How difficult is it?
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Junior User
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How difficult is it?
Do any of you fine ford loving folks know how hard it is to install a/c in a non a/c truck? Are there aftermarket parts (complete set ups) available or should I go to the bone yard? Also would late model configurations work on a 78 F250?
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T.I.A!
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Topic should be in title 
There are numerous threads relating to this topic.
Maybe search the titles with Air Conditioning Swap in them ?
*Note:
If you have a donor truck it's a lot easier.
The hardest part is cutting the Huge hole in the firewall.
There are dealer option AC units that fit under the dash as well.
There are numerous threads relating to this topic.
Maybe search the titles with Air Conditioning Swap in them ?
*Note:
If you have a donor truck it's a lot easier.
The hardest part is cutting the Huge hole in the firewall.
There are dealer option AC units that fit under the dash as well.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Montana
I don't know anything about installing A/C into a truck that never had it originally, but it's worth mentioning that it took a good weekend for me too take my heater/AC box out from under the hood to replace the heater core. Man was that annoying, I had to remove a valve cover and all the small stuff around it, and the I chopped a couple of bigger holes into my firewall just so I could pull it out. Heater worked great after I was done though. A/C still don't work on my truck. Like pcheyne pointed out though, it's a lot cheaper to buy stuff from the junkyard (considering it works of course).
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I forgot to mention you will need a different dash, vent tubes, dash switch,wiring, front coil springs ,etc.
The list is a long one.
That's why I suggest a donor truck
The list is a long one.
That's why I suggest a donor truck
Last edited by Mil1ion; Feb 27, 2006 at 09:43 PM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Condolan, I wrestled with the heater core just like u did the first time. Second time around I read the tech article here on FTE and did the whole thing from the inside of the truck. Wasn't the most fun I've had but I was done in a couple of hours.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Louisiana
Mil1ion, he wouldn't have to install new front coil springs.
I mean, the whole a/c system won't weight over 100 pounds, and wouldn't even make them sag any.
I know there are spring for non-a/c trucks and springs for a/c trucks, but still that's a good bit of extra work that isn't needed.
But yes a complet parts truck would be the thing to have.
Even if the body was complet cra*, not much to the truck, but had all the a/c stuff, it shouldn't cost more than about $200 for the whole thing, and what you don't use(if you want), you can part out the rest of the truck, and get at about your money back.
I mean, the whole a/c system won't weight over 100 pounds, and wouldn't even make them sag any.
I know there are spring for non-a/c trucks and springs for a/c trucks, but still that's a good bit of extra work that isn't needed.
But yes a complet parts truck would be the thing to have.
Even if the body was complet cra*, not much to the truck, but had all the a/c stuff, it shouldn't cost more than about $200 for the whole thing, and what you don't use(if you want), you can part out the rest of the truck, and get at about your money back.
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Junior User
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I have a 78 f250 supercab so I think the springs shouldn't be an issue. Heck I never springs were different for a/c / non ac
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Senior User
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I would just buy an aftermarket kit. Try Vintage Air, or go to www.ackits.com.(click on Ford truck & van). I put one of their kits in my 76' Bronco....worked great!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Virginia Beach
Get one of the cheapy 5000 BTU window units and hang it in the rear sliding window of your truck. Seal it with some duct tape. Run the chord into a power inverter like those used in motor homes, and then maybe upgrade your alternator to handle the extra draw 
Your windows will frost over 
And if you have to ask, no I'm not being serious. . .or AM I?????
Your windows will frost over And if you have to ask, no I'm not being serious. . .or AM I?????
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
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From: Northshore, MN
I used a 7500 btu AC unit, w/plexi-glass surrounding it to fit the side window in my 79 bronco. Inverter and bigger alt. and dual batteries too. Only problem I experienced was I had to keep the defroster on high all the time. This annoyed me because I couldn't hear the 8 track player.
Postmaster
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Forget the inverter 
, stick with the donor truck.. parts. AC compressor with engine bracker and with AC lines , Idler pulley for the AC, Dash with AC vents, AC vents and ducts, The AC assembly (Black AC / Heater assembly), Factory AC switch and heater controls, and condensor unit. My neighbor had mad a template out of some thick construction paper when they had pulled the AC assembly from the firewall, He cut out the paper to match the firewall and then traced out the hole. JMO
________
Buck
, stick with the donor truck.. parts. AC compressor with engine bracker and with AC lines , Idler pulley for the AC, Dash with AC vents, AC vents and ducts, The AC assembly (Black AC / Heater assembly), Factory AC switch and heater controls, and condensor unit. My neighbor had mad a template out of some thick construction paper when they had pulled the AC assembly from the firewall, He cut out the paper to match the firewall and then traced out the hole. JMO________
Buck