add on a/c system?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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add on a/c system?
Heh guys,
I've got an '84 F350 CC SRW that is a work truck model (all vinyl, heater only, no a/c or vents in dashboard). I am looking to put an a/c in it. How much trouble would it be to swap the evaporator box and all from a parts truck? Or would I be just as well off to get an underdash evaporator?
I am kind of leaning towards using the factory compressor, brackets, lines, etc, from my parts truck and just purchase an underdash box. Anyone have experience with these? Will they have enough capacity to cool a cab this big?
Any good suggestions?
Bowedup
I've got an '84 F350 CC SRW that is a work truck model (all vinyl, heater only, no a/c or vents in dashboard). I am looking to put an a/c in it. How much trouble would it be to swap the evaporator box and all from a parts truck? Or would I be just as well off to get an underdash evaporator?
I am kind of leaning towards using the factory compressor, brackets, lines, etc, from my parts truck and just purchase an underdash box. Anyone have experience with these? Will they have enough capacity to cool a cab this big?
Any good suggestions?
Bowedup
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Niceville, FL.
Either way its probably a pretty big job. The under dash unit would likely be easier but the factory in-dash would perform better since it allows a/c to run in defrost mode to dry humidity and unfog windows. Flush compressor, lines, condenser and evaporator while you have them off. Convert to R134A, use polyolester oil. Get a new accumulator,o-rings and expansion tube rated for R134A. Pull a good vacuum on the system before charging. There are a number of posts on this Forum and you can "Google" 'R134A Conversion' for steps involved. I also recommend getting a high pressure cut-out switch (HPCO) available from JC Whitney to prevent over pressure in hot weather.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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my truck was converted years ago, and it never did seem to work right. it will be a big job to get it going. i finally just pulled the whole assembly out and plan on riding with the windows open. it seemed every time i turned around somehting on the unit just wasn't working right. it was a factory style aftermarket piece. it had vents that were cut into the dashboard, so it could be run through the defroster as well.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Thanks for the replies guys, I would just assume run with the windows down but I recently had to move into Houston (against my will) and you spend more time sitting and idling to get around town than you do moving, pretty much rendering the windows useless for directing a cool breeze in. Between that and near-100% humidity and its mighty hot!
I found an underdash unit this weekend that looks like it will fit. Does anyone have experience with these? What I'm trying to say is will it have enough capacity to cool all the cab air space in my crewcab or will it be pissing in the wind?
Thanks,
Scott
I found an underdash unit this weekend that looks like it will fit. Does anyone have experience with these? What I'm trying to say is will it have enough capacity to cool all the cab air space in my crewcab or will it be pissing in the wind?
Thanks,
Scott
