Need to do an AC conversion!!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 186
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Need to do an AC conversion!!
So I just moved to Oklahoma and it's been well over a 100 degrees out every day.
My truck was not equipped with AC from the factory, and now I'm seriously thinking about adding it.
What components do I need for this? My stock controls have AC listed, so I assume it was an option from the factory in '76
I would think a donor truck from this area is probably very likely to have AC considering the climate.
So I'm guessing the following would need to be pulled from the donor.
-Compressor and brackets
-Condenser
-Lines
-Heater box
-Vacuum lines
How easy would this be and what else am I missing?
My truck was not equipped with AC from the factory, and now I'm seriously thinking about adding it.
What components do I need for this? My stock controls have AC listed, so I assume it was an option from the factory in '76
I would think a donor truck from this area is probably very likely to have AC considering the climate.
So I'm guessing the following would need to be pulled from the donor.
-Compressor and brackets
-Condenser
-Lines
-Heater box
-Vacuum lines
How easy would this be and what else am I missing?
New User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I just found this site today while trying to list my ac system and by chance saw this thread... can't list a for sale anyway because I'm new.
I have a system that was, as I understand it, installed new in 1977 by the ford dealership. I have the under-dash blower unit and compressor/brackets, etc. It would need new hoses and a condensor... maybe a few more small odds and ends. Email if interested.
I have a system that was, as I understand it, installed new in 1977 by the ford dealership. I have the under-dash blower unit and compressor/brackets, etc. It would need new hoses and a condensor... maybe a few more small odds and ends. Email if interested.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
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I installed factory A/C on my 1974 with 360 many years ago. All of the components can be removed from a donor truck-condenser, compressor and mounting bracket, hoses, evaporator/heater core/blower motor unit, and wiring harness/control. Open up the wire harness from under the dash and under the hood to remove the wires specific to the A/C. Cut a larger hole in the fire wall for evap unit-use donor truck for specs. You will probably want to remove the dash to make install easier. Using new evaporator, expansion valve, dryer, and maybe new condenser and modern compressor would be smart. If your truck does not have factory air, the control would not have vent and A/C positions. Oh yeh--compressor, belt tensioner, and pulleys are engine specific.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
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I installed factory A/C on my 1974 with 360 many years ago. All of the components can be removed from a donor truck-condenser, compressor and mounting bracket, hoses, evaporator/heater core/blower motor unit, and wiring harness/control. Open up the wire harness from under the dash and under the hood to remove the wires specific to the A/C. Cut a larger hole in the fire wall for evap unit-use donor truck for specs. You will probably want to remove the dash to make install easier. Using new evaporator, expansion valve, dryer, and maybe new condenser and modern compressor would be smart. If your truck does not have factory air, the control would not have vent and A/C positions. Oh yeh--compressor, belt tensioner, and pulleys are engine specific.
Thanks!!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
The first picture is factory air, the second w/o air.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
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From: Wingo, Ky
I know this is not a factor for some but it just looks so much better under the hood without that big box.
Plus it is just normal for me to drive a dent with the windows down and one arm leaning on the door listening to the engine hum away. The heat here in western Ky is horrible, humidty is through the roof and feels hot and sticky all the time.
I might be crazy but I think you have a greater connection with the vehicle when it doesnt have air, you can notice more things, sounds, and smells. Also think it makes you a stronger person without air. Just my opinion.
If you have some type of health problem or small kids then for sure install air though.
Plus it is just normal for me to drive a dent with the windows down and one arm leaning on the door listening to the engine hum away. The heat here in western Ky is horrible, humidty is through the roof and feels hot and sticky all the time.
I might be crazy but I think you have a greater connection with the vehicle when it doesnt have air, you can notice more things, sounds, and smells. Also think it makes you a stronger person without air. Just my opinion.
If you have some type of health problem or small kids then for sure install air though.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
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Well I definitely have the big box, so I have a factory air truck I guess. That should make this allot easier!!
And 79FordBlake, normally I would agree, but right now, this is my daily driver and I have to dress in business attire, so sweat marks on a suit isn't exactly the best thing.
I drove this thing from Washington State to Oklahoma and it would've been a little nice to have been able to not sweat in the 110 degree Utah heat and also been able to listen to the radio some of the trip. I like the sound of a big block under load as much as the next guy, but a little cool air would better suit my current use of the truck.
Now to find out how bad of shape what I have is in and how much it's going to cost me to get the rest of the parts.
Here's a picture of mine... looks like they just pulled the hoses and plugged the holes.
And 79FordBlake, normally I would agree, but right now, this is my daily driver and I have to dress in business attire, so sweat marks on a suit isn't exactly the best thing.
I drove this thing from Washington State to Oklahoma and it would've been a little nice to have been able to not sweat in the 110 degree Utah heat and also been able to listen to the radio some of the trip. I like the sound of a big block under load as much as the next guy, but a little cool air would better suit my current use of the truck.
Now to find out how bad of shape what I have is in and how much it's going to cost me to get the rest of the parts.
Here's a picture of mine... looks like they just pulled the hoses and plugged the holes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 2
From: Wingo, Ky
Its not really that hard to fix the a/c on these. The big problem I have seen is finding a donor vehicle with everything if your missing alot of stuff.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Nostalgic Air Parts has a kit that includes everything you need in the engine compartment. Basically from the evaporator out. Hoses, brackets, compressor, condenser, drier, etc. You use the stock OEM evaporator.
Complete Kit Ford Truck - Select an Evaporator - Ford AC Kits for Trucks
Complete Kit Ford Truck - Select an Evaporator - Ford AC Kits for Trucks
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
Actually it looks like you have the Hi-Lo heater option. The Hi-Lo heater option used the big box like the A/C trucks except it did not get the evaporator put in it. The Hi-Lo heater option also had the in dash vents. Either way it is pretty easy to ad A/C with the current configuration you have.
