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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

Adding A/C ??

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Old May 28, 2012 | 05:07 PM
  #1  
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JWA
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Adding A/C ??

'99 E250, 155K miles, originally without factory A/C-----anyone ever add an OEM system?

The parts selection isn't tough because I have a Mitchell Collision Guide but I'm wondering about how much labor is involved, whether its really worth it? I'm guessing a final cost exceeding $1500 in parts, some labor DIY and the rest farmed out to trusted mechanics; evacuate & charge.

Haven't yet determined if the factory wiring is in place---this is a friends van. I would have to swap the dash mounted electro-vacuum function control which I happen to already have a few.

Any thoughts, ideas or similar refits? Would you do it again, assuming the donor vehicle was in good enough condition to warrant such an upgrade?

TIA
 
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Old May 28, 2012 | 08:11 PM
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From: infraction
pull a part junk yard would save $ vs new even if you had the parts reconditioned.
food for thought?
 
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Old May 29, 2012 | 05:30 AM
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by Bbasso
pull a part junk yard would save $ vs new even if you had the parts reconditioned.
food for thought?
Good thought BB----naturally that's the best place for things like the evaporator housing and other things that are just crazy expensive new. The compressor, all lines, condenser, evaporator, accumulator and orifice tube will be new, most likely top line NAPA or equal quality. With the labor I anticipate or fear I wouldn't want to do this any other way.

Parts are the easy part though---nothing more than a phone call and cash needed for that! Best case scenario is all this is a plug-n-play deal however best cases rarely exist don't they?

Parts aside its the labor and general level of difficultly this will be. BTW this is NOT something I'll be doing myself---I'd just buy another van WITH A/C!
 
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