Still working on the A/C install. Got the under the hood stuff done. Now working on the inside. It is 96 degrees in the shade. I need a beer!


Here is a before photo

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=39669

Here is an after

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=39664

This has been a long drawn out process. Can't seem to find the time. Pulled the dash out this morning:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=39666

I recommend pulling the dash. It was easy to do and you do not have to fight for room to work:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=39667


got a different instrument cluster. Cleaned, changed bulbs, painted needles: Zero miles, amazing what a screwdriver can do...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=39670

 

Looks like a lot of work but it's looking good. Nice job.

 

Yeah, looks real nice, I thought we were going to see a picture of a cold beer on such a hot day. Kinda neat to start off at 00000.0 too.

 

Looks realy good.

 

Thanks for the comments. Back to the boneyard tomorrow to try to score the donor A/C dash and defroster housing


Tees77f150..as far as the picture of the beer.........enjoy

 

2nd that good job!! i rather enjoy nearly standing on my head replaceing a heater core or air parts [NOT] i found pulling the seat helps alot and not so much work as re and re a complete dash better to be comfy laying on the inside floor rather than 1/2 in 1/2 out

 

Got to the yard today and picked up the donor A/C dash, delay wiper switch, interior light door switches, defroster duct, wiper motor, light switch, plus a few other odds and ends.

Cost me $65.00 and I was very greatful. I can not say enough good thing about the owner of this yard. He has made this A/C conversion a lot easier than if I did it alone.

Should be done in a few days.

 

That a boy, now your talkin!!

PS: More pictures of the progress too!! of course when you get a chance.

 

Today I learned the difference in defroster ducts between A/C and NON-A/C systems. A/C ducts are shorter



Here is the progress:

Original A/C dash from donor:


Painted to match:








..I hope to get the cab done tomorrow. Then I will get the front clip on so I can start the new engine.

Thanks for looking!!

Carrot66

 

Finally got this job complete. I have had everything done since August except getting the A/C system charged. Got that done for $50.00, no conversion stuff, just pumped in R134. Used old compressor and did put in new o-rings on the fittings I had loose. The guy at the shop said it should be fine, but since I like my truck to idle low (800-900 RPM) the cooling could be an issue at stop lights due to the higher pressure of the R134. SO far no problems. Vents were blowing at 38 degrees today (83 outside).

I wish I would have done this A/C install years ago. It is very nice to cruise down the road in comfort, and without all the dust and dirt getting into the cab. I think almost anyone could do this install and I recommend the following:

1. Research this forum. There is more information here than anywhere else.
2. Get a donor system if you can instead of mix and match a system together. I was fortunate enough to be able to pull a complete system out of a truck at the junkyard myself. I took everything that I touched during the disassembly of the donor system. Nuts, screws, *****...Everything....You will need it!
3. Take pictures of everything in the donor truck. All wiring connections, under the dash vacuum hoses and under the hood connections. DO NOT RELY ON YOUR MEMORY!!!
4. Get an A/C dash instead of cutting a non-A/C dash for vents. It is just a few bolts that hold the dash on.
5. Fully inspect and service the blower and heater core. You don't want them to fail a week after you get done with the A/C. Pulling back apart will be a drag.
6. vacuum hose is cheap, as are the plastic connectors. Inspect them all for wear. Don't let a $0.50 part ruin your day. Replace them if they are in question.

Finally.. Take your time, have friends help. Have fun. Enjoy the completed project!!

Also I want to thank everyone on this forum for all the information on this topic and more.

 

Nice job dude.

 

Nice work. What was involved with cutting the hole in the fire wall? I want to add AC to my 1977 F-150. I haven't decided if I'm going to add factory air or dealer installed air. I have donor trucks with both systems. One thing nice about the dealer installed air is that there is no box under the hood. That keeps under the hood looking cleaner and I would not have to cut the hole.

 

Good job, glad you got it done and it is working out for you. Don't know where you are at, but here it's time for a little heat!

 

Nice!

I wish going the other way looked that easy... I want rid of the factory AC in my bronco.(AC makes me sick to use... I get a cold instantly, so why have that box on he fire wall..)

 

I would think going the other way would not be too hard. The heater unit is some what smaller and made more simple campared to an a.c one. get the complete unit including the controls. you could make a pattern off of the big box and make a cover panel . Cut a hole in it for the heater motor to stick out of or cut part of the fire wall out of the doner truck that would have the hole in it. weld it in or make it a little over size so you can bolt it in like the box was with a seal around it. Tell you what , you run down here this week end and I will trade my heater and parts for your ac and parts, well i guess that won't work.