I have got my 53 F100 pretty much where I want it but as 99% of my driving is in Florida I think I need/must fit a/c.

Which is the preferred aftermarket system for these trucks.

My cab interior is pretty much original with only a new tilt column and shift on the tree. I would very much like to keep it looking as original as possible.

 

If I remember, you have a non stock engine set up. This will require a bit of "building" on your part. I had to do the same when I installed AC in my '49 F4 with a non stock engine.
These folks were easy to deal with, very knowledgeable. I am very pleased wtih the end result.

.https://www.vintageair.com/surefit/c...53&model=F-100

 

 

Both Vintage Air and Old Air make very good kits, and are probably similarly priced. After that, it's a matter of looking through the product data and installation sheets to see which you prefer for your application. One may have vents that you prefer better than the other, fit tighter under the dash, use less of the glove box space, etc. Just do some research and see what you like and don't like about both, then decide.

 

One other thing, my truck has 350 Chevy with 700r4 transmission so guessing have to ensure correct mounting brackets are offered.

 

 

Used the Vintage air in my 54 I would never recommend it to anyone-- takes way to much room up-- the drop panel was worth nothing could not put control panel in NO room depth--( had to cut it in my smooth dash-- NOT very happy ) -- Had to redo cowl vent handle--- parts were missing and sent wrong brackets for compressor side after order form was filled out correct-- --- Lots of calling to get things straighten out---lost all my glove box-- TERRIBLE engineering. The builder who installed it was not happy with product engineering for this year truck. My next one would be the below dash mount like they had in the Mustang--nothing behind dash-- keep glove box-- built lots of Rods this was the WORST product fit ever, still finding a way to fasten driver side vent and large hoses they use--GOOD LUCK

 

I've been looking into restomodair.com, it looks like a smaller unit that will fit better. Don't know much about them though, be interested if anyone has had any dealings with them. L8R ZFLASH

 

dash ext
I guess I got 'lucky' with the Vintage Air unit I installed in my 54. A previous owner had bent the cowl handle at the end so it ended up fitting OK. I hated the plastic dash panel and cheesy vents that were included, so I made my own dash extension out of wood that also held the stereo, a/c controls and some additional switches, and made new vents that matched to those big ol' hoses. Left me with a 2" deep glove box just big enough for an iPod and my registration. Pretty hard to fit in, and would've been a lot harder if I had tried to go with a "stock" installation. But where I live i HAD to have AC, and it does do a good job of cooling the cab.

 

I myself am opting for the el cheapo route as my engine already has the ac pump and access to condensers and driers is not an issue . this is an ebay underdash unit that was around $80 . Leaving only lines to run . There is at least one thread on here that involved a similar low buck unit .

 

I went with the Vintage Air and am happy with it. Cools the cab nicely and has defroster in case I ever need it. Instead of using the controls and vents from a kit I picked others they have available. I put the controls and vents in a dash extender.

 

Kevin, That dash extender looks really nice!

 

Thanks vonhef. I am really happy with the way the interior turned out.