Hey all,

I know this is a huge talked about topic on here, and there are a lot of resources, but I've primarily used the search and found results for an F-Body. I don't need, that, I need a pre face lift E-150 which is, I believe, 1979-1984. I'm going to post links of what I've found, but this will make more sense if I explain what I'm trying to do and what the end goal is. Oh, this is a manual transmission so I don't have any of the automatic linkage and I'm assuming the vacuum that should be going to the automatic transmission is plugged/

The 1981 E-150 I bought was very bare bones. From my understanding it was a work truck - so I have crank windows, AM/FM radio, and Heat only controlled by wire.

The spoiled late millennial that I am finds this unacceptable and I want to have full functioning heat (with the ability to have heat come out of the dash versus defrost and feet) as well as AC.

With that in mind, I've started to collect parts from other Ford E series (1979-1991) to correct this. I bought the whole duct work assembly and since I had a padded dash that was in disrepair, I bought a dash that has forward facing ducts, so that's good!

One thing I noticed is the two actuators going to the heat/AC. I'm familiar with vacuum and how it works, but there is a LOT of vacuum on this vehicle and I'm looking for pictures of a vacuum system done to basically OEM to get things working correctly. I believe my vacuum system is hooked up properly as the engine runs well, the power brakes work fine, and nothing else at the moment is using vacuum, but I'm not sure. I've been focusing very heavily on the heating/AC functions since the dash is apart at the moment to clean and get rid of rot in the floor boards. I'm waiting on the front cabin, rear pieces that are on back order so I decided in the downtime to work on this fun little project (I'm learning, I'm reading, but it's still tough!)

So, I started to make diagrams and I've been reading the electrical & vacuum trouble-shooting manual which IS helpful but when you combine it with the engine manual you can start to make some real progress. Here is what I've documented so far:

Vacuum seems to originate from a port on the engine - the part I have is older than me so I bought a new one, just in case - it is a PVS26 ported vacuum switch with 4 ports.
From my E-150, there are two black lines coming off the top, then a pink, green, and white line.

I bought a new thermostat (heat/AC control interface) and they cut the vacuum lines - fine; the lines I have are - red/black, white/black, green/black, blue/black, purple black, brown/black. I'm looking to see where these connect to. I suppose that's my biggest question (besides the next one)

Which is the manual opener for the outside air. I have a pull handle on a wire that opens the cabin to outside air, but per the engine manual this wasn't an option on the AC equipped models, so I'm looking to convert these parts on both sides of the truck to what I need. Any idea here?

Moving on, I believe there are (4) vacuum actuated motors. I'm 99% sure I have the heat/defrost vacuum motor as it's attached to the duct work I bought, as well as the outside-recirculate vacuum motor control, which I'm sure will need some work as right now I have the non-AC model.

I believe I'm missing the AC/Heat Vacuum motor, as well as the Heater Water Valve Vacuum motor (I believe I just bought this, https://www.ebay.com/itm/232725381169) which is good. I also bought a blower that is meant for an AC equipped van, the one I have is loud and it's probably time to replace the old girl. I swear every piece of rubber on this thing is just about ready to turn to dust, so I'm taking the time to replace any lines that I come across... a full front end suspension rebuild is in order as well, but that's not the point here.

Anyway, does anyone have a part number or a picture of the vacuum motor I'm missing for the AC? I started to build an AC parts list, I suppose I'm curious how the compressor gets mounted (I am going with 134A, my father was an HVAC mechanic and I have access to about 60 lbs of 12 but this van isn't going to be 100% factory; if I can improve it, I'm going to, and there are some upgrades I definitely want to do).

So my big ask is if anyone has any pictures of an 81 or close year with the AC mounted - I have a 300ci motor (I6) so that would be most preferred. Second is the vacuum motor to which I am missing, and third is how to deal with the doors for fresh air. Forth, and last, is WHERE DOES THE VACUUM RESERVOIR GO??? I've read under the passenger wheel well but I think all I found is the charcoal canister (white plastic bottle, has a screw top cap; thinking of replacing that as well although the tank fills OK and I'm not getting horrible fumes).

Lastly, here are links from the forum that I've used. I do want help but I also want people to know I'm doing the best I can on my own; the search feature is great but the F series dominates and the E series with its small differences gets sucked up and well... you guys know the rest I'm sure.

If you want pictures, please be specific and I'll gladly get them to you! I work overnight in CST so if you're waiting I apologize, the best time for me to get pictures is when I get home from work in the AM and if I miss that window, then it's probably the next day.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-canister.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...-location.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ification.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...cronyms-2.html (cool list!)
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...and-leaks.html (helpful! but not exactly what I'm looking for. I'm glad some of the pictures still exist, and I was able to match things up to my truck which was great)