I have a 1951 f-1 with the 239 v-8, I live in the Phoenix area, am planning on driving my truck every day. Here's the question...I want to put in air conditioning, will the engine handle it ? Both power and temperature(coolant) wise?
The engine has a complete rebuild, new water pumps, new thermostats, new radiator....converted to a 12volt system with the GM 110v alternator, 3 speed on the column, new carburetor.
I am not overly concerned with speed, much more concerned with dependability, reliability.
Not completely opposed to putting in a Ford v-8 and changing suspension and steering with a new rear end.
Please help me figure out what is best....
I do not have the ability nor the time to do the work myself. So will have to find a shop to do whatever I finally decide.

 

Subscribing. I plan on the same thing someday. Right now I have to concentrate on the body work.

 

Well for A/C you already have a good start (12vt neg ground) for the comp.
cluch. Next will be a add on pulley for the crank not a big problem just look
around or make one by measuring any a/c car or truck for the drive pulley OD.
Keep it simple by using a so called de Ice switch its just a tube stuck in the
evaporator to cycle the compresor. The epaporator doesnt care where you
put it could be under the seat or dash or on the roof. The condenser doesnt
care either it can go anywhere run by an electric fan. Lots of cars back when
a/c in infantcy were in the trunk and deleivery tubes ran in the headliner, check
out some early 50s Lincolns and Mercurys. Rubber a/c hoses clamps switches
Napa. Its easy; just think of a/c systems used in backhoes loaders. I put a
system in my 1964 Trojan loader the condenser is on the side run with elec.
fan (from junkyard) The epaporator I made a box with a heater blower another
junk yard item-hole sawed, a hole thru back of cab "used a deIce switch" .
I chose condenser / electric fan cause it runs hot enough like 200 working
all day. Hot is hot in a loader no insulation no tinted glass ya sweat to death
even with a fan.

 

Ford Flat Head Serpentine Drive Kit

Just pull out your wallet...

 

Ross, you are probably right by saying pull out your wallet.....but man that belt drive sure is purty!!!!

 

Find a vintage air dealer . It's a good product if you[ve got the bucks .

 

While were on the add-on subject, how do I put a power steering pump on a flathead V8?

 

Why? You already have air. Just grab that lever under the dash, and push it forward. All kind of air comes in, especially if your going fast.

 

That only works in the winter time in AZ... not so much in July!