Factory A/C swap
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Elder User
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From: N.W. Mo.
Factory A/C swap
I posted this over on he heating-A/C fourm last week but got no replys so I am posting it here. This seems like one of the most active fourms and has a very diversified group of participants so I'm hoping for at least a little feed back.
Thanks in advance.
Has any one here swapped the heater A/C unit from a later vehicle into an older one?
I have installed factory units in both a '77 and '85 F-150's that came out with heater only and it was not too much of a job. I made a template from the donor vehicle to cut the holes through the firewall and the rest was pretty simple but all the parts were designed for the model I was working on.
I would like to put a factory unit from a late '80's early 90's F-series in a 1959 F-100 and wondered if someone else had been there already. It seems like there would be enough room under the dash and the controlls and vents would be the biggest pain.
Any info or sugestions most wellcome.
Richard
Thanks in advance.
Has any one here swapped the heater A/C unit from a later vehicle into an older one?
I have installed factory units in both a '77 and '85 F-150's that came out with heater only and it was not too much of a job. I made a template from the donor vehicle to cut the holes through the firewall and the rest was pretty simple but all the parts were designed for the model I was working on.
I would like to put a factory unit from a late '80's early 90's F-series in a 1959 F-100 and wondered if someone else had been there already. It seems like there would be enough room under the dash and the controlls and vents would be the biggest pain.
Any info or sugestions most wellcome.
Richard
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
If I were attempt to do something like this, I'd look for a 1974/78 Mustang II or 1971/80 Pinto with factory A/C.
This setup would be much more compact than one from a full sized pickup, and would prolly work out better behind and under the dash.
This setup would be much more compact than one from a full sized pickup, and would prolly work out better behind and under the dash.
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
I'm not anywhere near this stage but this sounds like it would be a doable project on these old trucks. I'm very surprised this hasn't been done or at least we haven't heard much about this type of thing being attempted. Also NumberDummy has a great point on the MII/Pinto A/C being a better under dash fit. I hope someone has some info. on this being attempted before.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I'm not anywhere near this stage but this sounds like it would be a doable project on these old trucks. I'm very surprised this hasn't been done or at least we haven't heard much about this type of thing being attempted. Also NumberDummy has a great point on the MII/Pinto A/C being a better under dash fit. I hope someone has some info. on this being attempted before.
The 1965 Falcon/Fairlane/Comet, 1965/66 Mustangs, 1965/67 F100/350's also used hang on A/C.
Deluxe hang on factory A/C was called Select-Aire, while the dealer installed A/C was called Polar-Aire.
First car on the planet to have factory A/C = 1940 Packard. The unit mounted in the trunk, with ducts mounted on the package tray.
This same setup was used by GM and Chrysler 1953/56.
First in-dash factory A/C was shared by the 1955 Nash, Hudson and Packard. The unit was by Kelvinator, a division of Nash (1938/53), then AMC.
Packard wasn't connected to AMC (tho that was the original plan). AMC, founded in 1954 merging Nash, Rambler, and Hudson, bought V8 engines from Packard (1955/56), in turn, Packard got the A/C from AMC.
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Elder User
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From: N.W. Mo.
I thought I remembered seeing a 55 or 56 Ford with ducts coming out of the rear window deck. I figured that was factory A/C/ but never investigated further and wouldn't swear it was even that make or model. Just recolections of a then wide eyed 15 year old.
I appreciate the responses. I also am surprised to not hear from several who have at least attempted this. Maybe we still will.
I was thinking about using the unit from an 80's/90's truck as that seems to be an easy unit to service. Easy access to the blower,heater core and evap.
Any unit would be ok and size does matter but I would like to have something easy to work on later. I will be eyeing all units I run across.
I just made the deal for the '59 yesterday. Been waiting to hear back for sure and it looks like I will be picking it up some time this weekend. When I get it here it will be easier to see what it looks like will fit.
I am planning to eventually put a late Ford V/8 of some flavor in it so need to plan with room for that in mind.
Thanks all Richard
I appreciate the responses. I also am surprised to not hear from several who have at least attempted this. Maybe we still will.
I was thinking about using the unit from an 80's/90's truck as that seems to be an easy unit to service. Easy access to the blower,heater core and evap.
Any unit would be ok and size does matter but I would like to have something easy to work on later. I will be eyeing all units I run across.
I just made the deal for the '59 yesterday. Been waiting to hear back for sure and it looks like I will be picking it up some time this weekend. When I get it here it will be easier to see what it looks like will fit.
I am planning to eventually put a late Ford V/8 of some flavor in it so need to plan with room for that in mind.
Thanks all Richard
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The 6 banger when installed in this engine bay, looks like something from a scale model kit. LOL Keep looking, it's in there....someplace.
You could install 2 of these 6 bangers side by side.
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Elder User
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From: N.W. Mo.
Yes.
And a 6 is what is in it now. I had one up close look at it a couple weeks ago and I'm anxious to look it over better. I don't remember what the firewall was like. Fairly flat or had a seam or anything running across it. Also what the room behind the dash is like. It seems like maybe the dash sets fairly forward towards the firewall. So many questions while waiting to get my hands on it but the planning and search is part of the fun.
Richard
And a 6 is what is in it now. I had one up close look at it a couple weeks ago and I'm anxious to look it over better. I don't remember what the firewall was like. Fairly flat or had a seam or anything running across it. Also what the room behind the dash is like. It seems like maybe the dash sets fairly forward towards the firewall. So many questions while waiting to get my hands on it but the planning and search is part of the fun.
Richard
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
I had no idea that A/C was an option back then. Well I learned something new today. 52 F3 I look forward to seeing what you come up with on this one. Hopefully we will also here from someone who has attempted this.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: sacramento
I have installed but have not used the Rainbrow products hypercool 2 kit. Everything seems decent and the whole kit everything included was $725 you can also get the hang on a/c only units for $550. Its some coin for sure but I think its a decent deal for eliminating all the hassle and getting all new stuff. You can also order stuff seperate if you want to use your current compressor or whatever.
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From: N.W. Mo.
Max-E
I plan to pursue this and will add to this post anything I learn as I go. I'm not good at writing but will try to take some pics and document the progress as best I can.
It will take a while because it isn't 1st priority. I have to get the truck and see if I can get it running and make some decisions on what to undertake first.
Meanwhile I will do some measuring and start trying to find a unit that looks like it might work with out having too overwhelming a presence in the engine compartment.
It seems I remember reading a thread on one of the fourms here that mentioned someone had installed a factory unit from a Full size Ford car (maybe a '90's Crown Vic) in an old truck. Can't find it or remember which fourm it was in. Does any one else recall that?
Richard
I plan to pursue this and will add to this post anything I learn as I go. I'm not good at writing but will try to take some pics and document the progress as best I can.
It will take a while because it isn't 1st priority. I have to get the truck and see if I can get it running and make some decisions on what to undertake first.
Meanwhile I will do some measuring and start trying to find a unit that looks like it might work with out having too overwhelming a presence in the engine compartment.
It seems I remember reading a thread on one of the fourms here that mentioned someone had installed a factory unit from a Full size Ford car (maybe a '90's Crown Vic) in an old truck. Can't find it or remember which fourm it was in. Does any one else recall that?
Richard
Laughing Gas
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From: manitoba
i just gutted a `90 crown vic this weekend and was looking at the ac system on it but it looks too bulky! will look at it this weekend a bit more but there is a huge box under the hood where the condenser fits into and a huge box under the dash which then has all your climate control stuff and ducting, can post pics next week as the dash is already removed and the engine is out.
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Elder User
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From: N.W. Mo.
A 90 C/V is the old body and if I remember right it is a major pain to take the evap out of those. It might be easier in a retrofit application as there probably wouldn't be as much stuff cluttered around but I would hope to end up with a unit that is service friendly.
Look it over with that in mind and post a couple of pics. I think most of the units I have looked at seem somewhat bulky both under dash and under hood. The design of the controlls are also a factor to consider.
Keeping an open mind and all options considered.
Richard
Look it over with that in mind and post a couple of pics. I think most of the units I have looked at seem somewhat bulky both under dash and under hood. The design of the controlls are also a factor to consider.
Keeping an open mind and all options considered.
Richard