Full A/C system...

[LEB Ben]

I've been wanting to put A/C in Red. I know a guy that just gutted a 78 truck, he says the system still worked. He wants 225 shipped. I don't think that's too bad for everything. But I assume it'll have to be converted to 134 (which i still have no clue how to do) and what should I look for to make sure I'm not getting junk??? Good price for what I'm getting???

And yes I know it means cutting the dash and firewall.

 

[Workin' Rig]

Converting it is easy...all you do is screw the new fittings for the 134 over the R12 fittings. Takes about 3 minutes

As far as checking condition im not sure...i guess make sure the compressor spins...thats about all i can think of that you could check without actually having it installed and running....

 

[G.O. Stang]

Is that the dealer installed in dash unit? Or the factory firewall unit?

 

[LEB Ben]

Factory firewall installation.

 

[SuperCab]

I'd look for a dealer air setup instead of the factory one.

Converting is easy. Flush everything out and charge it.

 

[bucks77ford]

I'd look for a dealer air setup instead of the factory one.

Converting is easy. Flush everything out and charge it.

You'll need the R134a fittings for the York compressor if you go with that. I actually have some fittings I ordered by mistake, I just haven't returned them.

$225 shipped isn't bad, but I still would plan on replacing the compressor which will be around $200. Then since the evaporator is out, I'd highly suggest replacing the heater core and blower motor which will be another $50 and a new dryer for another $20 or so. By the time you do this you could be around $500. I think around $900 you can get a new aftermarket system that does not require cutting the firewall and you get new everything and I think those systems are around $900 from Nostalgia. I know over on the other site, guys are pretty happy with those aftermarket systems and work great cooling compared to the factory systems with R134.

Not trying to sell you on an aftermarket system because I've never used one and I have 2 factory A/C systems up and running now and I only know what I've read. My factory systems don't come close to cooling like my 2 newer vehicles. I'd just plan on spending for a new compressor, dryer, heater core and blower motor with that factory system just to be safe. Charging an A/C cost me $150 at my local mechanic shop and I learned the hard way on my 77 trying to use an old compressor. It worked for a week and then went bad so I had to have the system recharged with a new compressor and cost me another $150 plus a new compressor.

If you do go with the factory system, also replace the old O rings in the hoses with the "green ones" for R134. And let me know if you want the R134 fittings for the York compressor if you go with that. I'd just give them to ya and it would save you an additional $30 or so.

 

[SuperCab]

I agree... An aftermarket system would probably cool better than a converted factory system...

 

[LEB Ben]

Great point buck...that's why I bring it to you guys. I'm about as versed in AC work as I am electrical...so while the 225 isn't bad, the parts are still 35 years old...and I know replacements aren't cheap. And I still kinda cringe thinking about cutting reds dash.

 

[dustybumpers]

I have Vintage Air in my 56. It works great. You don't see the box on the firewall, everything is inside. I only have the 4 lines coming through a bulk head
For the money, I would do it again, only I would make sure to get the defrost option.

I never figured on driving the truck in foul weather. Silly me

 

[dustybumpers]

They also have an option that looks like a stock heater control for your dash.

My air vents are under the dash on a panel that came with the kit

If you want some pictures, I can post them

 

[LEB Ben]

Thanks for the info...you guys are my voice of reason. I have other pressing projects first...so these parts would have just sat on the shelf...but I figured it might be worth a go.

 

[bucks77ford]

Ya, the kits from nostalgia gives an option to use your current heater box or one that contains both heat and ac. The stock controls can be sent to them to configure so you can use your stock controls. The vents look dang near stock.