Dealer installed A/C???
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 46
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From: Inman SC
Dealer installed A/C???
As a few of y'all may know by now, I have an 85 F150 shortbed regualr cab with the mighty 300 six backed by an auto (not sure which one). Anyways, this truck was not equipped with A/C, and I'm exploring different A/C options, I've kinda ruled out retrofitting factory AC unless I just totally switch cabs, Vintage Air is pretty pricey IMO, so that leaves only "Dealer Installed AC". Does anyone have any underhood and or interior pics of a dealer installed set-up? This may be an option for me since I have a buddy that has a junkyard which means very resonable prices on parts, and I'm a technician so I have the knowledge and access to an HVAC machine. I've had 3 bullnose Fords before this one (82 F250, 81 F150 and a 86 F150) and they all had an AC option which I believe was factory installed. So basically I don't have a clue if I've ever seen the dealer insatlled ACs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
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From: Lost
I've got an 80 F150, with the 300 and dealer installed A/C.
Quick run down, it has the old York style compressor, a "universal" style condensor and dryer, and the rest is a self-contained unit that goes behind the dash complete with it's own separate blower motor. The dash and guage bezel have to be cut to allow for factory-style vents, which are fed from the unit thru flexible ducts.
The heater control is also different. Rather than reading "Off"-"heat"-"defrost", it has "A/C"-"heat"-"defrost", and the same switch operates both blowers, depending on which position the lever is in. Cold air thru the dash vents only, heated air thru the floor/defroster only.
I converted my system to R134a back around 99-00, and it still works fine aside from needing topped up every year. Best of all, it will be uber-easy to refit the underhood portion with a newer style compressor, bigger condenser, and another universal dryer when I do the Cummins swap.
Quick run down, it has the old York style compressor, a "universal" style condensor and dryer, and the rest is a self-contained unit that goes behind the dash complete with it's own separate blower motor. The dash and guage bezel have to be cut to allow for factory-style vents, which are fed from the unit thru flexible ducts.
The heater control is also different. Rather than reading "Off"-"heat"-"defrost", it has "A/C"-"heat"-"defrost", and the same switch operates both blowers, depending on which position the lever is in. Cold air thru the dash vents only, heated air thru the floor/defroster only.
I converted my system to R134a back around 99-00, and it still works fine aside from needing topped up every year. Best of all, it will be uber-easy to refit the underhood portion with a newer style compressor, bigger condenser, and another universal dryer when I do the Cummins swap.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 773
Likes: 10
This might be an alternative. Years ago I installed an underdash unit in my '66 F-150..Worked fine, and it was an easy install. These units are on Ebay all the time. Vintage Air make a nice product..but they are pricey..
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 709
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I have one of those
One thing I DO like about it is that you can retain your standard air venting and also have MAX-COLD a/c rather than the factory option which is vacuum controlled like my other Bronco (an 86').
I am a little concerned about finding an extra control switch because like has been stated they ARE different than non-a/c types, and I would like a spare if I can find one.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 456
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From: Owensboro, KY
I've seen an '81 F250 with a 302 and dealer air, can't recall what compressor, but the vent to the right of the gauges was half size with A/C controls above it. Maybe some may think this stand-alone setup is better?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
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From: Florida
If you still want pics let me know. I also have the original brochure for dealer air. Some are saying the controls are different. Mine are not. I have the regular non a/c factory control. It does nothing for the a/c or a/c fan. There's a separate module that installs o the dash with on/off fan, and temp controls for the a/c. Mine is a 1979 and the a/c is still cranking cold in Florida.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Phoenix
Dealer AC parts?
I know this is an old thread but I can’t find much info on dealer AC systems and basically none on parts. I need a new condenser, the factory one wont fit a dealer installed system… Mine has two barbed fittings on the drivers side. Anyone have a clue where to find parts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 34
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From: Phoenix
a message.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I know this is an old thread but I can’t find much info on dealer AC systems and basically none on parts. I need a new condenser, the factory one wont fit a dealer installed system… Mine has two barbed fittings on the drivers side. Anyone have a clue where to find parts?
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