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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

PLUMBING A VINTAGE AIR UNIT WITH SS HARDLINE

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Old Feb 15, 2017 | 08:37 PM
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PLUMBING A VINTAGE AIR UNIT WITH SS HARDLINE

it's time to plumb up the a/c thru the engine room.

I want to (if possible) use stainless steel hardline from the bulkhead fitting at the firewall to heater connections and the compressor and dryer... but having a very difficult time finding fittings I need...

Anyone ever plumbed one up this way or know someone that has... I seriously need some advise/input/direction. I've seen pictures so I know it's doable..but sadly none of them have part numbers labeled on them...

I need a rod shop in Bham (or close) that doesn't only know about Asian imports

thanks
john
 
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Old Feb 15, 2017 | 08:41 PM
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I would be hesitant to run hard lines to the compressor. I would think there would be a need for flex to accommodate engine movement. Vintage Air has a pretty complete parts list on their web site. I found the folks there helpful with fitting selection. My install was nothing fancy.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2017 | 11:10 PM
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My kit came with hard lines for inside the cab, but I found it pretty tight in there, and had the A/C shop make flexible rubber ones. Cost a bit more, but worked well.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2017 | 11:13 PM
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I thought Vintage Air had aluminum and stainless lines at various lengths you could bend as needed.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 01:21 PM
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Vintage Air has U-Bend-Em hard lines, #6, #8, #10 in 8 lengths from 1 ft to 6 ft. I think Summit Racing stocks all the sizes. I was very pleased with the custom hoses I got from ColdHose in FL.

 
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Old Feb 16, 2017 | 05:07 PM
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they have the kits but they are hi $$$ the stainless kit for the A/C ONLY is 470.00
then you still have to do the heater lines...

I can get the tubing for free which saves a good bit... one problem is mixing alum fittings with ss and vice versa... I found stainless fittings for barrier hose and I'm wondering if I can cut off the crimp fitting and just weld the -10 fitting and tube to the ss tube I have... gonna call some folks tomorrow and see....

and Ray... SS compressor line will have a short barrier hose end to deal with vibration..thanks for thinking of that

john
 
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