I am currently working on a cab swap on my next a project. The truck currently has factory air but the new cab is just heat. Anyways I want A/C in the truck and am not sure which way to go. How good does the factory A/C work? I`ve never had 1 of these trucks with working a/c yet.


Also to complicate matters a bit the truck is getting a Cummins swap and the factory condenser/accumulator would have to be re-engineered.


So which way should I go, and who makes the best aftermarket kit?
Thanks

 

Well, seeing as you need to reengineer the installation now is the time to look into aftermarket units.
The factory system is, to be polite, "bulky" at best and a real PITA to do anything to the evaporator/heater core.
Nostalgic Air makes in-dash systems specifically for the 73-79 trucks, you can get them with just A/C or A/C and heat. Plus you can chose the engine brackets with your kit.
Vintage Air is another aftermarket manufacturer.
Here is a link the Nostalgic's Ford truck page:
Nostalgic AC - Ford AC Kits For Trucks - Ford Complete Kits - Complete A/C Kits

 

The Nostalic air kits work specifically with these trucks, but don't have floor heat. They can use the factory controls. Lines have to be custom made.

Having worked on three factory AC trucks, things are difficult on a 400, hard on a 460, and when the person who owns the truck wants tall valve covers mounted with studs, a cluster F.

Fresh air cabs open up a lot of real estate for your turbo. I would probably go aftermarket in your case. *Bonus- the new systems are designed to run 134a.

 

No floor heat in a CC, no problem ck out this. https://www.flex-a-lite.com/mojave-heater-172.html


Flex-a-lite Mojave Heaters 640 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing and even Jegs.

 

I put a Vintage Air system in and love it. Great ac, defroster and floor heat with bi-level controls. There are no push pulls cables it all works off electric servos to change where the air comes out.

 

Well you guys have me pretty well sold. I think I am going to go with a kit from Nostalgic Air and rig up one of those Mojave heaters or modify something to keep my floor heat. It looks like a lot cleaner setup and I will even have enough room for twin turbos. Now I just need the money for twin turbos. LOL

 

I will be going Vintage air at some point in my 78 F150 4bt swap.....If......I ever get time to work on it again............)-: