Air Conditioning
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: High Park, Toronto
Originally Posted by Joe Gaddy
I just finished a Gen. II installation in my 53. If you have any specific questions I will try to help. Actually, after installing a Southern Air unit, and an Airtique unit previously, I felt Vintage Air was fairly good. Feel free to email me with questions if you like. Joe
I'm going to Syracuse this weekend adn would like to get a "show special" deal there on what guys concure is the best unit these days.
GW
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
My truck came with an Old Air AC system installed. The PO gave me the instructions that came with it. While smoothing my firewall I needed to remove the underdash unit mount, so I read through the instructions to reverse the process. The instructions were in good understandable English complete with check boxes for each step (A+).
The problem was the illustrations showed a completely different model that mounted differently from the one in my truck! (D-)
IMHO In this day in age of computers and good inexpensive digital cameras there is no reasonable excuse for not keeping the instructions up to the minute, I'm pretty sure they are not producing thousands of units a day, it would take no more than an hour (for a computer graphics novice) to take a digital photo and plug it into the instruction sheet layout when they change a component or instructions, then start printing a day/week/month's worth of up to the minute instruction sheets.
The problem was the illustrations showed a completely different model that mounted differently from the one in my truck! (D-)
IMHO In this day in age of computers and good inexpensive digital cameras there is no reasonable excuse for not keeping the instructions up to the minute, I'm pretty sure they are not producing thousands of units a day, it would take no more than an hour (for a computer graphics novice) to take a digital photo and plug it into the instruction sheet layout when they change a component or instructions, then start printing a day/week/month's worth of up to the minute instruction sheets.
Last edited by AXracer; Jul 13, 2005 at 07:48 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
I opted for the streamline under dash unit with heat and air for my 49 F-1. I did not have to sacrifice the glove box. Hot Rod Air is a great company for service, they will work with you and your needs. My unit has been in since the middle of april, the last there days of so here in Phoenix has been 110 degrees plus. I have yet to use the blower on high speed. My F-1 is a daily driver and an occasional work truck.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: High Park, Toronto
Originally Posted by TBucketJack
I opted for the streamline under dash unit with heat and air for my 49 F-1. I did not have to sacrifice the glove box. Hot Rod Air is a great company for service, they will work with you and your needs. My unit has been in since the middle of april, the last there days of so here in Phoenix has been 110 degrees plus. I have yet to use the blower on high speed. My F-1 is a daily driver and an occasional work truck.
You're using your '49 as I use my '53 Mercury, and I'd like to keep the use of my glove box...there's precious little storage in thes old trucks!
Do you know if the unit has to be any bigger if it has the defrost function?
GW
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 692
Likes: 3
From: Gatesville, TX
condenser
Tbucket,
I'm building a '50 F-1 and have the hot rod air with heat and defrost. I will lose about half of the glove box. I haven't cranked it yet. What size condenser are you using? Mine is about half as big as the radiator. I'm wondering if it too small
Don
I'm building a '50 F-1 and have the hot rod air with heat and defrost. I will lose about half of the glove box. I haven't cranked it yet. What size condenser are you using? Mine is about half as big as the radiator. I'm wondering if it too small
Don
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
Don, I have a cross flow radiator and my condensor is a horizontal one 14" x 22". This pactically takes up the whole area in front of the radiator. It sits 3/4" in front of the radiator. It does block some flow of air, seeing I've noticed about a 10 degree difference (hotter) since I've installed it. But no overheating problem what so ever. Out here is AZ its wonder!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
No I have no experience with Hot Rod Air. I do agree with the under dash unit thoughts, although I talked myself out of one. Just decided that I did not want to fight it for other "behind" the dash issues that might arrise. Sound like TBucketJack has a good experience. Joe
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
That's a good question about the condensor, GENERALLY speaking the weakest link in aftermarket a/c is the condensor. I have found that air that works only moderately well with the supplied condensor works 'way better with the addition of a good condensor. Condensors from Modine or other suppliers really make a difference. You can also use replacements from a dealer if the configurations can be matched. I personally like the Modine because the ones I have used have copper lines and the ends can be easily changed if necessary. Much easier than replacing aluminum fittings.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: High Park, Toronto
The Ugly Part
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your responses
I'm just back from the 6th Syracuse Nationals... it's a great, low key, family oriented and accessible show. Lot's of vehicles of all shapes and descriptions and a good number of vendors. ****
I got a little run around but mostly good advice from vendors there and am closer to buying and installing.
A Little background:
The Driveline for my '53 M100 was donated by an "86 Lincoln MKVII and is a 5.0L/AOD set up which came with A/C. The Ford Compressor is on a Serpentine belt and set up on the driver's side above the Power Steering pump. I've already fabed and installed the factory condensor in front of my refurbished 4 core stock rad. The condensor lines come through the driver's side air deflector near the bottom.
[B]The Ugly Part Questions:[/B]
The vendors inform me I have to enquire with Ford if the Compressor I have is variable or fixed displacement as most of the aftermarket kits come with their own regulation device. Can't have edualling regulators!
Once I have that knowledge the ugly part is finding fittings from the Ford Compressor to crimp onto new lines.
Does anyone know where I can get fittings [no one in Syracuse knew] and whether Ford used Variable or Fixed displacement Compressors in the '80's?
GW
Thanks for all your responses
I'm just back from the 6th Syracuse Nationals... it's a great, low key, family oriented and accessible show. Lot's of vehicles of all shapes and descriptions and a good number of vendors. ****
I got a little run around but mostly good advice from vendors there and am closer to buying and installing.
A Little background:
The Driveline for my '53 M100 was donated by an "86 Lincoln MKVII and is a 5.0L/AOD set up which came with A/C. The Ford Compressor is on a Serpentine belt and set up on the driver's side above the Power Steering pump. I've already fabed and installed the factory condensor in front of my refurbished 4 core stock rad. The condensor lines come through the driver's side air deflector near the bottom.
[B]The Ugly Part Questions:[/B]
The vendors inform me I have to enquire with Ford if the Compressor I have is variable or fixed displacement as most of the aftermarket kits come with their own regulation device. Can't have edualling regulators!
Once I have that knowledge the ugly part is finding fittings from the Ford Compressor to crimp onto new lines.
Does anyone know where I can get fittings [no one in Syracuse knew] and whether Ford used Variable or Fixed displacement Compressors in the '80's?
GW
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
I don't have all the answers (for a change) but I used some stock fittings by cutting away the outer sleeve from the hose and peeling the hose away only to find that the stock fitting was fluted. I took it down to the local a/c shop and they just put on new hoses and crimped them on. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than smart. As far as the compressor goes, I would go to a dealer and see if they have a mechanic who is a Ford Master in a/c. Those guys get pretty deep into theory as part of the Master program. I will call my guy and see if I can find out anything.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I am a brand new member here, maybe you can help me. I am building a street rod 48 F1. I have a Chevy 350/350, with a mustand II front end and a corvette reaer end. I want to do the dash next, so its time for A/C and gauges. Which A/C unit is best? I have looked at Vintage, HotRod, and Southern. Vintage lists a kit for a '53, but not a '48. I have heard a little negative on the Southern Air unit. Any ideas? Any preference on guages?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Welcome to the forum. 
You'll find a great bunch of folks here and someone will be by to answer your question shortly. When you get a minute, read the reference thread on galleries and then set yours up. We love to see pictures of old Ford trucks.
You'll find a great bunch of folks here and someone will be by to answer your question shortly. When you get a minute, read the reference thread on galleries and then set yours up. We love to see pictures of old Ford trucks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
welcome Roundtruck-
I used the Vintage Air in my 56 and am satisfied with it. Fatfenders 56 has stated earlier that they now have a "loaner" program where you can get an empty evaporator case for fit up and then when you are ready to complete the installation you get a credit on the loaner toward the final unit. That would be helpful in that most of the time there is a delay in final installation due to working out other problems or completing items before you do the final AC install. You could call Vintage and ask them about a specific unit for your truck. I have also heard that Hot Rod Air now offers to convert OEM controls (from a salvage car) to work with their units but I have not verified this fact. Most of the aftermarket gauges seem to be fairly comparable so it is really a matter of what you like best and the funds available. Have fun.
I used the Vintage Air in my 56 and am satisfied with it. Fatfenders 56 has stated earlier that they now have a "loaner" program where you can get an empty evaporator case for fit up and then when you are ready to complete the installation you get a credit on the loaner toward the final unit. That would be helpful in that most of the time there is a delay in final installation due to working out other problems or completing items before you do the final AC install. You could call Vintage and ask them about a specific unit for your truck. I have also heard that Hot Rod Air now offers to convert OEM controls (from a salvage car) to work with their units but I have not verified this fact. Most of the aftermarket gauges seem to be fairly comparable so it is really a matter of what you like best and the funds available. Have fun.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Might check Old Air to see what they have for your truck. Most have a universal kit that will work on most vehicles. Check to see how much room you have under/behind the dash, or get the specs on the size of the unit you're considering then make a box out of corregated cardboard and packing tape and test fit it to see if it will work. I have Dolphin gauges in my truck.
Last edited by AXracer; Oct 22, 2005 at 06:34 PM.