my '79 did not come with the A/C option and so, i was going to head to the scrap yard sometime soon to see if i can get the parts to have A/C in my truck. what I was wondering before I do this is #1 what are all of the parts I am going to need to get? and #2 how hard is is it to install? or if anybody has a link to a thread that explains all of this that would be awesome too! I just can't really seem to find much on it. Thanks in advance!!

 

I've read the factory A/C parts are not that great and can be difficult. plus, they are set to run off of R12. Prior to buy my truck, I read a lot about installing the A/Cs and Aftermarket Air Conditioning For Automobiles and AC parts seemed to be the best option. It gives you the entire kit and how to install. Then, I found my truck, and low and behold, it has the NAP kit already on it. I would recommend it. Mine does not freeze you out, but it keeps you cool, but then again, this is the summertime in Florida, so I don't think i'm capable of being frozen out. Also, they are a local company for me. The make parts in Tampa and are headquartered out of Ocala, FL. I like supporting local companies, especially when they make such good parts. I would recommend them.

 

as much as i would love to buy a full kit from them, i just dont have that kinda money right now, which is why i was gonna try to get all of the factory stuff. to my understanding i just need those 3 basic things, the condenser, radiator, and evaporator? then obviousy the dash with vents and the controls for it. is there anything that im missing?

 

You will need a compressor, hoses, receiver drier, metering valve, anti-icing switch/probe that is attached to the evaporator, compressor mounting brackets and associated pulleys. You don't need to replace the radiator. Some of the vent doors in the cab are vacuum operated, so you will need the vacuum cannister that mounts on the driver's side of engine compartment, hoses, etc. Some minor wiring "stuff" that you can probably make up on your own.

I converted the factory AC on my 76 F350 to operate with R134A. I replaced everything but the evap (which was almost new), and interior controls. It was a big job, but I'm pleased with the results. Toughest part was finding someone to make up the new hardlines for connecting the condenser to the system.

 

For the factory set-up you'll need the condenser, compressor and associated brackets and pulleys for your engine, hoses, vacuum lines and vacuum reservoir, the two accessory wiring harnesses, evaporator housing assy and everything in it, the ducting under the dash both hard and flexible, the A/C control panel, dash ducts, and dash. If you don't want to replace the dash you can cut holes (carefully) in your existing dash. Same goes for the firewall, instead of patching in the A/C firewall you can cut a hole in the existing firewall...its a really big hole.
Installing factory air in a non-AC cab can and has been done many times but you need to realize what you're in for. I'm not trying to discourage you, just to let you know what to expect.
First, avoid the 73-early 75 systems. The evaporator, condenser, and expansion valves are different and new evaporators are nearly impossible to find. The wiring is also different.
With everything out, I would install a new heater core and blower motor. Much easier to do it now rather than later. Have the evaporator checked before you install it. The later evaporator is getting hard to find too and its also getting expensive.
The flexible ducts under the dash will pretty much be toast, no NOS available and these aren't reproduced by anybody. The "repair" usually involves duct tape.
The York compressor is a POS, it's heavy, noisy, and inefficient. When I did my installation I converted to the Sanden style compressor. Quiet, light and much more efficient than the York. A NEW Sanden compressor complete with clutch costs less than a rebuilt York minus clutch.
Another thing to consider, with factory air you have that big evaporator housing sticking in the engine compartment. This will make working on the passenger side of the engine difficult, especially if you've got a 460.
I did the conversion and "cheated" a little bit. On my project the cab was shot so I bought a donor truck and looked specifically for an A/C truck and did a cab swap.
Like I say, I'm not trying to discourage you, just want you to realize that its not simply a "bolt in" deal.
With new parts getting more expensive and harder to find and the overall difficulty of the installation. You really should consider the Nostalgic Air kit.
If I hadn't been going for the original factory look on my resto, I would have definitely gone with the Nostalgic Air kit.
Here's a link to my build thread (still in progress). Towards the end it has several posts on rebuilding the factory A/C unit and the Sanden compressor conversion.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...with-pics.html
If you do go the factory route why not start a thread so we can all follow along, and others who are interested in doing the same can get some valuable information.
Good luck.

 

The guys are right. It would be so much easier to add aftermarket air. $900 for everything, NEW, and it fits with hardly a mod... It's your time and money.

 

I'm in the middle of doing this same thing. It's not so hard, SO FAR.

I am using factory stuff under the dash and for the dash controls, but I've put a Sanden style compressor and I got a new condenser that's more friendly with modern refrigerant.
The condenser was out of a 2000 Blazer. Its not actually mounted because I'm lazy, but some measuring shows that it'll fit great and the inlet and outlet look like they MIIIIGHT just slide through the radiator support in a factory hole.


Cutting the hole in the firewall was kind of tough but I made it work.

I'm stuck trying to find the soft ducting now, and I THINK I've found a few options.

One is BWD part number DH102, but I havent measured what size I need yet. Other option is...round duct is really easy to find and can either be smooshed into place or just build an adapter with some fiberglass.

 

I looked at those fresh air ducts also. They're for the air cleaner snorkel. I finally found the duct I needed at a junk yard.

 

I was fortunate, the ducts I got were in really good shape.
To try and preserve them I cleaned them real good with warm soap and water, let them dry in the sun, then sprayed a heavy coat of black Plastidip.
Time will tell if this'll work.

 

For anyone who is planning on adding factory A/C, keep in mind that you will more than likely need a new compressor which is about $200 and a new dryer which is around $40 give or take. Also, I would replace the heater core and blower motor which I can't remember the prices, but lets say $100. You don't want to have to replace the blower or heater core when the evaporator box is in the truck. It's a pain. Than you have to assume that all the hoses, ducting and controls are in good shape along with the evaporator and condenser. Than take in consideration for the the time it will be cutting the firewall, fitting the box and then cutting the dash for the vents. I know that is just time, but sometimes time is money. Just something to think about. I wouldn't trust a used A/C compressor for anything. I went through that once. Paid $150 to evac and charge my system and it lasted about a week. Had to get a new compressor and pay another $150.

 

I think a new aftermarket is the way to go probably. I went the other way my 75 had facory air in it though somebody had removed the compressor and all the brackets when they rebuilt the engine and never replaced them i had a heck of a time finding all the brackets i needed i finally came across a set at a junk yard in new york. I did still have the factory heater box but i'll tell you it was a pain replacing the heater core and blower motor in it. I have finally got it done and im happy but i think you would probably be happier with a more efficient aftter market. Mike that answered you before helped me out quite a bit if you have any questions ask him he will know the answers good luck

 

well, it looks like I may be saving my pennies for the complete AC unit from them. thanks everyone for your input!

 

Thanks .

 

Just painted my duct today with the Plasti Dip. Should work great. Thanks for the idea Mike.

 

Here is a little bit about the vintage air from 'crsweet78' our residential interior expert. Haha For real though, his interior thread is INCREDIBLE. Just another option.

I also think it will be so much easier and nicer to run an aftermarket kit. OEM a/c fills up the engine bay and just looks out of place for me.