Adding A/C?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Tampa, FL
Adding A/C?
What all is necessary in adding a/c to a truck that didn't come with it from the factory? I have a 1977 150 and saw this truck on ebay, i've never seen an a/c setup like this before.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F10AN...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F10AN...QQcmdZViewItem
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
they sell several aftermarket kits for these trucks. They can range anywhere from $850 on up to $1500....you can find them at ackits.com. you might also do a google search on Classic Auto Air Mfg Co, Vintage Air and Arizona air. The classic auto and vintage are going to be on the pricier end of things...and Arizona's kit is close to the $850 range. I'd also recommend doing a search in this thread on A/C's...there have been several discussions complete with pictures in the last month or so.
good luck in whatever you decide to run with....but yes it is possible and with an aftermarket kit...don't think it would be all that difficult (although your going to give up some room in the cab).
good luck in whatever you decide to run with....but yes it is possible and with an aftermarket kit...don't think it would be all that difficult (although your going to give up some room in the cab).
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
I think your best bet to add AC to your 77 is to find a donor truck with factory AC. I helped in doing this to a 73. It's not difficult to pull all the AC stuff off of a parts truck and install it in one that didn't have AC. It makes a nicer installation than the aftermarket kits.
Good Luck
Tracy
Good Luck
Tracy
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 277
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Falcon - are the vents difficult to install in the dash? I am planning to do that swap using a donor. I haven't looked but am not sure how the vents come out or if there is a better way w/ out cutting holes in the dash?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Tampa, FL
what are your thoughts on this kit?
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/par...eries-294.html
i am wanting th sell the truck in the spring...would it be a worth while investment to install?
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/par...eries-294.html
i am wanting th sell the truck in the spring...would it be a worth while investment to install?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
Couldn't you sell your truck without A/C? Is A/C the particular reason for not selling your truck. Just wondering if someone would give an extra $900 for your truck after you installed the A/C. I know I wouldn't just because of A/C. A particular buyer may already have donor a/c parts or have access to them and could save a lot of money adding a/c themselves if they wanted.
But, the kit you see is I'm sure a good one. Will take some time to install, (pulling dash, cutting holes for vents, etc).
But, the kit you see is I'm sure a good one. Will take some time to install, (pulling dash, cutting holes for vents, etc).
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Tampa, FL
thanks, i dont think im gonna install it, however a car in FL with no a/c is hard to sell, unless it has over 300 hp. lol
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
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From: Terre Haute, Indiana
Here is a reply I left for CDAWLEY1, he asked the same thing.
I would start checking some junk yards, if you find one you will want to get every part you can possibly remove. The AC trucks have a larger hole cut through the cab to house the plenum assembly. The first truck I got did not not have AC, I went to the local junk yard and bought the dash, plenum, ductwork, heater/ac controls, wiring harness, hoses, accuumulator and condensor, pump brackets and all pulleys, I picked it all up for 100.00
The most impotant thing you need to do is either get a good pair of metal shears to remove the section of dash that the plenum is mounted through and cut this out or make a really good template of the area.
This section can be cut out of the firewall once the dash and plenum have been removed, warning it is a P.I.T.A. and tight quarters to cut out. I have done it and converted a couple of trucks.
Click on my user name and then select view gallery to look at a AC cab and a NON AC cab, the picture in the galley is mine before and after.
Dont pay any attention to the fact the cab is removed, you wont have to take it this far.
Rudy
I would start checking some junk yards, if you find one you will want to get every part you can possibly remove. The AC trucks have a larger hole cut through the cab to house the plenum assembly. The first truck I got did not not have AC, I went to the local junk yard and bought the dash, plenum, ductwork, heater/ac controls, wiring harness, hoses, accuumulator and condensor, pump brackets and all pulleys, I picked it all up for 100.00
The most impotant thing you need to do is either get a good pair of metal shears to remove the section of dash that the plenum is mounted through and cut this out or make a really good template of the area.
This section can be cut out of the firewall once the dash and plenum have been removed, warning it is a P.I.T.A. and tight quarters to cut out. I have done it and converted a couple of trucks.
Click on my user name and then select view gallery to look at a AC cab and a NON AC cab, the picture in the galley is mine before and after.
Dont pay any attention to the fact the cab is removed, you wont have to take it this far.
Rudy
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 277
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How difficult are the vents to remove from the dash? I have a complete donor and am planning to do this swap but was considering trying to just have the cold air run through the heater and defrost ducts as opposed to running the ducting for the dash vents.
Any thoughts on this?
Any thoughts on this?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
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From: Terre Haute, Indiana
You will want to add the dash vents for best cooling results, and in mid summer it feels better blowing at you rather than under the dash.
If you can get a donor dash get it. You could still use your dash and you will have the donor for a template to cut the vents in your dash or use the donor in your truck if the color is the same or repaint it.
If you can get a donor dash get it. You could still use your dash and you will have the donor for a template to cut the vents in your dash or use the donor in your truck if the color is the same or repaint it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 277
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Thanks - I'm sure as I start I will be able to determine whether would be easier to just paint my donor's dash, but at least for now am planning to cut holes in my current dash using the template.
Are there wiring harness issues with this? Will I need to strip the harness out and use the wiring from the donor?
Are there wiring harness issues with this? Will I need to strip the harness out and use the wiring from the donor?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Terre Haute, Indiana
I had two nearly identical trucks, one with ac and one without, I swapped the harness out, had the non ac harness in a box for years and recently sold it on ebay.
You might be able to just add the extra wires needed for the clutch, I am not certain on that though.
And cant remember how much different the plug was on the blower controls.
You might pay close attention to the donor harness as well, some of the plugs in the back of the instrument cluster varied with the year, I got lucky.
You might be able to just add the extra wires needed for the clutch, I am not certain on that though.
And cant remember how much different the plug was on the blower controls.
You might pay close attention to the donor harness as well, some of the plugs in the back of the instrument cluster varied with the year, I got lucky.
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