Any suggestions for AC ?

[viking66]

What is the best way to add air conditioning to my 66 / W200? The swamp cooler wont do me much good where I am located due to the high humidity that we have in this area. Is there a junk yard unit I can adapt to my truck? Let me know what you have done or think is my best approach.

Thanks gang.

Leif in Pennsylvania

[66patrick]

An underdash unit is really your only option, since these truck did not have A/C available as an option in '66.

They are NOT a swamp cooler, which by definition, is a unit that circulates water through it and a fan blows air over the wet coils or pads. They are on houses in areas with low humidity. The under-dash units are just like factory A/C units in function, with Freon R-134 in it. Vintage Air, along with other companies, sell everything you need for brand new air in your truck. As far as a junk yard/swap meet unit, you will want the under-dash unit and a compressor and brackets, plus you will still need to get NEW the lines, dryer, condenser, and and a few small parts. You are money, comfort, and time ahead going with a new unit, UNLESS you can find a truck with everything on it, sealed and ready to pull. Do not limit yourself to looking in just Dodges, as these units were installed in nearly everything from the late '50s all the way up to the late '80s. The A/C didn't care what it was installed in!

Good luck in your search.

[Rodger]

Hola No. Wales, PA Person

I too wanted more than adjusting the wing windows with the speed of the vehicle. I have an vintage passenger door swamp cooler ( which was very popular due to cost in yester-year ) that I used from another vehicle. The swamp cooler is an great attention getter.

Then in Nov of 2007 I found an under dash hanging after-market unit. This unit has "Frigette" across the top. I paid $10 for it.

About two weeks ago I picked up another under dash hanging A/C after-market unit for the same price. This one has no name on it.

The posting by Patrick is correct if you are an "can do it yourself" person.

I checked with the local pick & pull for all the additional needed items. They told me the pulley's, compressor, finned cooler, dryer and all could be mine for under $30 . Find any LA 318 - 360 and remove all needed parts

An company by the name of York made the compressor's for MoPar for a very long time. ( the a/c in older bently's & rolls-royce's is also Chrysler made ) Then in about 1980 or so MoPar started using another company. They made the same compressor for every MoPar product from four banger's to 360's in RamCharger's or full sized Vans. The advantage of the new round designed compressor's is they do the same work level as the older York's using less engergy.

If you visit the pick & pull look for the dual belt version assembly.

Anther item is the cooling fan. The four blade fan is an non A/C item. Be sure that you have an fan shroud too on the radiator.

I went this way since it is ole appearing and I do not like the prices of new boxes.

Rodger & Gabby
COS

[OldDodges]

I'm starting to deal with Classic Auto Air in rebuilding parts of my system. They sell universal kits I think between $1000-1200 if your wanting to go that expense. I am restoring the underdash box, but everything under the hood will be new parts, even though I have the original stuff. Converting it to 134a. Will probably have about a $1000 in it to do the whole system.
Kyle

[Panelbeater02]

If you simply must use 40 year old components, at least send them to Classic Auto Air to refurbish.
I know everyone has their own reasons, opinions, etc, but I will agree that you ARE money ahead using a new system. 134-a requires barrier hoses, not 40 year old rubber,
Classic Air can cut apart the old dryer and put in a new dessicant bag for 134-a.also change hoses. It will look factory when they are done. If you do find a unit intact and working, r-12 is too expensive to replace. Just simply adding 134-a has issues.
The old mineral oil used in R-12 systems 40 yrs ago is NOT combatible with 134-a.Ester oil.
It will sludge up the system, and may turn acidic, and eat out the evaporator / condenser from the inside. I personally would not trust 40 year old components, they may not hold up to 200 to 300 psi during a hot day.
If your truck doesn't have a/c , a new under dash street rod unit is the way to go.
Again my personal 2 cents
Panelbeater

[nfury8]

I am adding A/C to my CrewCab project. The plan is to use stock equipment under
the dash and all new, modern parts under the hood. The new aftermarket units are
very compact and effecient. I am just finishing rebuilding the box I got from Butch,
these things are monsters! The reason I am using the stock parts is I don't like
any of the aftermarket control panels, they just don't look right in older vehicles,
with mostly stock interiors. I am also hoping to save some money.

I will post pics from the rebuild soon. I was surprised how simple they were inside,
compared to the car boxes.

[viking66]

Okay I took the advice of going with the new components since I am not stuck on being OEM or doing this for a show truck rather than a functional work truck. From what I have learned from the input from this site I am leaning towards the under dash unit (cooling only) from Hot Rod Garage.com. I will use the heater that is already doing a fine job. When I get this done I will take some pictures and share the fruits of our labor and knowledge. Thanks for your help gang!

[moparbob71]

Yes, keep us up to date and get some pics for us as you go I'll be doing the same thing this summer if the money holds up.
Bob

[66patrick]

Same here, depending on what truck I end up with! If I keep the '68, that'll be it.