A/C Retrofit
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
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From: Central Oregon
A/C Retrofit
I would like to retrofit my 1974 F250 high-boy with A/C. I'm thinking that rather than chopping up my dash with a factory unit, I might be smarter to find a retrofit kit. Can anyone give me advice on the ins-and-outs, sources, etc.? I'm aware of Vintage Air, but their equipment is only "universal" type for my truck, and seems a bit expensive. Hoping there are some others out there somewhere?!?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Central Oregon
A/C Retrofit
Thanks for those suggestions. When I attempted to find Southern-Air on web, it came up with a building system rather than automotive. Anything else you can tell me about them so I can locate them? 
The Air-Tique site was right on! Besides Vintage Air, aapak.com, ACKits.com, and oldairproducts.com also have sites.
Thanks, Steve
The Air-Tique site was right on! Besides Vintage Air, aapak.com, ACKits.com, and oldairproducts.com also have sites.
Thanks, Steve
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
A/C Retrofit
I did this to my 73 non-ac and found the easiest way was to grab the A/C style dash and gauge cluster cover.
I was lucky enough to find a near complete one for about $60 and later found the dash and guage cover. I did have to cut that huge hole in the passenger side firewall and that took some time to get right.
I'm suggesting this because I think the other way is going to cost a bunch. I got the whole factory a/c setup for about $80 with all the parts. Some of those aftermarket kits can run over $1000.
I was lucky enough to find a near complete one for about $60 and later found the dash and guage cover. I did have to cut that huge hole in the passenger side firewall and that took some time to get right.
I'm suggesting this because I think the other way is going to cost a bunch. I got the whole factory a/c setup for about $80 with all the parts. Some of those aftermarket kits can run over $1000.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 435
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From: Central Oregon
A/C Retrofit
Thanks for those bits of advice. Actually, I already installed an after-market unit from Arizona Air, which turned out to be a handful to stuff under the dash. But it works really well; made a trip to sunny AZ this spring, and it kept up very nicely into high 90's with the back slider open to the camper. I just hope I never have to work on the OEM heater system tho, as it was a real bear to get the dash back into place and together.
I was afraid to fool around with the R-12 components conversion to R-134, and getting stuck with a bunch of worn-out parts that would wind up costing more than a new set-up. I think the whole works including having local A/C shop purge and charge the system cost me ~$800, and LOTS of time getting everything right. Steve
I was afraid to fool around with the R-12 components conversion to R-134, and getting stuck with a bunch of worn-out parts that would wind up costing more than a new set-up. I think the whole works including having local A/C shop purge and charge the system cost me ~$800, and LOTS of time getting everything right. Steve
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