A/C
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New User
Joined: Jul 2002
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A/C
i have a 78 F-250 that didn't come equipt with A/C, i really love this truck but i'm moving to LasVegas and it is a must have.... so... heres my question, how much trouble/money is involved w/ putting A/C in my turck?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
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A/C
Depends. Do you want to put a factory ac unit in or will an underdash unit be ok.
A factory unit will require cutting a fairly large hole in the firewall-- oops bulkhead, Ford doesn't use the F-word. It migh also require swapping in a dash with ac vents.
Underdash retrofit units have been available for a very long time. Dad got one from Sears in 78. You might check out Vintage Air I've heard good things about them. You might also grab a truck or a mustang mag and check out the advertisers.
A factory unit will require cutting a fairly large hole in the firewall-- oops bulkhead, Ford doesn't use the F-word. It migh also require swapping in a dash with ac vents.
Underdash retrofit units have been available for a very long time. Dad got one from Sears in 78. You might check out Vintage Air I've heard good things about them. You might also grab a truck or a mustang mag and check out the advertisers.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
A/C
Im about to do this very thing. I bought the dash, vents, ac components from a junk yard. That cost me 50$. I made a template from the old trucks sheet metal so I am pretty sure I can cut my Firewall exactly the right size. After that I just need to install all the crud I bought. Make certain the compressor works ( I already had this so it was free) and from what Ive read I am going to replace the condensor & dryer as Im going to use the new coolant they use now R-something. Hopefully the last few parts I need wont cost all that much and I will be able to roll up my windows in the summer.
By the way,,,anyone else that did this...how did you cut your firewall? Im thinking about using a reciprocating saw...but recently Ive thought those saw drill bits might work better...what do you think? I only have one shot at cutting my firewall and dont want to mess up.
Thanks,
John
79 Ranger F150 4x4
400 (M?)
4" Skyjakerlift 33/12.5 Yokohama Geolanders
By the way,,,anyone else that did this...how did you cut your firewall? Im thinking about using a reciprocating saw...but recently Ive thought those saw drill bits might work better...what do you think? I only have one shot at cutting my firewall and dont want to mess up.
Thanks,
John
79 Ranger F150 4x4
400 (M?)
4" Skyjakerlift 33/12.5 Yokohama Geolanders
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
A/C
I did this conversion on a non-a/c 73 F250 4x4 w/428 and tall valve covers.
I used a simple jig saw to cut the hole and missed by about 3/8" on one side. The hole has to put the box very close to the fender apron and still allow the inside upper vac motor to operate the fresh/rec air door. It was so close that I had to scrape off some of the rubberized undercoating that I sprayed on the firewall. The adapter to pull fresh air from the fender area is a tough fit too.
Some suggestions:
1. test the switches and fan motor. I stuck the switch in the freezer to test it.
2. prefit the box several times and measure several times.
I used some alum backed insulation tape from home depot to insulate the inside and outside of the box as it sits very close to the exhaust.
I also replace the foam padding with new stuff from home depot.
You'll need the a/c dash and inst bezel too.
I pulled a pre-formed plastic runner to the drivers side vent that didn't fit with the stock dash/inst cluster (hit in the back) so I had to find the flexable hose instead.
I used a simple jig saw to cut the hole and missed by about 3/8" on one side. The hole has to put the box very close to the fender apron and still allow the inside upper vac motor to operate the fresh/rec air door. It was so close that I had to scrape off some of the rubberized undercoating that I sprayed on the firewall. The adapter to pull fresh air from the fender area is a tough fit too.
Some suggestions:
1. test the switches and fan motor. I stuck the switch in the freezer to test it.
2. prefit the box several times and measure several times.
I used some alum backed insulation tape from home depot to insulate the inside and outside of the box as it sits very close to the exhaust.
I also replace the foam padding with new stuff from home depot.
You'll need the a/c dash and inst bezel too.
I pulled a pre-formed plastic runner to the drivers side vent that didn't fit with the stock dash/inst cluster (hit in the back) so I had to find the flexable hose instead.
