I was looking for a compressor bracket in a local junkyard for my 460 because I found an aftermarket in dash system I was going to use for less than 500.00. (And because another thread inspired me to look in a junk yard rather than just buy a new bracket system.) Wasn't crazy about the unit because it didnt even try to look period correct. I think the reason it was marketed to the 70s ford trucks is because this model unit required the least amount of modification to fit.

Back to the junk yard, I asked the guy about the bracket and he said there was a 79 in the back that might have had ac. So when I got there I noticed the hood and heads missing off of the 302 motor, so no dice. (Sb/bb different bracket) Then I began to look for other things to scavenge for my truck, and I saw the vents in perfect shape with the bezels in an untouched dash. which inspired me to look deeper. When I did I found that The only thing that was missing from this ac system was the compressor and bracket! So I went to the old hippy running the place (that's his name) and offered 100.00 for everything. He said he'd take 80.00 so I said 90.00 and he said ill meet you in the middle at 85.00 I said deal! Long story short I got a complete factory ac system for less than 100.00. I was a refrigeration tech by trade (i wear many different hats now, among them is i write tranning manuals in english for an itialian made refrigeration system. As I do not speak itialian I am often tasked to break down document and describe disassembly and reassembly of components and systems.)so, My question is:is there any interest in me documenting this process or has it been done to death? I've never done this before, and I do not know what I am getting into, but that said I did document the doner truck fairly well, and I have put factory systems in other vechicals. I'm thinking (barring any advise on my vin number not showing that it is a factory ac truck, but I am putting a factory system in it..) I think this could be a fun project. Maybe some of the newer guys could learn a thing or two and some of the more experienced can help me avoid up coming pit falls.

My goals: to use as much as the orginal system as possible. Line hoses switches wire plugs connectors, all of it.

Purpose? My wife won't let me spend any more money on this truck, and quite honestly there is nothing that I see is beyond service.

Result? This will give me an oppertunity to show and explain how to service and clean all of the components in the system (that I feel like messing with) as I am not a ford tech I will not be able to use ford labeled terminology, or auto mechanic terminology. I will be using refrigeration related terms familiar to me. If any of you know of a more accurate or ford specific way of describing something then feel free to chime in.

This will be a weekend project so we see what gets done!

On the books for tomorrow.. Break down, cleaning and general inspection of the various components. Maybe I can post picks of some of the unnamed parts and we can agree on what to call them.

 

I did the swap in 1987 on my '77 I bought in '86, I still have the truck .... and it still has AC. I used parts from a '73 std cab (heater core and controls with script "Air Conditioning" on it) and a '79 C-Cab. I did use a new rec-drier, cond and evaporator. Still has R-12 but a few bubbles show up and it's not as cold now so that may get updated.

I think a few would enjoy a write up, especially the making of a template and location points for that big hole in the firewall.

Good Luck!

 

Always good to have a new perspective. Do it up.

 

I'm going to have to rebuild the entire a/c system on my next project. I don't know that much about a/c systems, so this would probably be a great write-up for me to follow.

Mine has a/c, but it has been inoperative for at least twenty years. I figure I'm going to have to do a good flush and replace a few components. Good luck with your project and I'll be following along to learn what I can. Thanks!

 

I do refrigeration for a living. There is no need to do an update You can use R-414B refrigerant as a drop in refrigerant replacement for R-12 no change of anything needed you can even top off your R-12 with it.

 

I'm going to overhaul my A/C system, too.. when I can afford a new compressor. I would love a detailed write up. Thanks, brother!

 

The VIN has nothing to do whether a truck has factory installed A/C or not, as there are no codes within it (or stamped on the Warranty Plate) that define A/C.

1973/79 F100/350 & 1978/79 Bronco: Factory installed Integral A/C is combined with the heater. The A/C controls are located in the same panel as the heater controls.

And, there were two different types of dealer installed A/C for these vehicles. One type (Deluxe) is combined with the heater, the other type (Economy) is not.

Both types use two A/C switches that mount into their respective bezels.

Deluxe: HUGE dash bezel sweeps across the entire right side of dash, covering up the glove box. Separate 'hang-on' glove box bolts underneath dash.

Economy: Bezel contains two A/C registers, fits into dash to the left of extant glove box.

1978/79 Bronco factory A/C pics same as 1973/79 F100/350:

 

While r414b is a viable drop in refrigerant for r12, r134a and r500, and it is compatible with a range of oil, meaning there is no need to change oil.. R414b contains isobutane or r600 it is used in as a thinner for the various types of oil. R600 will tend to soften and or cause rubber components to fail in older applications. That is why when 600 is used in the industry it is used in hard line appliances. Like refrigerators. Also remember 600 is a form of butane and therefore flammable potentially explosive. That is why it is not recommended for automotive usage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isobutane
As you aware r414b is an azeotropic blended refrigerant meaning it is comprised of several other refrigerants. R600 is one of them, but its base is r22. For those who do not know r22 is being phased out by the EPA currently on schedule for 2020. From now till then the price of 22 will just keep going up. Just like r12 did in the mid nineties. Some places have seen a 300% increase in The price of 22 from jan of this year to may. What this means is 414b is going to get more and more expensive. Not to mention only must have a 609 EPA certification to Handle this refrigerant.The Refrigerant Sales Restriction | Ozone Layer Protection - Regulatory Programs | US EPA

I know In Some of the more controlling parts of the country 134a has become a "controlled substance." But here you can still get it at wal mart, and that is what I am going to use.

You can use what ever you like.

 

I guess if I was doing automotive a/c I would be blowing up cars all over the place Thanks for the info.

Are you in the industry? Are you using a replacement refrigerant for R-22? If so are you usingR-417a? Sorry for all the questions but working for a one man shop it is hard for me to keep updated in all the changes that are happening, Hell I took my EPA test in '94.

 

Most of our 22 systems have been phased out, in favor of 410 or 404a. I do not like hot shots as I believe they cause more trouble than they are worth. Typically we convert to a stable refrigerant, or we tell the customer to bite the bullet till its cheaper to convert.

All of this refrigerant bs is just a money game.

 

This is awesome! Thanks for the post!!!

 

I have a bunch of pics from the work I did today I am sorting through the pics I took. I did inventory and cleaned everything, and disassembled the evap and heater core box, tested the fan, clean resealed the box, flushed the evap and made some performance mods to the box, I am currently looking for the best insulation material to wrap the evap box in. I have a really good heat shield but I am looking for something durable that is easily molded to fit the various contoured and either comes with a heat shield or one can be applied. I have some stuff in mind, but it will be tomorrow before I finish out my evap box rebuild. Once I'm done ill do a walk through with pics.

I'm all ears on possible heat shield insulation materials, but i don't want to go back with the junk ford used.

 

You offered a 100 and he said 80 but you counter offer 90?

 

I am sure he flipped a few #'s in his excitement to tell us what he got.

Drich0150 I hope you got all the stuff in ND diagram's for 85.00. I am sure we all would appreciate a tech write up on a how-to overhaul your a/c.

Maybe use ND part #'s diagram to identify the part you are talking about??

 

Did some research ..... seems there is some additional hazards with the drop ins for R-12 that aren't there with 134A.