Aftermarket A/C
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 182
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From: Jane Lew, WV
Aftermarket A/C
Is it me or does the aftermarket A/C prices seem, shall we say....Steep!
I'm really thinking about taking the unit out of my donor Explorer and building my own! Seems like everything that I've seen so far is in the $1100.00 to $1500.00 range. I think I can move to a cooler climate cheaper than I can get the A/C!
Bike
I'm really thinking about taking the unit out of my donor Explorer and building my own! Seems like everything that I've seen so far is in the $1100.00 to $1500.00 range. I think I can move to a cooler climate cheaper than I can get the A/C!
Bike
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
The deeper I got into my project, the more I went for "universal" type street rod parts. I don't know where you have seen those kits listed for those prices, but I have seen some complete kits in the sub $700 range, ie Southern Air AC kits. You might check with them.
http://www.southernrods.com/brand.ph...ooling+Systems
http://www.southernrods.com/brand.ph...ooling+Systems
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Bikewrench there is guy down in North Carolina name Mike Brown who runs Rainbow Products. I think he could come in cheaper than what you are seeing. If you are going function over looks go underdash. If you want to be pretty over function go indash. Here are some links.
http://www.ackits.com/
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/index.php
http://www.rainbowproductsonline.com/
I can't emphasize enough to check around and make sure it will give you the performance you want. Best wishes in your search.
http://www.ackits.com/
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/index.php
http://www.rainbowproductsonline.com/
I can't emphasize enough to check around and make sure it will give you the performance you want. Best wishes in your search.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Klamath Falls
Find a large A/C parts supplier and talk to the counterman. There are many units, especially for import cars, that can be used as is or modified easily. The under hood items are waiting for you at PicnPull. The counterman will know what parts hold up the best.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
I bought underdash units off ebay - an early mustang one for $40, and one built for the 67/72 dash for $55. The rest of the system is pick and pull parts - easy to gather enough parts for less than $150.
The most expensive part is the freon -
The most expensive part is the freon -
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
I have used Southern Rods and Universal no name previously, I used Vintage Air in my 53 F100. IMO I will buy nothing but VA in the future. If you want to be cool, spend the $'s. Joe
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,886
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Out here in the desert having AC would be nice. I have also thought that they seemd a bit pricey and I am the consumate "tightwad" so I too, figured I would be able to find something at the wrecking yard that I could modify.
Since then I have stumbled on an underdash unit from an early 60's Galaxy 500. since I have kind of an older style theme going on my truck it will fit in nicely. But it will be a while before I decide to fabricate AC compressor brackets, etc. right now I'm just enjoying driving the danged thing. With the windows down and the vent opened its not to bad to drive (as long as you are moving)
Bobby
Since then I have stumbled on an underdash unit from an early 60's Galaxy 500. since I have kind of an older style theme going on my truck it will fit in nicely. But it will be a while before I decide to fabricate AC compressor brackets, etc. right now I'm just enjoying driving the danged thing. With the windows down and the vent opened its not to bad to drive (as long as you are moving)
Bobby
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Originally Posted by bobbytnm
But it will be a while before I decide to fabricate AC compressor brackets, etc. right now I'm just enjoying driving the danged thing. With the windows down and the vent opened its not to bad to drive (as long as you are moving)
Bobby
Bobby
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,886
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Originally Posted by tacson
Bobby you know you sound kinda like me. I won the sheet metal front end last year at the F100 nationals and I have a new tailgate and a regular fender to remove the spare tire fender but I am having to much fun to stop and put on those parts. POWER to the "driver" trucks
WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!
I hear ya. Maybe someday I'll pretty things up but for now.......drive, drive, drive
