Hello,

I need to put a new air conditioning system in my 1970 Ford F-100 Ranger, what is my best option?

Thank you.

 

How much money do you have and how much work are you willing to do?

 

I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to get a good unit. I don't have experience with AC and limited time so, I will farm out the installation.

 

R134a is what's being installed in todays world.
But depending what under dash unit you buy could be upwards to $1500+ You'll need a fan shroud for one thing. And a add on or different water pump & crank Pullies.
I'd say if you don't have time to learn how to do this and installing it yourself then go to an AC shop and say do it. asap.
Orich

 

There are many companies out there that offer new ac installation kits like Classic Auto Air. Just google for vintage Ford pickup ac kits.

 

I'm not familiar with their truck kits, but I installed a retrofit kit from Classic Auto Air in my '67 Mustang and I'm very pleased with it.

 

The cleanest system I've found is here, Classic Autoair. Complete AC for $1400.00, not counting install. I'd strongly suggest getting/installing an electric fan if you use the kit. More $$ but well worth it for a reliable setup to prevent overheating.

Dan

 

Don't know who makes the system but I noticed LMC listed complete setups for our generation of vehicles (provided you don't have a straight six) on the back page of their most recent catalog.

 

Try these guys outta FL... maybe ya buy only the parts ya need rather than an entire system although they do carry complete kits.... truck-specific too.

Nostalgic AC - Ford AC Kits For Trucks - Ford Complete Kits - Complete A/C Kits

.

 

there's also this place. I saw them at the turkey rod run last year, look like nice kits. this one is USA made Maxi Kooler III Super A/C & Heat *Complete Kit

 

I use Old Air Products; their fans blow hard and A/C is is cold. A friend of mine used Classic Auto air and was very pleased with his.

 

Why? Just curious.

 

If no shroud may run hotter in city stop & go driving.

Plus not get enough air being pulled through the condenser cause the AC to blow warm air in stop & go driving. This is why a electric fan is really needed with r134a AC systems.

With R12 systems did not have the warm vent air in stop & go driving, but best to have a fan shroud to keep the engine heat under control driving in traffic.
Orich

 

A very big "thank you" to all that have contributed their experience and knowledge to this thread. I'm getting a good idea on my AC direction.

 

This is who I used for my '81 Bullnose F-100 with a 300. I had to build a compressor mount to put it where I wanted as none was available (driver's side above PS pump). I am still working on it, but have been posting progress, altho been traveling lately so nothing done for a few weeks.

I went with Nostalgic mainly because they are only ~2 hrs from me, so went there to see what underdash unit fit best. I'm satisfied so far, but of course it's not in and running yet so don't know long term reliability of it.