Ac compressor and condenser question
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2017
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Ac compressor and condenser question
I thinking about installing a factory ac system in my truck. I’m weighing this over a aftermarket system.
If I installed a factory 1979 evaporator could I use a sanden pump and condenser from say a 1996 f350?
Meaning I could go into oreillys and ask for a compressor or condenser for that specific year/model (doesn’t matter to me just using that year/model as an example).
I don’t know if I can just use whatever compressor/condenser like that. I figure as long as it’s a sanden model whatever parts would work on a 96ish f350 oughta be good enough to work on my truck. That would be my preferred route as I could get both of those locally without paying for shipping and with a easy warranty.
I’m planning on buying a compressor mount and making my own condenser mounts. I could make the compressor mount but to get one as nice as I want it’d be easier to just buy it. I would need a drier also if the condenser did not come with one.
If I installed a factory 1979 evaporator could I use a sanden pump and condenser from say a 1996 f350?
Meaning I could go into oreillys and ask for a compressor or condenser for that specific year/model (doesn’t matter to me just using that year/model as an example).
I don’t know if I can just use whatever compressor/condenser like that. I figure as long as it’s a sanden model whatever parts would work on a 96ish f350 oughta be good enough to work on my truck. That would be my preferred route as I could get both of those locally without paying for shipping and with a easy warranty.
I’m planning on buying a compressor mount and making my own condenser mounts. I could make the compressor mount but to get one as nice as I want it’d be easier to just buy it. I would need a drier also if the condenser did not come with one.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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Get this kit along with a condenser from any parts house and the under hood part is done. it's a breeze if you already have factory A/C but if not the tough part is in the cab.
76-79 F-Series Truck/78-79 Bronco AC Compressor Kit V8 STAGE-1 | Original Air Group
76-79 F-Series Truck/78-79 Bronco AC Compressor Kit V8 STAGE-1 | Original Air Group
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: East Central Ia
Absolutely nothing from a 96 era truck will fit directly into a dentside era truck. Sanden's are great compressors, but they didn't come stock on a 96, they make a direct fit for a 96. If you want stock be prepared for a little work. When new stock will freeze you out of a standard or SC. But you need to have all new seals/weatherstrips and a totally functioning system. As with any. Sanden makes an unbelievable amount of styles, look up one of their catalogs, hard to order over the counter. Done with rant.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2017
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That kit plus a condenser plus a mount is going to be $1000+. Oreillys has a $200 compressor and condenser listed for a 96. Vintage air sells a mount for 135 and a hose kit with a drier for 180. That’s ~$750 still but it includes the condenser and the bracket. And if I have problems with the compressor ever I can take that in and get a new one easily.
Unless there’s something wrong with going that way. I guess the compressors are pretty universal? I want to get one I can get another one of in case my compressor or condenser go out one day. Half these ac places are out of stock half the time. I just don’t know what separates a 96’s sanden compressor from a 2006 model or whatever model the ac shops sell. Once the lines are made I need a very similar replacement for whatever parts go down.
Unless there’s something wrong with going that way. I guess the compressors are pretty universal? I want to get one I can get another one of in case my compressor or condenser go out one day. Half these ac places are out of stock half the time. I just don’t know what separates a 96’s sanden compressor from a 2006 model or whatever model the ac shops sell. Once the lines are made I need a very similar replacement for whatever parts go down.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: starship enterprise
I happen to own a working 1996 f350 factory air and also a 1978 working factory air (still r12) These systems are completely different, in respect to a 1996 having the drier on the low side line and an orifice tube. the 1979 having a drier on the hi side line and an expansion valve. Assuming parts will fit and connections can be made to go from 1996 to 1979 ( which they can if enough research is done, but your life is worth... something)two completely different systems are being melded together. How well do you think that will work?
Now. Food for thought. The condenser and lines and expansion device can be had new. WHY would you not be able to use a factory ac parts and just connect to the sanden compressor? that I have done and it blows cold air just like normal. Trust me that I live where it IS HOT. Might not be AZ but come out for a summer and see 100*+ days NO RAIN NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY. Look at southern CO and be prepared for 105* in summer and -30* in winter. quite possibly the most extreme climate in the world. Now, connect a factory condenser to the factory drier and factory expansion device and convert to sanden and let us know what happens.
Now. Food for thought. The condenser and lines and expansion device can be had new. WHY would you not be able to use a factory ac parts and just connect to the sanden compressor? that I have done and it blows cold air just like normal. Trust me that I live where it IS HOT. Might not be AZ but come out for a summer and see 100*+ days NO RAIN NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY. Look at southern CO and be prepared for 105* in summer and -30* in winter. quite possibly the most extreme climate in the world. Now, connect a factory condenser to the factory drier and factory expansion device and convert to sanden and let us know what happens.
4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
I have a 76 factory air and i pulled out my a/c control panel in the dash and found that my 8 pin mode control lever has fallen apart the rubber is in amazing condition but im not sure how its sandwiched in there tightly anyone have any ideas on how to fix this? even if i buy the stage 3 kit from original air it doesnt seem to fix this issue
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Logistics Pro
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2017
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The sanden conversion kits don’t say anything about moving the expansion valve. To be clear I’m asking about using a 100 percent original 79 factory ac setup with a newer compressor and condenser with the lines made for that compressor and condenser. So factory evaporator and controls and everything else.
Nostalgic ac recommends using a sanden 508 style compressor in their aftermarket builds. I can buy one from one of the many places online or I can get one from a parts store with a longer warranty and I won’t have to pay shipping. I’ve found a list of truck/car models that come with Sanden 508’s.
I just don’t know if it’s as simple as using any appropriately sized condenser and 508 compressor hooked to the factory evaporator.
Nostalgic ac recommends using a sanden 508 style compressor in their aftermarket builds. I can buy one from one of the many places online or I can get one from a parts store with a longer warranty and I won’t have to pay shipping. I’ve found a list of truck/car models that come with Sanden 508’s.
I just don’t know if it’s as simple as using any appropriately sized condenser and 508 compressor hooked to the factory evaporator.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: starship enterprise
I used the sanden and the original condenser, and r12. It worked fine. A larger condenser is going to drop head pressure and work a little better, but fundamentally, using the expansion valve, with no low side accumulator, it is going to be limited on efficiency. for several reasons. It will help but on second thought... why? unless you plan on setting stationary wanting cold ac for long long periods of time a larger condenser is not that much help. My factory air blew so cold driving anything over 30 mph I turned it to low, even in our intense sun high elevation no cloud 100+ days.
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