Hey Guys what are my options for cooling things down in the cab ?( besides rolling down the windows) I bought my truck during the winter and forgot how hot vegas gets it already getting warm, I MISS A/C !

 

There are several aftermarker AC suppliers out there, you can try using Google. I think I would go with a new under dash AC unit only, leave the heat alone.

John

 

rookie, Welcome to FTE! Like John said, there are plenty of aftermarket suppliers for air in our old trucks. I would also second his advice to leave the existing heat and defrost alone and add an under dash AC unit. One minor issue with the under dash units is finding one that is not to wide and does not interfere with the glove box door.

 

Make sure you've got no holes in the firewall that allow engine heat to come in. Do you have a good firewall insulator? I've seen guys put valves on the heater hoses to stop the flow of hot water to the heater core.

 

Rookie,

All above are great Ideas! I do not know what year Slick you have, but my 66 custom cab has kick panel fresh air vents, and I run a slider rear window, not very pretty, but it is quite effective at getting good air flow. Your door & window seals should work well too.

I also am a proponent of tinted glass. I'm not talking about OEM Tinted glass either. I mean some solar inhibiting film on door windows & back window. I do run a Carlite, OEM, tinted/banded windshield along with the "tint film".

Another solution is dropping by a Salvage yard to get some of that insulating materials newer vehicles use. After I install that on the floor I cover it with a good loop pile carpet from a reputable supplier. I use door insulation in doors & roof insulation on the roof, cowl underside, sail panels & cab corners. FWIW this also deadens sound & road noises too. In addition to that, if you're going for the A/C insulation really helps the efficiency of that too.

If you're not into HVAC, suggestions above on aftermarket A/C kits is good advice. But if you are into HVAC or are semi skilled, read on.

I don't know how this will work with vintage engines because unlike later, more contemporary engines, there just are not any brackets, but many rice rockets use small evaporator coils that can be "adapted for use" in a retro-fit situation. Of course it takes some HVAC knowledge & skills, creative thinking & some good tools also, but it is do-able does work, and works proportionate to your skills/abilities etc. These will have the late model radial compressors & will be R134 rated also. . . . just a suggestion or 2

FBp

 

Try swap meets and be creative. Not only is the width of the inside unit important, the depth is as well. There is not much more than a 15 in. before you get to the firewall. I use a swap meet piece for a 67-72 model (underdash) and cut the extension under my glove box off and sealed the opening up with the end of the part I cut off. I also used a early Mustang condensor in the grill and a new Sanden compressor and after market bracket. I had scrounged pulleys from other Ford products and it works well here in the So. Texas heat and humidity. Sealing all the holes in the firewall will be critical. Rubber and dumdum compound are pretty shot on most of these trucks.

 

I like the after market, I use a vintage air and love it and it runs on r12...far better than r134, in Vegas I think you will need every advantage you can get

 

I asked a question about the Classic Auto Air system that is made specifically for our trucks in a previous post but got no info on the system. I have since seen this system on a 65 F-100 at a local cruise in. It looks really nice! It fits up where the original heater box sat and the only things that are below the dash are the vents. This is definately the way I'm going to go on my truck. Vintage Air makes really nice stuff also (I've got their setup on my 66 GT Mustang) but I liked the way this kit was made specifically for the 61-66 models. No fab work needed. They have a website with pictures of the kit if you are interested......

 

poppyred66....I have the Vintage air in my 60f100 and have been satisfied, was thinking about doing the same to my 66 mustang, glad you had good luck with yours

 

Yeah hiball, Vintage Air makes really trick stuff. You see their setups in a lot of cars/trucks/hot rods around here. You'll love their Mustang kit. I was never a fan of the original style "hangin' under the dash" A/C kit from the factory.

 

My theme for this truck is "stuck in the 60's". This is a reflection of where I am in my life and where I intend to remain until I am gone. Woah! This truck business is way more that transportation, for me anyway. Blue dot in the tail lights, glass packs, smoothies, fuzzy dice, bumper guards, hooded headlights, spot light and hanging AC. Man these old Fords are becoming an obsession. I have some ideas for a NASCAR theme truck, maybe number 88, maybe after I retire!!

 

my wife says I've been stuck in the 60's ever since and I love it

 

William, You sound like an ol hippy that Willie spoke of. LOL

You gonna race the Big Brown truck??????

John