Has anyone here installed a Vintage Air or any of the other aftermarket air conditioning kits into a 1980 to 86 F series?

I want to install air conditioning into my 1980 F100 Custom, I haven't been able to find any manufacturer that makes a specific kit for it or any info on what they installed from anyone that has done it before.

Thanks

 

Welcome to FTE!

I haven't done it yet, but I do plan to install a compressor from Vintage Air as well as their hoses. I don't know if they make a kit, per se, but when I talked with them they sure knew what they were talking about and I would think they can sell you all of the parts needed.

 

What after market AC?
So I did not need to swap out the fire wall to have AC


I know for v8 motors you can get the brackets, pulleys and compressors just about any where, not so for the 300 six.


Now I have not looked into the after market AC, I know they make a full replacement system (heat/AC) do they also make an under dash unit?
Dave ----

 

Welcome to the forum, Amac35! Open the provided link and go to post #117. A fellow forum member [fljab] has purchased components from Nostalgic AC in Ocala, FL.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...florida-8.html

 

Thanks for the info, I sent fljab a message

 

Amac, The two biggest challenges are the compressor mounts (I have a 300 six), and if you have a floor shift, have to check clearance with an underdash evap unit; I got the smallest one I could find and my SRod shifter won't clear. The rest is pretty straight forward.

 

Thanks fljab

I have the 300 six and 4 speed trans as well.

 

Ford 300 4.9 Air Conditioning AC Compressor Bracket F150 F250 Truck 83-86 67-72 | eBay

 

OUCH! And it has been reduced too.
I don't need it that bad but shipping is great.
Dave ----

 

Ouch is right! There is an earlier version of compressor mount and it goes basically in the same position, but a bit lower down. I'd do some quality junkyard crawling and look for either version.

Another option which would be easier to source would be the '87 up setup, but you'd need everything as you would have to hook up all your other accessories to it including using the specific water pump (reverse rotation?).

 

I have a 93 engine with a serpentine belt so that compressor wouldn't work for me. I am really looking for an aftermarket a/c system that will work well in the truck. I don't want to piece together something from the scrap yard.

 

That compressor may work but need to change the pulley.
Now the brackets will not work for you from what I hear from someone doing a V belt to serpent belt swap.
Dave - - - -

 

Or I could just buy a 93 compressor for a little over a $100 and it should bolt on. It looks like the mount is already there on the 93 engine as part of the power steering mount.

I think the big issue is finding the right unit that will work under the dash. I was hoping there was something out there in the aftermarket for a complete system that someone had already done.

 

These links to ebay offerings might provide some "starting" information:

Slim Line Under Dash Heat Cool & Defrost System Air Conditioning Vintage Air | eBay

Vintage Air Mark IV Steel & Chrome Under Dash Air Conditioning Evaporator Kit AC

Under Dash Air Conditioning System | eBay

 

Thanks for the info. I have looked at the underdash units, that is not what I am looking for.