Hey! I just bought an '88 F150. Inline 6cyl. One owner!, Garage kept, under 57k miles. This thing was hardly driven but doesnt have A/C. Im needing info on what I need and how much I might expect to fork in for it.. Any help appreciated.. Thanx

 

you probably have to get an aftermarket unit for a truck this old.
i looked into it for my85 a few years ago and it was around 1400.00.
check the yellow pages for installers . also check into vintage air and similar companies for kits.
i do not recommend getting used unit because of lack of warranty and contaminants that may be in unit. witha new unit you also get r134a compatible components.

 

Ever think of getting the stuff you need from a wrecking yard?

Try the following site, you can look up vehicles closest to you by zip code. [link:www.copartfinder.com|Part Finder]


1988 F-150, SWB, 5.0 EFI (formerly 4.9 EFI), M5OD 5 speed, 3.08 gears, Summit shorty truck headers, Custom built Flowmaster exhaust system. Force 4 LP6000 lightbar, Federal signal PA-300 100 watt siren, Icom IC-V100 50 watt mobile radio.
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1965 F-100 (just purchased 1/18/01), SWB, 390, C-6 auto. Dual exhaust, Not much else to do to it.

Can see both below.

[link:www.geocities.com/hotrodford_88/|Hotrodford_88's Webpage]

 

I agree with billyb...get a new aftermarket unit. Installation will be much easier than swapping in used parts & everything will be new & 134a compatible.

Check out http://www.aapak.com for aftermarket a/c kits.

 

Aftermarket systems are good in their own right. But a stock system can be rebuilt for far less than an aftermarket setup. I got a quote when I had the a/c looked at in my 88 3 years ago. I had to have a new evaporator, new drier, and orifice tube. I bought a used evaporaor from the wrecking yard for $50, far less than the $275 the shop wanted to order a new one, and put it in. And the filter drier, was bought new, along with a new orifice tube. I did all of the installation, and everything works perfectly. The changeover to 134 isn't as hard as the companies tell you it is. As long as the system has had freon & oil in it, then it will changeover. It just cannot be bone dry, or else nothing will work.

I have been told that the system just needs to be evacuated and new oil and freon put in, along with the new o-rings, and that's it. Personally, I enjoy the r-12 that was put into my truck before it turned into liquid platinum. I had my system done right before the price shot through the roof, and that was three years ago. Even with the used evapoator it still will freeze anyone out of the truck.


1988 F-150, SWB, 5.0 EFI (formerly 4.9 EFI), M5OD 5 speed, 3.08 gears, Summit shorty truck headers, Custom built Flowmaster exhaust system. Force 4 LP6000 lightbar, Federal signal PA-300 100 watt siren, Icom IC-V100 50 watt mobile radio.
=======================================
1965 F-100 (just purchased 1/18/01), SWB, 390, C-6 auto. Dual exhaust, Not much else to do to it.

Can see both below.

[link:www.geocities.com/hotrodford_88/|Hotrodford_88's Webpage]

 

check out the site AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING.COM. there are lot's of threads about old units and non-r134a components.
i agree with hotrod that it can be done with old parts, and i have converted several systems to 134a, but i still think the smart money is on a quality aftermarket system. unless!!!!! you can find a new old stock factory system.

 

I own a 1982 F150 2wd 4.9L and no AC. I rebuit tyhe complete truck and now have installed a complete factory unit from the junk yard, from controls to compressor. Contact Jobrite.com they have everything. They did me well. Art

 

I'd strongly advise against getting old parts. The evaporators in these models are known for leakage and the FX-15/FS-10 compressor is a complete P.O.S.

If you're going to take the time to install a a/c unit, please do yourself a favor and install NEW parts.

Ford switched to R-134a in 1994. You can install a completely new R-134a genuine Ford system if you're so inclined, but watch your wallet! $$$