Did trucks ever had AIR?

[davepl]

I just found out my 1969 427/390 car should have had an AIR pump, and a little research turns up that in cars, ALL big blocks had AIR injection in 1969. I don't know about Corvette.

Our trucks didn't, did they? My 1970 showed no signs of it.

How hard will it be to find a complete big block AIR system? I'd imagine thousands were taken off, but how many were saved I don't know.

[harpo231]

First thing that got chunked ,,,, should be on ebay

[too much stuff]

Hard to find complete.
This is from a 72 1/2 ton burb

[FirstOwner69]

I think you'll find it may vary depending on year and whether the truck is a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton (GVWR?) as well as small block or big block.

I've watched several threads regarding smog equipment, and the lines seem to get blurred as posts are added without info regarding year and GVWR. Point of sale and/or manufacture may also be a factor.

[WorkinLonghorn]

Even in California the 1/2 tons needed AIR, I know because I had to buy the whole shebang ($15) to get my '69 GMC (350 ci, manual trans) to pass smog check 20-some years ago. My current 1969 2500 (7500 LB weight Limit) never had AIR or any other smog equipment except PVC. Both California trucks. -BA

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

..... My current 1969 2500 (7500 LB weight Limit) never had AIR or any other smog equipment except PVC. Both California trucks. -BA

Same for my '69 Chevy 3/4 ton (7500 GVWR) with a 350 made and sold to me in California.

[Steeveedee]

Yes. It depends on year and delivery location. In general, a vehicle in the years affected (starting in '68), California and some other states' vehicles and again, depending on application, had AIR. It is used to pump air into the exhaust to further combust the unused fuel in the exhaust, when on the choke (cold). If you have exhaust manifolds without 1/4" straight pipe plugs, it is likely a Federal Emissions vehicle. The tubes were 5/16", so should have B-nut plugs if the equipment was removed, but people just ground in the pipe fittings, in my experience. That is how the distinction was made- California SMOG, or Federal. I worked as a SMOG mechanic in those days. I might be hazy on some details here, but I'm pretty sure this is correct. I have seen trucks in Idaho, when I worked there as a mechanic, that had AIR.

With the advent of catalytic converters, the whole California/Federal business went by the wayside. My truck has Federal emissions equipment, thus no AIR.

ETA- yes, I believe only 1/2T trucks got AIR, as has been mentioned. So maybe my truck didn't have to be a Federal equipment unit, but the emissions sticker is for a non-California vehicle. Just to clarify.