Hey guys I'm thinking about buying a 79 f-150, truck is mint but does not have air, it has a 302 v8, never had air from the factory. What would be the cost of installing air in it, roughly thanks..

 

I haven't checked it out, but for a brand new aftermarket system in dash, you are probably looking at least over $1000. Underdash system unit will be less. The cheapest route would be to get a donor truck and swap everything over, but it's probably the most time consuming and most labor intensive since you'd have to cut a large hole in the firewall for the "black box".

 

This is the route I will be going when the time comes.

1973 - 1979 F-Series Truck Heat A/C & Defrost - Ford AC Kits for Trucks

or

1973 - 1979 Ford F-Series Truck A/C Only System - Ford AC Kits for Trucks

I haven't really looked into them fully to decide which one I think would be better. The cost is only $5 difference.

 

1967 - 1972 Ford Pickup Truck Air Conditioning System | 67 - 72 Ford Pickup Truck AC

This system could work. Or would be very close.

 

Thanks guys for the reply, does it matter that this truck doesn't have the vents in the dash, is ther a underdash model????

 

I would think you can do it with all new components(excepting the compressor brackets, they'll come from salvage), for under $500, if you shop around. Under dash evap and blower($150 new, maybe $25-$50 from salvage), new universal condensor($100 new, maybe $25-$40 salvage), new sanden style compressor($120-$180 new), new universal drier($20-$30 new), and maybe $100 or so in hoses, depending on if you have them custom made with swaged fittings, or if you go with universal barb fittings, that could be less. FWIW, I was able to install a/c in my '73 Dodge van(RV) for under $200, everything but the hoses came from a salvage yard for $50. Good luck!
Pat D.
Edit- here's your under dash unit, $150
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Unive...Q5fAccessories

 

The kits I listed require you to cut the holes in the dash. I can't see that being a big deal. And I think putting the vents in the dash will look and function better than the under dash units. Grab a junk yard dash if you're not sure, the dash is out of my truck right now. Super easy to remove.

 

The under dash unit will provide the same amount of cooling effort as a unit that blows thru the dash. Honestly, trying to duplicate a factory system in a vehicle that didn't come with it is a royal P.I.T.A., due to all the ducting, and routing the air flow thru the heater and the evaporator, not to mention the controls that direct the air thru either the floor, dash, or defrost ducts. You can run the under dash unit at the same time as the defroster to dry out the interior air and reduce fogging. Again, it's all about how much time and skill you have, and whether or not you are going for a "stock" restoration or just want to be cool in the summer. Most judged shows will overlook a "period correct" under dash unit, as many vehicles from the '60's and '70's were retro-fitted either by a dealer or an independant shop with aftermarket a/c. No harm, no foul if you are looking for a show truck. If not, then who cares as long as the air is cold, no?
Pat D.

 

I recently bought a "donor truck" which had the Ford "economy" dealer installed A/C system. I don't know if it works. I do know the compressor is not frozen.

I removed the entire system and labeled everything. This system has the vents (registers?) in the dash on the right side and in the instrument bezel on the left side. I removed the whole steel dash panel with registers and controls.

I'm considering listing it on ebay. What's it worth?

 

Having an automotive repair shop at my disposal and living in a VERY hot New Orleans climate I've learned a lot about A/C units. I added on a A/C to my chevy S10 pick up. I find that usually if you can get a stock Compressor set uop that saves a lot of time.

The condenor on the fron can be anything that will fit. I used a Old for condensor because it used the single copper tubing set up that never go bad and can be flushed since it does not have the multiple orifact thing.

As far as underdash units go they are big a clumsy but are much easier to install. And THEY COOL MUCH MUCH better! Everytime I've installed an underdash in anything it has always cooled better. The big secret is the air volume. The underdash units usually put out MUCH more air volume AND the evaporators are usually MUCH larger. I used a underdash unit I fould in an old VW bug van.

Yes that's a Ford Condensor, Chevy Compressor and a VW Evaporator. I can litterally get my cabin air temperature to 32 degrees Not the air comming out of the vents, I talking CABIN air temp.

Use extra fans on the condensor too. I soup up A/C system like red necks jack up their trucks! OVERKILL!

The ther thing is that the underdash units are bullet proof and have a built in expansion valves AND they almost never go bad. I yank them out of cars in the yard all the time that look horrible but they work perfectly and they can be yanked out of an old car in minutes. Once you get the 3 major units bolted in all you need are a few fittings and some hose with a drier.

Always use a NEW a/c compressor. Ford and chevy compressor are cheap new. you can get a BRAND new Visteron for about 150$.

I have an extra underdash unit if you have interest. I always find that if you have a stock compressor set up you can install a working A/C system in about 3 hours.

If you have any questions I will be happy to help!

 

I have an extra underdash unit if you have interest. I always find that if you have a stock compressor set up you can install a working A/C system in about 3 hours.

do you still have the under dash unit kehoe?

 

Yes....

Email me at kehoeautomotive@aol.com