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I am considering adding an under-dash AC system. Not in any way interested in other alternatives, but thanks for asking.
In this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...nditioner.html , NumberDummy stated that the dealer installed kits, either Ford or Rotunda, could indeed be used on trucks having a floor shifter, like my four-speed, but it required the dealer to bend the shift lever to avoid hitting the AC .
The kit I would use is pretty similar to those used in early-mid 60’s cars, either Ford or Rotunda . Has anyone installed one of these and modified the shift lever? https://autoacsolutions.com/products...70-straight-6/
I have spoken with the manufacturer, and am assured the kit will be specific for my truck.
How to you bend the shift lever? I guess I could just call or email The Dummy, but I think he’s watching Judge Judy now, before getting in his afternoon beauty rest. Bill?
After your AC is installed remove the shifter boor. Get a really stiff wire and tie strap it to the base of your shift lever. Keep bending and strapping it to the shifter until you to deviate from the shifter shape. Bend the stiff wire to get the shape that best works ergonomically for you and clears any interference with the AC installation. Carefully remove your wire model, pop the shift lever out of tranny, and heat and bend your lever to match the model. No danger of internal cab fires.
That is a great idea. When I lived near the coast , under the redwoods, I had no need for A C. But now, having moved to the foothills of the Sierras, and having had almost 5 months straight of daytime temps from 90-105F, I am singing a different tune. It has begun to cool off the last three weeks, thankfully.
I worked as a mechanic at a Caterpillar dealership for many years. Lots of levers and shifters, etc. in heavy equipment back in the day. I often tweeked those to fit a machine to a specific operator. Lots of different body types out there. Sit him in the seat and use heavy gauge wire to make a model for what fit his body. Remove the control lever and match to model using a vise, a torch, and box end wrenches to make the bends.
I know you said you weren’t interested in any other options but vintage air system is built specifically for your pickup and bolts right in, uses your simple duct work and no bending of the shift lever needed..... just a thought.
Besides clearing the AC unit dont forget the bench seat.
The NP435 in the later trucks have a crazy bent stick from the factory to clear the dash & seat.
When I added the Advance Adapter over drive it pushed the transmission back and the stick then hit the seat.
I also used the blue wrench (MAP gas as that is all I have) heated in a few spots and grab the end and bend.
The top of the stick sits a little higher than the factory NP435 but its not bad.
I also use the blue wrench on the AA OD shifter stick as I wanted it to come up through the transmission pan and not the floor.
Dave ----
So when I put the TKX 5-speed in my truck it came with a Hurst type shift lever that they said would fit with the bench seat well I put it in and it hit the bench seat in two and four and reverse so I turned it around and then my knuckles hit the dash and one three and five and rather than bending the shift lever that they charged me $100 for I asked if I could return it they said yes so I went down to the junkyard and looked around for a shifter that would fit and I found a shift lever out of an unknown 4x4 I was able to drill and tap one hole in it and bolt it onto the transmission and shift and it works perfectly shifts does not hit the seat does not hit the dashboard and it's got an odd shift pattern so nobody knows where the gears are in my truck hahaha.
Thanks. I am going to hang the AC off the bottom of the dash, and keep my stock NP435. It seems to be pretty straight forward to bend it. I don’t venture too far from stock, I find with my skills(lack there-of) that is the best way to go.
Thanks. I am going to hang the AC off the bottom of the dash, and keep my stock NP435. It seems to be pretty straight forward to bend it. I don’t venture too far from stock, I find with my skills(lack there-of) that is the best way to go.
