Dealer installed AC???
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
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From: Maryland
Dealer installed AC???
Hi, I came across an 86 f250/460 with looks like a Ford "dealer-installed" AC system. Notable differences from the factory system were: separate blower for evap/dash vents, engine compartment had the non-AC heater unit and the receiver/dryer was at the radiator core support close to the condenser.
Has anyone seen or know of this system and is it an easier way to go than trying to add the factory installed system? Thanks
Has anyone seen or know of this system and is it an easier way to go than trying to add the factory installed system? Thanks
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Desert Hot Springs, CA
Dealer installed AC???
I had a '78 Mustang with the 2.8 engine. I had the dealer install aftermarket A/C. This unit could cool a city. It caused the engine to overheat until I installed a larger radiator, then when you'd turn on the A/C, the thermostat would open more and cool the engine. Used to joke that I could cool the engine and the passengers at the same time.
It's settings were controlled by the sliding heater temperature lever. It would cycle on and off just like an automatic system. If you set it to "COLD" you might have wanted to bring a jacket.
I've seen some systems that hang under the dash. Not impressive. But the system I had was incredible! However, not all systems are created equal. The dealer did tell me at the time that it was much cheaper to install an aftermarket unit than try to retrofit the vehicle for an OEM unit.
It's settings were controlled by the sliding heater temperature lever. It would cycle on and off just like an automatic system. If you set it to "COLD" you might have wanted to bring a jacket.
I've seen some systems that hang under the dash. Not impressive. But the system I had was incredible! However, not all systems are created equal. The dealer did tell me at the time that it was much cheaper to install an aftermarket unit than try to retrofit the vehicle for an OEM unit.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Dealer installed AC???
Definitely aftermarket, the problem was that at the time, Ford did not make a modular a/c kit, so that if you did not order a/c from the factory, there was no easy "plug and play" way to install it, so that even Ford had to make an a/c unit that would fit in available space without hacking up the firewall. I'm strictly an a/c business, and ahve found that the aftermarket kits often out-performed factory installed a/c. Just because it's aftermarket doesn't necessarily mean it's not as good. It could also be many different manufacturers, as aftermarket a/c used to be a very lucrative business. If you are looking for replacement non-OE (or even OE) parts, try ackits.com.
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