Hi all. I just love this dang kansas summer heat and wind. Not! I've decided to reinstall the a/c on my truck that the previous owner ripped out. I don't want to install an aftermarket hang on type if i can help it. My truck has what i guess would be a dealer installed a/c system. I don't have the big box sticking out into my engine compartment but i do have a/c vents in my dash. The center vents have to ***** right under them. So is this dealer installed? The main part im having trouble finding is the box the evaporator and blower motor go in. Also where does this box even go? Does it go behind the dash or is it a hang on type? i would perfer to have one that goes behind the dash because i dont have alot of room down below as it is. If im going to have to buy an aftermarket kit which do you recommend? I have searched on this topic but no one really says how they fit exactly. The kit I have really looked at is from ackits.com. Anyone have this kit? Does it fit up behind the dash? any help is greatly appreaciated.
Thanks
Richard

 

Richard-

I have a 77 with the dealer installed A/C system that you are talking about (although it currently does not work either). From what I can see, the evaporater is mounted under the dash on the passenger side just below the glove box. It has its own blower motor just for the A/C. It is, in my opinion, much better than an aftermarket hang on type. However, I believe Vintage A/C has a nice aftermarket system that minimizes the bulky boxes you typically see hanging on the bottom of dashes. Their system will also hook up to your defrost vents for better winter defrosting.

I would think you could find the dealer installed systems in plenty of junk yards because I have seen many trucks with it. The only drawback to mine is all the hose fittings just have some sort of a hose clamp instead of a crimped fitting. That may have been sufficient for the old R-12 systems, but I would be very hesitant to put R-134 freon with that setup seeing that the newer freon has much smaller molecules that will leak in spots that R-12 won't. But, any shop that has a crimping maching could make you some custom lines with modern hoses and fittings that would work just fine. The A/C is one of the many things on the list that I want to do to mine. I also have a very original 1976 with factory A/C that needs converting because the old freon finally leaked out. But, that has crimped fittings on it already.

I hear ya about that Kansas heat. I am from Illinois, but I go to school in central Kansas and it has been pretty hot since I returned back here a few weeks ago!

 

Point of order guys. . . . .

There were no Ford Dealer installed A/C systems in 1977. If the A/C you guys are talking about is a hang on/ underdash system it has got to be aftermarket, unless some individual retrofitted an earlier system from the 60s. . . . .

 

Really?? When did they stop doing the 'dealer install' a/c? I assumed it was done all through the 70's...

Marty

 

Dear FORDBOY pete-

I hate to argue with someone, because I never claim to be an expert on anything and I don't have a problem admitting I am wrong. However, on my 1977, I know it has the dealer installed system. The truck has been in the family since it was brand new and I have the bill from when the dealer installed it in the truck. My grandfather purchased the truck in the winter and had the A/C installed that spring at the same dealership. I also have a maintenence brochure and warranty information from Ford they gave him that was specifically for the dealer installed A/C systems. I am not saying you are entirely wrong, but in my "point of order", my 1977 does in fact have dealer installed A/C.

 

79 was the last year of the dealer installed A/C units. i know i guy who worked the truck assembly line until early 1980's.

hey Dick i bet i can beat your summer heat. it was 110* for the past 3 days here in Phx,AZ.and i'm a mailman.

also i have a friend who has a 74 truck that he wrecked with the dealer installed unit. if you want i can see if he will sell it. email me if your interested.

Paul