Air conditioning
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
I bought the Nostalgic Air in dash AC system for my heat only 1978 F250. It is my winter time project, so I'll try and do a thread on its install along the way. What I can tell you at this time is the evaporator sits on top of the factory heater case, and there is a bracket that holds the evap to the plastic defrost duct, and the refrigerant hoses and center outlet duct also hold the unit steady. The instructions say that you can pull the bottom of the metal dash out and slide the evap up on top of heater case, I really don't see that happening so plan on pulling the metal dash for access. I ordered mine with the Sanden compressor and got the adaptor bracket to mount it to factory AC brackets. I'm also using factory AC pulleys.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: S. Florida
I bought the Nostalgic Air in dash AC system for my heat only 1978 F250. It is my winter time project, so I'll try and do a thread on its install along the way. What I can tell you at this time is the evaporator sits on top of the factory heater case, and there is a bracket that holds the evap to the plastic defrost duct, and the refrigerant hoses and center outlet duct also hold the unit steady. The instructions say that you can pull the bottom of the metal dash out and slide the evap up on top of heater case, I really don't see that happening so plan on pulling the metal dash for access. I ordered mine with the Sanden compressor and got the adaptor bracket to mount it to factory AC brackets. I'm also using factory AC pulleys.
I have everything out of my cab including the dash face. That's kinda my thinking on buying and installing now. The outside is original and has heavy patina and I clear coated it.. I like it that way.. To me it's a badge of honor it made it this long in that good a shape but the inside I want real clean. That and the engine bay. I was ready to dyno mat and dynoliner and install everything and I'm like.. I just know I will never have it this far apart again. Famous last words. I have a 68 Devill I've had apart now 4x's..
Would you say the quality of the unit looks legit ? I'm down like 4 flats if I can get the correct controls and vents and have it look and work right
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I bought the Nostalgic Air in dash AC system for my heat only 1978 F250. It is my winter time project, so I'll try and do a thread on its install along the way. What I can tell you at this time is the evaporator sits on top of the factory heater case, and there is a bracket that holds the evap to the plastic defrost duct, and the refrigerant hoses and center outlet duct also hold the unit steady. The instructions say that you can pull the bottom of the metal dash out and slide the evap up on top of heater case, I really don't see that happening so plan on pulling the metal dash for access. I ordered mine with the Sanden compressor and got the adaptor bracket to mount it to factory AC brackets. I'm also using factory AC pulleys.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Which kit did you buy
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Elder User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, WA
I didn't. I did a Cummins swap, so I'm using the factory A/C pump, bit everything else is Vintage Air. I bought the Gen II Compac evaporator (heat, A/C, defrost), their biggest condenser, the 3 **** billet controller, Proline louvers, a receiver/drier with trinary switch, bulkhead fittings, and misc. hoses.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
The kit I bought does not use any of the factory heat controls or the factory blower motor. The evaporator has its own fan motor in it, and the controls and vents look very similar to the dealer add on air that Ford sold. My progress might be slow for the next couple of weeks due to the Holidays, but I will post pictures as I go.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
The kit I bought does not use any of the factory heat controls or the factory blower motor. The evaporator has its own fan motor in it, and the controls and vents look very similar to the dealer add on air that Ford sold. My progress might be slow for the next couple of weeks due to the Holidays, but I will post pictures as I go.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
I have the inside portion installed, it fits good inside the dash. If you PM me your email, I can send some pics. I do plan to do a write up on the install, might be a bit. Some things on the install you have to be aware of.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Im Non-AC and the web-site has it as 1,099. I'm nervous to cut my dash and some of the under dash vents look terrible. Plus my controls are wrong so they offer this cheap ****. I'm not afraid to install it and run everything but don't want the dash to look hacked after.
I sent the company an email tonight asking for some pictures and if that goes well I think I'm gonna order it this week.
I sent the company an email tonight asking for some pictures and if that goes well I think I'm gonna order it this week.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: S. Florida
. I went with the Nostalgic Air, I went with the full ac/heat and factory look. I also restomoded my truck and had the full interior out. I cut the holes for the vents and it's real simple. I live in the south but I'm from the north and really have no experience with AC. I ran everything myself. I cut my lines, crimped (borrowed tool) and did the little electrical. I was nervous the whole way and really didn't know what I was doing. Took the truck to have it vac'ed and tested and charged... WOW, ice cold air. Now that ive done it I see it's VERY easy to do and I'm sure any system you get would be fine. Nostalgia was extremely good to me so take that into consideration. But I can't wait to do a system in my 68 now. Our heat index is 105 the past couple weeks and it blows very cold. I get 42deg at the vent.
Using my phone to post and screen is cracked hope its i derstandable. Have a great weekend