Adding A/C to a '79

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 18, 2009 | 09:35 AM

shawnyboy

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

Adding A/C to a '79

Hey guys, I'm new to this site and love what I've been reading so far. Great info. Always loved the 1979 ford truck and now I'm looking to buy one, finally. The truck I'm looking at has a built 351 in which the ac components are removed. What kind of money am I looking at to totally put ac in this truck. It originally came with air so venting is already in the truck. Everything else I have to replace, compressor, evap, etc..
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Shawnyboy

Apr 18, 2009 | 09:52 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 787

From: Simi Valley, CA

Welcome to FTE

I'd look for a 1975/79 passenger car with a 351M or 400 and remove all the engine components from it.

There's far more cars around with A/C than 1977/79 F100/350's or 1978/79 Bronco's.

Take pictures of everything before you remove one part so you know how it all goes back together.

Make sure the A/C unit is intact without anything missiing or disconnected .

Once outside air gets into the compressor, dryer tank or condenser, the system must be evacuated within weeks, otherwise....these parts are history.

btw: EZ way to ID these two engines: 8 valve cover bolts per side.

Apr 19, 2009 | 12:04 AM

AerostarDad

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 325

Likes: 1

From: B.C.Canada, EH?

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnyboy

Take it from a guy who had a '78 w Air....go with an aftermarket air system (Vintage Air, etc.) like street rods use,and hook up the outlets to your stock venting system. Aftermarket's have smaller, more efficient compressors and provide wayyyy better cooling than the 25-year old engineering stock stuff.

Good luck.

Apr 19, 2009 | 07:44 AM

73FOMO

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,462

Likes: 74

From: Hartford, AL

Hot Rod Air is another choice. Personally that's the system I will be installing when I get to that point. A complete system with Sanden compressor can be had for about $750. That's all that is holding me up....$$$.