Adding AC to 90 F250 7.3

[ZWilson07]

After discussing it with icanfixall, trying to get some answers regarding adding AC to my 90 that didn't come with it.

Is it something that I can just buy the kit, the new ac unit for the dash, and install it?

Or do I also need to switch out the radiator, core support, etc for the smaller one?

Any info or shed some light on it would be great; I tried searching but very little came back for adding it in the 7.3 diesel.

Thanks

 

[icanfixall]

This truck has the wide short radiater like many early trucks had. Mell has this style in the Moose truck. Thats why he needed a special intercooler to fit around the wide radiater.

 

[RLDSL]

Considering the condition of used factory units in the boneyard after being exposed to the elements, I really dont know if I could recommend going that route as most of teh parts are gonners.. There are a few places that sell kits for a dealer type install , I think arizona air is one where all the componants come new for a factory type install, or you can go with a high end underdash kit where you have a self contained evaporator/blower unit about 5'' thick mounted under your dash , then you order a compressor mount and condenser and some other goodies and rig it all up., They have to be fit to each vehicle. PM me if you want more specifics, these things get sounding insanely complicated but really arent that bad so long as you have someone who can make hoses up.

 

[ZWilson07]

This truck has the wide short radiater like many early trucks had. Mell has this style in the Moose truck. Thats why he needed a special intercooler to fit around the wide radiater.

If I plan to go turbo in the future, would you recommend getting a new radiator anyways so I wouldn't run in to that same problem? Maybe kill 2 birds with one stone just getting a new one you know.

Considering the condition of used factory units in the boneyard after being exposed to the elements, I really dont know if I could recommend going that route as most of teh parts are gonners.. There are a few places that sell kits for a dealer type install , I think arizona air is one where all the componants come new for a factory type install, or you can go with a high end underdash kit where you have a self contained evaporator/blower unit about 5'' thick mounted under your dash , then you order a compressor mount and condenser and some other goodies and rig it all up., They have to be fit to each vehicle. PM me if you want more specifics, these things get sounding insanely complicated but really arent that bad so long as you have someone who can make hoses up.

PM sent!

 

[bagpiperjosh]

Considering the condition of used factory units in the boneyard after being exposed to the elements, I really dont know if I could recommend going that route as most of teh parts are gonners.. There are a few places that sell kits for a dealer type install , I think arizona air is one where all the componants come new for a factory type install, or you can go with a high end underdash kit where you have a self contained evaporator/blower unit about 5'' thick mounted under your dash , then you order a compressor mount and condenser and some other goodies and rig it all up., They have to be fit to each vehicle. PM me if you want more specifics, these things get sounding insanely complicated but really arent that bad so long as you have someone who can make hoses up.

i would be interested in the price of something like that

 

[riotwarrior]

I happen to have a complete 87-91 AC setup, however the condensor for the wide short rad would be what you need to come up with. I have everything else!

Al

 

[ZWilson07]

I happen to have a complete 87-91 AC setup, however the condensor for the wide short rad would be what you need to come up with. I have everything else!

Al

PM sent!

 

[riotwarrior]

If you are going to turbo and IC then yes, tall narrow rad is choice, however.....however I do have an IC that fits around the short Wide rad as well...rofl...

anyway lets stay on topic here AC

I will check on something and have an idea that perhaps the stock AC condensor can work for you if you provide custom lines....not sure..but sure think so.

As for what I have, I boned the red rhino thinking that I'd add that AC to the White Rhino, but now I'm cab swapping with whole AC cab so forth and a newer cab as well.

THUS,,,

about the only thing you may need are some nuts bolts and line/condensor and some refrigerant.

Al

 

[ZWilson07]

If you are going to turbo and IC then yes, tall narrow rad is choice, however.....however I do have an IC that fits around the short Wide rad as well...rofl...

anyway lets stay on topic here AC

I will check on something and have an idea that perhaps the stock AC condensor can work for you if you provide custom lines....not sure..but sure think so.

As for what I have, I boned the red rhino thinking that I'd add that AC to the White Rhino, but now I'm cab swapping with whole AC cab so forth and a newer cab as well.

THUS,,,

about the only thing you may need are some nuts bolts and line/condensor and some refrigerant.

Al

well I def wont complain and well if we can get something to work with keeping my radiator and then you also have IC for turbo that will work around my radiator that would be amazing and would help me alot.

Acourse I dont know how that radiator will work if I swap out to 92-96 front in will it? I thought you had to swap core supports to do all that.

Just trying to figure everything out. Im trying to stay on track lol but ive just made the mistake of doing tons of things and then having to go back and change stuff and wishing I just would have done it a certain way from the get go. So just trying to get a plan and everything I need to know and do everything once, instead of having to go back and change stuff you know.

 

[riotwarrior]

well I def wont complain and well if we can get something to work with keeping my radiator and then you also have IC for turbo that will work around my radiator that would be amazing and would help me alot.

Acourse I dont know how that radiator will work if I swap out to 92-96 front in will it? I thought you had to swap core supports to do all that.

Just trying to figure everything out. Im trying to stay on track lol but ive just made the mistake of doing tons of things and then having to go back and change stuff and wishing I just would have done it a certain way from the get go. So just trying to get a plan and everything I need to know and do everything once, instead of having to go back and change stuff you know.

Ahh...the NEW red truck...OK Now I understand...

Ok if you change to a 92 up clip, that does make a difference, plan for what you are going to do....and work towards that goal!

Lets see, 92 clip....requires modified headlight/signal light harness from your harness to fit those lights. Then new rad, and you will need the entire clip including the cowel cover

Cowel cover
hood + hinges
fenders L & R
grille
lights
filler panel under grill
rad support
Rad and shroud

Alot of work and time and money!

That about covers it for clip change, but as mentioned in your previous thread, you won't find a nicer shape clip than yours with correct colour etc. So why change? That is one fine fine looking truck IMHO,

I personally like OBS front end too but my front ends on both Bronco which is swapped to OBS and my white rhino where/are rusted out piles of crap....not nice condition!

JM2CW

 

[ZWilson07]

Ahh...the NEW red truck...OK Now I understand...

Ok if you change to a 92 up clip, that does make a difference, plan for what you are going to do....and work towards that goal!

Lets see, 92 clip....requires modified headlight/signal light harness from your harness to fit those lights. Then new rad, and you will need the entire clip including the cowel cover

Cowel cover
hood + hinges
fenders L & R
grille
lights
filler panel under grill
rad support
Rad and shroud

Alot of work and time and money!

That about covers it for clip change, but as mentioned in your previous thread, you won't find a nicer shape clip than yours with correct colour etc. So why change? That is one fine fine looking truck IMHO,

I personally like OBS front end too but my front ends on both Bronco which is swapped to OBS and my white rhino where/are rusted out piles of crap....not nice condition!

JM2CW

It is almost a crime to take it off but hey atleast I could sell it.

I plan on repainting it anyways, and while its almost a sin to change it all up from original; I guess I just want to be happy with it and im not to fond of the early front end or the interior. I like the 92-96/7 interior and front end alot better. Im still up in the air about it all, but like I said im just trying to plan everything out so if im going to do it, I need to decide on it and use that to decide these parts like for the ac, what radiator and stuff will work for that as well as an eventually turbo with small boost setup, etc.

 

[riotwarrior]

It is almost a crime to take it off but hey atleast I could sell it.

I plan on repainting it anyways, and while its almost a sin to change it all up from original; I guess I just want to be happy with it and im not to fond of the early front end or the interior. I like the 92-96/7 interior and front end alot better. Im still up in the air about it all, but like I said im just trying to plan everything out so if im going to do it, I need to decide on it and use that to decide these parts like for the ac, what radiator and stuff will work for that as well as an eventually turbo with small boost setup, etc.

For the amount of time you need to install AC, swap to an OBS clip, and install an OBS dash and related parts, which in turn requires a new steering column and a bunch of supports welded to fire wall, as well you'll need to remove some current braces before you swap dashes, so; you may be better off, cleaning up your truck and selling it and buying a 92 up truck. Trust me on this, I've researched this deeply and though I have the capability and tools and welders and so forth, I am finding it simpler to just swap cabs completely. My goal was swap an OBS cab and keep my Brick nose dash, I like those better!

Maybe you can find a truck with a dead motor trans, of the correct year/colour you want, pull the cab and swap it, then sell your UBER clean/ cab clip....I don't know if that is an option for you or if you have the time/tools/skills

Just some options to ponder.

Al

 

[ZWilson07]

For the amount of time you need to install AC, swap to an OBS clip, and install an OBS dash and related parts, which in turn requires a new steering column and a bunch of supports welded to fire wall, as well you'll need to remove some current braces before you swap dashes, so; you may be better off, cleaning up your truck and selling it and buying a 92 up truck. Trust me on this, I've researched this deeply and though I have the capability and tools and welders and so forth, I am finding it simpler to just swap cabs completely. My goal was swap an OBS cab and keep my Brick nose dash, I like those better!

Maybe you can find a truck with a dead motor trans, of the correct year/colour you want, pull the cab and swap it, then sell your UBER clean/ cab clip....I don't know if that is an option for you or if you have the time/tools/skills

Just some options to ponder.

Al

Thanks, very good fruit for thought!

Im thinking im just going to do a front end swap and ac and be done with it. Keep the dash how it is. (IF I decide to do anything to the interior, id just change it out for a different color but keep the same 87-91 style interior. I just want to be able to keep whatever I take off so I can take it back to what it was if I wanted or just keep them inside, and just keep them staying MINT condition.

Every year they get harder n harder to find so I kind of want to take as much stuff off thats super mint and clean and put it inside so it stays that way. I don't want to get rid of it and I only would if someone offered me a minimum of 8 grand on it.

 

[typ4]

The only parts that need to be changed inside the truck are the heater controls and harness, all the ducting is the same, it is really a very easy swap. and if you go with the 92 up clip even easier for the radiator issue. My truck had the non ac rad and I put in the tall one, clip came with it . I got lucky enough to find an 89 front clip rust free and no core support cracks that was the same color as the truck. And had the ac stuff.

 

[ZWilson07]

The only parts that need to be changed inside the truck are the heater controls and harness, all the ducting is the same, it is really a very easy swap. and if you go with the 92 up clip even easier for the radiator issue. My truck had the non ac rad and I put in the tall one, clip came with it . I got lucky enough to find an 89 front clip rust free and no core support cracks that was the same color as the truck. And had the ac stuff.

What were you meaning by if I got 92 up it will make the radiator issue easier?

Just saying that then I will only have one choice of rad to go with for ac and 92 up clip or what?

Just wondering