AFTERMARKET A/C UNITS? BEST?

[Dan]

Anyone here familiar with the aftermarket air conditioning units that are out there these days? I hear they are really nice compared to the past units, and you can mount under dash or even run them through existing factory duct work, anybody know what companies are the best these days, and has anyone installed one recently?

Thinking of doing that to mine depending on cost etc.

[dailyf100]

IMO it is hard to do it for 1000 or less; properly. Obviously you can piece together used stuff and make it work but as far as I know there is not anyone that makes a COMPLETE kit for less than that. Actually, I would plan on spending close to 1300 when it is all installed and serviced. I use old air products but my friend used classic auto air. Both are here in Texas and know a thing or two about making you cold. One thing that you need to keep in mind is if your cab is not sealed well; your not doing your ac system any justice.

[Dan]

I was hoping the prices many have come down some over the years with modern technology, but sounds like they are still up there a bit. I personally would like to avoid using old A/C stuff from used trucks, I know it's cheaper but when it comes to A/C I'd rather have new and modern if possible.

I'll check out the places you mentioned, Thanks!

[HIO Silver]

These guys offer a complete kit: http://nostalgicac.com/complete-ac-kits ... ystem.html

[Calfdemon]

I used the Perfect Fit system from Classic Auto Air. It is made for our trucks and fit perfectly, using the factory controls. The AC blows cold and the heater blows hot. I did it myself and am very happy with the system. I think it set me back somewhere around $1400 or $1500 if I remember correctly. I bought it a few years ago but installed it last year.
http://www.classicautoair.com/Ford_Pick ... rd_AC.html

[Dave Severson]

I've used a few different ones, but the compact unit from Vintage Air is my preferred. Small sized unit available that fits under the dash nicely, lots of options on ducts, outlets, controllers, etc.

[Dan]

I have heard a lot of good things about classic, thanks!

[motzingg]

This is all well out of my budget, but i had given to me a vintage (dealer installed mabye) underdash evaporator unit. The condenser I've still got to junkyard pick, and the compressor came with my '91 engine.

There is nothing magical about AC, no more complicated than power steering, If you're willing to piece it together yourself all the parts can be had fairly cheaply. I think people are just intimidated by it because for 50 years everyone has been told by Detroit not to service their equipment.

If you're not going for a show-car look and you have a windsor or I6 you can bolt on the late model serpentine drive from a junkyard, which also makes for a good time to add a modern alternator.

so to recap:
1) sort out some sort of serpentine pulley or v-belt drive to mount your AC. Junkyard if you have a Windsor SBF or I-6 or get creative
2) maybe you want to buy a new AC compressor? Maybe you can get a clean junkyard one? I've heard the oil cleanliness in the system is indicative of the condition of the compressor (duh) or maybe you get lucky and find a fresh reman in the junkyard (payback for all the times you scrapped out cars a month after putting 700 worth of new brakes in them)
3) plumbing can be soft copper. Fittings are either flare, Inverted flare, or you could solder to them. I've seen NPT used in refrigerant applications but i'd probably avoid that.
4) Junkyard or buy new a condenser. The one i'm looking at is a early 90's honda civic unit, its about the same size as the stock radiator and has the plumbing coming out the right location. They say to flush these first with mineral spirits.
5) the cheapest underdash system is the 80 dollar ebay china special. Its about the same thing as what i'm working with. A fan and a small evap coil.
6) the only other thing you need is the relay to activate the clutch, wiring to the switches, and an unloading valve, that is one to definitely buy new and they can be had for about 30 bucks.

Take it to a shop to have it vacuumed down and filled, or spend another 200 and invest in the HF tools to do it on the cheap.


I dunno, its all speculation at this point, but i'm hoping to patch my system together (i've already got serp belt installed, compressor, evaporator) for less than 300 bucks. My expectations are consistent with driving a 50 year old truck; as long as it takes the edge off the blistering Texas heat, and allows me to haul my son around without being reported to child welfare (ha) i'm pretty happy.

[tac]

Texas heat, and allows me to haul my son around without being reported to child welfare (ha) i'm pretty happy.

That's funny and how times have changed. I went high school south of there in the early 70's and the only room that was air conditioned was the principle's office. That was one advantage of getting in trouble, but soon lost on the big paddle and "grab your ankles". Now he would be charged for abuse and child endangerment.