Adding A/C

[FFRKing]

I am building a '68 SWB to be a mostly daily driver and want to add A/C. It was originally a non A/C truck and I have a few questions.
Should I rebuild the original heater box and add an under dash evaporator? Or go with an all new heat and air unit? I like the Slimline UD150 cool only evaporator looks and have searched endlessly on here for ideas. Some say the factory heater is not very effective for defrost. I live just south of Wichita, Kansas and it does get cold in the winter. Right now it has hovered around 100* and high humidity for the last month, so an efficient A/C is also important. For a heat and cool unit I am looking at the Hurricane from Old Air Products, although I don't like the looks of the under dash unit as well.
I would be piecing it together under the hood as I have a 2007 4.6 3V engine with the factory Mustang compressor. I also have the Mustang condensor but haven't measured it to check for fit.
I would like to hear opinions and if anyone has experience with adding just A/C to factory heat or using one of the units I mentioned would be great
I have been lurking around here for quite a while, so even though this is my first post, I have been around. I just didn't have anything to say.
Thanks
Chris

[1972hiboy]

If your using a modern power plant and utilizing the a/c comp that goes with the engine it makes sense to stay with R134a to accommodate the compressor. I would look into a add on unit just for the a/c. The factory heater/defroster works well I think. never had a problem with it here in CA. I think the path of least resistance is just adding a stand alone a/c setup from an aftermarket company.

[Canonman67]

I'm using an separate under dash ac unit with the factory heater. The problem with the factory defrost isn't the heater unit itself but the fact that the defrost ducts are just two round holes in the middle of the dash. If you look at earlier and later models you'll see that they use slots right up under the windshield which works MUCH better.

[sargentrs]

These guys also sell a unit that fits our trucks. http://www.classicautoair.com/67_72_For ... rd_AC.html I struggled with this same situation for my truck. I investigated dozens of under dash "hang on" units but couldn't find one shallow enough to fit under the dash without sticking out too far. Couldn't afford the Classic Auto Air, Vintage Air, or Nostalgic Air units either. Finally was able to score a factory under dash heat/defrost/AC unit by trading my refurbished heater only box for it from a fellow member. I've totally refurbished it and it's ready to hang now. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =8&t=80023 Since I'm going with an '85 351w and serpentine belt setup I'll be buying a modern Sanden compressor and under hood kit. I'll convert to R134 when I get ready to install and charge it. You can still find used under dash units on evilbay occasionally. As for the "poor" defrost vents, I'm intending to modify my vents with the dash vents from a newer model F150 to give me more control over the air flow.

[FFRKing]

Thanks for the replies.
I have a little while to kick ideas around but since you guys say the factory heat is alright then I will just rebuild the heater box.
Canon-Your evap is the one I like and will most likely go with one of those. I like the driver side vent.
I may address the defrost vents and see if I can find something better. Sargent-I like the newer vents that have adjustable louvers. That may be easier than trying to install the later long, narrow vents.
I appreciate all of the information and comments.
Thanks
Chris

[sargentrs]

While you're rebuilding your heater, go ahead and upgrade the fan. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=73960

[Ranchero50]

As said before, the factory defrost function is horrible on cold sleety nights. When you really need it to work you'll at best get two swipes of clear with everything else fogged / frozen over. I've thrown rags over the passenger side to get some performance out of the driver's side to help defrost the glass.

I don't know what the answer is but I do know that sealing up the cab is a must do. A 1/4" hole in the firewall will freeze you out but a tight cab and 195` T stat will run you out after 15 minutes of so.

That the fan is after the heater core is a big reason the system performs poorly. Centrifugal fans blow well, they don't suck at all.

I have a underdash unit in the shed but haven't taken the time to install it. Really it's a PITA to install and sort out (Cummins swap with no room up front) and I seldom run the truck when it's 90+. For short trips the cooling rags around the neck work wonders.

[FFRKing]

Is there anyone out there that has done the supercharged fan upgrade and has used it thru a winter? I'm curious as to whether it helped with the defrost performance.
By the time I rebuild the stock heater box with seals and the fan upgrade, I'm within probably $100 or so of the A/C, heat, and defrost unit at Gearheads at $665 for just the inside unit, and gain dehumidified heat in the process.
Although doing the stock heater would allow me to put off the A/C install and spread out the costs.
I need to let these things marinate for a while and get back to work.
Thanks again for all the info.
Chris

[sargentrs]

Here's the original thread that I used when I started my rebuild thread. Some of the photos are gone now but there's some good feedback from other members who also upgraded their fan. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =6&t=41940