Rooftop A/C
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
Rooftop A/C
I know that there was a rooftop A/C unit as a possible upgrade or add-on for the 61-67 Econoline's. Has anyone actually ever seen one? I would love to get my hands on one, but realistically, I'll need to install A/C differently. Maybe put the evaporator on top of the doghouse? I have the 170 engine. What are your thoughts on it being able to handle the extra load of A/C?
Or, if you have other A/C kits that work well, I'd love to see recommendations.
Or, if you have other A/C kits that work well, I'd love to see recommendations.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 546
Likes: 40
From: Fayetteville, NC
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
I live in Fla. so A/C was a must! I have 1961 with a 64' 200CID. I bought an under dash unit from coldmasterinc.com $600 and the compressor/alternator bracket from nostalgicac.com $152.00.
I mounted the fan and condensor in front of my radiator (plenty of room). I had to make my own brackets to attach to the sides but I used some aluminum 1" x 1/8" (Home D) and bent it to fit and drilled the holes for screws. I had to change the alternator to the Denso mini types that puts out about 100A. Got it from a generator.starter overhaul shop for $100. (the old alternator is too large to fit and be able to adjust the belt tension). Some experimenting with fan belt length, modifying the bracket a little and for a total investment of less than $900 I got A/C. I tinted my windows and insulated my doghouse.
I mounted the fan and condensor in front of my radiator (plenty of room). I had to make my own brackets to attach to the sides but I used some aluminum 1" x 1/8" (Home D) and bent it to fit and drilled the holes for screws. I had to change the alternator to the Denso mini types that puts out about 100A. Got it from a generator.starter overhaul shop for $100. (the old alternator is too large to fit and be able to adjust the belt tension). Some experimenting with fan belt length, modifying the bracket a little and for a total investment of less than $900 I got A/C. I tinted my windows and insulated my doghouse.
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Denso Alternator
The Denso alternators are all the same size case so I just bought a rebuilt one from an a starter/alternator shop that put out 100A and had them swap out the pulley for the one I had on my old alternator..If you Google Denso Mini Alternator you will see they are the same size with different Amperage outputs. Look for around 90-120A that will handle everything I then fabricated my own bracket and secured it to the bolt head that sticks up near the water pump housing/Valve Cover. I can take a photo and send it if you want. If you are still using a generator, you can get rid of it and the voltage regulator as the Denso is a one wire hookup. You will need the mini alternator or you won't be able to adjust the belt tension as the old alternator will be right against the doghouse. Your compressor will go on that special bracket (nostalgicac.com) where your old alternator used to be. I had to cut off a few inches of the bracket "legs" to get it to fit. It took a bit of work to get it all to fit but it's definitely do-able.
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Photos
Looking down at the alternator and handmade bracket
Another view
Looking down at condenser and 12V fan in front of the radiator
condenser, fan and dryer (hoses connect to the dryer.
Two ***** to left of grill are the fan speed/ON/OFF and Temp. Silver **** to upper left of these ***** is the heater control.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
So, are you using an electric compressor instead of one that connects to the belt? Is that the reason for the 100A alternator? Or is the compressor under the alternator? It looks like it may be the thing up in the very front of the doghouse.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
I am using aN SD508 Sanden Style V-Belt 2 Grooves Pulley 3/4" 7/8" Ports For SD508 Sanden Style V-Belt 2 Grooves Pulley 3/4" 7/8" Ports. Comes in the kit. It’s located underneath the alternator on that bracket that you buy from nostalgia. It’s hard to see because it’s under the alternator. I recommend a 70–100 amp alternator. The compressor is pulling 5 A and electric fans pulling a few.I think the stock alternator or generator or whatever it is you have is probably not big enough to handle all the loads. Cost wise it doesn’t matter the price is essentially the same so why not buy the bigger amperage and have enough for the future in case you install stereos lighting etc.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
@Ultrapilot Does this look like the correct bracket? I have the 170 engine, so I'm thinking this is it. It appears to come with mounting bracket for both the compressor and alternator.
https://nostalgicac.com/mount-kits-p...ford-6cyl.html
Also, I have an alternator place checking to see if they have a Denso they can sell me. Thanks for all the info. This will definitely help me.
https://nostalgicac.com/mount-kits-p...ford-6cyl.html
Also, I have an alternator place checking to see if they have a Denso they can sell me. Thanks for all the info. This will definitely help me.
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
@Ultrapilot Does this look like the correct bracket? I have the 170 engine, so I'm thinking this is it. It appears to come with mounting bracket for both the compressor and alternator.
https://nostalgicac.com/mount-kits-p...ford-6cyl.html
Also, I have an alternator place checking to see if they have a Denso they can sell me. Thanks for all the info. This will definitely help me.
https://nostalgicac.com/mount-kits-p...ford-6cyl.html
Also, I have an alternator place checking to see if they have a Denso they can sell me. Thanks for all the info. This will definitely help me.
yes that is the correct bracket!
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 12
Sorry for resurrecting an old thread: @Ultrapilot - did you have any overheating issues with the condenser mounted in front of your radiator in the doghouse with this setup? I'm asking because I'm about to install my electric a/c kit and wanted to mount my condenser the same way with my 240 engine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tecman
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
2
Jan 30, 2009 09:19 PM
idbl_fanatic
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
4
May 2, 2007 09:40 AM