay appearance. They are especially popular on custom, shaved-firewall, and show-quality builds.
Yes, depending on the options you have selected, this A/C kit will include all the major components needed to add modern air conditioning to your 1981-1987 Chevy truck.