Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

AC install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 30, 2012 | 07:51 PM
  #1  
Scratcher's Avatar
Scratcher
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Club FTE Silver Member

AC install

I have an 83 F250 6.9 and i want to install an AC (Its been over 100f here in Indiana the past few days) I have no idea what I need from scratch. I have my heater core bypassed right now since it was leaking. Havent had time to pull it(don't need it right now anyway lol) but thought I could kill two birds with one stone if I do the AC at the same time as the core. What all do I need for this?
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2012 | 11:42 PM
  #2  
farmert's Avatar
farmert
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,111
Likes: 1,546
From: western SD
Find an 80-86 donor truck with AC. In the engine compartment take the heater box and everything inside it, the hoses to the and from the compressor, the compressor, with the mounting bracket, the condenser and all lines. Inside the cab you will need the ducting for the dash, the dash controls. There are probably some thing I forgot, but if you had the whole donor you should have everything.
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2012 | 11:59 PM
  #3  
fellro86's Avatar
fellro86
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
What style heater core do you have? Are the hookups at the firewall, or at the air box under the hood? That will make a difference in how and what you need to hook it up.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2012 | 07:36 AM
  #4  
Scratcher's Avatar
Scratcher
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by farmert
Find an 80-86 donor truck with AC. In the engine compartment take the heater box and everything inside it, the hoses to the and from the compressor, the compressor, with the mounting bracket, the condenser and all lines. Inside the cab you will need the ducting for the dash, the dash controls. There are probably some thing I forgot, but if you had the whole donor you should have everything.
Don't see donors very often in my neck of the woods. I'll keep looking though
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2012 | 07:37 AM
  #5  
Scratcher's Avatar
Scratcher
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by fellro86
What style heater core do you have? Are the hookups at the firewall, or at the air box under the hood? That will make a difference in how and what you need to hook it up.
The hookups come through the firewall
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2012 | 08:23 AM
  #6  
farmert's Avatar
farmert
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,111
Likes: 1,546
From: western SD
Originally Posted by Scratcher
Don't see donors very often in my neck of the woods. I'll keep looking though
Depending on how bad you want AC, aftermarket add on would be an option. But I bet it would cost more than a donor truck.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2012 | 09:12 AM
  #7  
fellro86's Avatar
fellro86
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
Since the hookups are at the firewall, it is easier. You can get the underhood parts from anything that has factory air from 80 to 97 I believe, as long as the body style is similar through the two generations. The airbox is the same for the most part at the firewall, you just need one with the evaporator in it, the hoses, the compressor, and the condenser. The harder part is the wiring and controls, which will need to come from an 80-86 truck to look and work right. The control system in these trucks are still fairly simple. The harness may even already be in the dash, just unused.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Swamp Truck
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jan 17, 2018 03:14 PM
31tudor
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Feb 21, 2017 05:17 PM
r2000f150
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Dec 6, 2010 03:41 PM
Scot Clark
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
5
Jan 20, 2004 05:26 PM
sanman68
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Feb 20, 2002 05:29 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:02 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE