Hello all, I'm in the process of reassembling the front end of my '70 F250 after rebuilding the engine, and I can't quite figure out how the condenser mounted in front of the radiator. Was hoping some of you could send some pics of your setup (if similar) or help explain. I should have taken better pictures of how it mounted before taking apart last fall, but I just didn't. Searched online and can't find quite the same setup. Had to buy a new aluminum radiator since the old was shot and would have cost 2.5x the amount to re-core. The new radiator may be giving me some spacing issues because it sits pretty flush to the radiator support, and if I remember correctly there was a 1-2" gap on the old one. In the original picture below, the condenser hoses run through the rad support opening past the radiator. That wouldn't work now since new radiator is flush against the support.

I have what looks to be the dealer installed a/c setup...under the dash. I found the mounting holes for the top bracket of the condenser that screws into the top of the radiator support, but couldn't see any corresponding holes in the rad support at the bottom. Question is...should I put about a 1" spacer between my radiator the the support so the condenser can fit within the support opening (and have hoses run as they used to), or fab a couple of brackets for the condenser at the bottom to mount to the radiator support, put a hole in the support to the right and run hoses thru there?


Only pic I have showing a/c condenser before teardown. Looks like it fits right in opening and not slightly in front of it.


Since this pic, I now have rad support, inner fenders, radiator and hoses, and wiring done. Getting closer!

 

If it was dealer installed aftermarket setup, it could have been done however. There are 4 holes for clips in the top/bottom of the core support, assuming for the OEM system.

I suggest just making new brackets as you see fit. Is this a R12 or 134a system? New hoses? A new style parallel flow condenser would improve performance, only $100 or so.

 

Thanks for the reply. I know it will fit into the two holes at the top of the support, so I may as well making some brackets for the bottom, as long as it can still fit between the radiator and the support bar that runs vertical to the hood latch. It's an old R12 system, so I think the condenser is thicker than a new style now. Probably have to get a new compressor as well, but I think that would require new higher pressure lines?

 

A/C compressors have a specific oil in them like a lawnmower engine does. Specific to which freon is used. Some of this oil gathers in the drier. A new drier is now required. First because it's got R12 style oil in it. Second because since the system has been open for a while, it has sucked moisture out of the air. Relegating the old one useless.

 

Update...I made 1 1/4" spacers to put between the radiator support and the radiator to move it closer to the fan. That will allow for the condenser to mount to it's original holes in the rad support. I think that was close to the spacing with the original radiator because my fan blade was sitting just on the outside edge of the radiator shroud opening. From what I read, the fan should be closer to the radiator and about 3/4" of the blade width covered by the shroud. It was probably a good 4" away from the radiator before.

The bad news is I now need a new condenser. Tried to pull one of the old hoses off and the fitting broke off of the condenser. Is there a kit for these trucks that converts the condenser, hoses, and compressor to R134?

 

I am using a 12x26 universal condenser and inline drier. I made my own hoses but you can order the hoses also custom.

https://coldhose.com/

 

Be sure to flush out any components you will be reusing, some oil residue and oil will remain in the evaporator as well. As JEFFFAFA stated the R12 and R134 oils are NOT compatible.
Also, oil viscosity is usually prescribed by the compressor manufacturer.

 

If you are still looking for pictures, and a '68 is set up the same as your truck let me know. I am replacing the entire dealer installed A/C in my '68 F250. So far I have removed the evaporator / inside unit. I can take pictures of the condenser & related hard lines up front as I start to disassemble them.

 

Thanks. If you can take some pictures of the condenser and the routing of the lines to the compressor that would help. Also, maybe show the spacing of your radiator in relation to the radiator support. I think my main issue is the replacement aluminum radiator I bought mounts flush with the support, so there is not enough space to fit my condenser back on using original holes. Plus, my fan sticks out almost all the way outside of the shroud, so I'm guessing the radiator is too far from the fan.

 

Forgot to ask...are you replacing the old AC system with a new one? If so, what are you going with?

 

Good morning. Here are a few pictures. Let me know if you need more, and of what. From what I can tell this truck looks to be original. The fan is spaced 1/2 way in the shroud, nothing appears to have been altered in the A/C or radiator area. I am replacing the entire dealer installed A/C system with a Vintage Air 960-951157. Even though I plan on using a mechanical fan I'll pay the extra $40 to get a trinary switch. This way in the future if someone wants to run electric fans this is already installed. To ensure adequate cooling I will also install a Champion Monster Cooler radiator MC433. It arrived yesterday and looks to be an exact copy of the radiator currently in the truck. Tom

 

I'd dump the existing and go new. I have two of those under dash factory boxes and decided they're never going back in. Mine were factory installs. I bought a 2nd one to have as a replacement 'just in case'.
I have yet to reinstall anything for heat/cool but that'll happen this fall/winter when I'm not driving the truck.
There's enough new stuff out there that's lighter, more efficient & takes up a LOT LESS room.
For my rebuild I used this radiator..https://www.jegs.com/i/Champion-Cool...CC433/10002/-1
this fan... http://www.jegs.com/i/Speedmaster/74....1010/10002/-1
this fan wiring harness... https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/10560/10002/-1
Dumping the metal fan & old AC was a perfect choice and I have plenty of room for any new AC. Even on 100 degree days the engine runs/stays cool.

Dan

 

Thanks for pictures and links. I installed the same champion radiator but decided to keep the stock fan and shroud for now.

For the a/c, I'll probably see if the underdash unit is still good, and if so maybe find a kit that includes compressor, evap, condenser, and new hoses for R134. May have to wait until next year to reinstall that. Too many other things I need first to get it rolling again, like windshield, exhaust, tires, carpet, dash pad...the list goes on.