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Author Topic: A/C install  (Read 7273 times)

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Offline flash041

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A/C install
« on: March 03, 2013, 04:36:35 PM »
Today I started installing A/C in my Cruising Wagon.We have been busy the last three months trying to sell our house.I had 14 years of neglected home improvement,no Pinto time .We had an accpeped offer on our "Dream Home" contingent on selling ours.Ours hasent sold yet , and we got bumped by another buyer.We are not so eager to sell ours now.So now is the time to watch less HGTV and get to work putting the A/C in so my wife and I can have a "cool ride" for the Stampede this summer.
          I started pulling the dash apart.After pulling the drivers side vent I found some undiscovered rust.Along with the rust I found some hood insulation.I figure that what held the water and made it rust.I plan to remove as much loose rust , then use a rust converter. Seal it up with fiberglass mesh and resin. I dont want to be welding up under the dash. 
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline wbacon8780

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2013, 06:59:18 PM »
Getting ready to do the same thing. I was gonna use POR15 and Powermesh.

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2013, 06:24:28 PM »
Got back to work on the car. First I cut and shaped a piece of sheet metal and used short fiber fiberglass filler and pressed it into place.I did this so the resin I used in the next step did not drip through the holes.Then I cut fiberglass mesh , placed it in the cowl and brushed in liquid resin. Next I put in the cowl plug out of the donor car,this opening does not get used with A/C.I filled in the gap from the rust with the same fiberglass filler.I dont plan to ever remove it again! After I wan done I tested it by pouring water into the cowl....no more leaks!
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2013, 04:36:51 PM »
Got the new heater core and the evaporator installed in the heater box. I removed the old one and compared the two and discovered the A/C one uses two different mounting holes.I made a cardboard template and discovered where the other two hole are there are dimples in the firewall.Ill have to drill those two holes.Any one know of any other holes needed drilling? It is far easier now then later.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2013, 02:21:20 PM »
Last night I studied the wiring diagrams to see if I had to run wires for the compressor clutch and idle solenoid.Turns out the wires are aleady run under the hood.A unused single wire plug near the voltage regulator, black with yellow hash marks,is the wire for the a/c clutch and idle solenoid.Plug for the ambinet temp sensor switch in located on the raditor support. Does any one know where the sensor mounts?
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2013, 05:03:05 PM »
Moving to the under dash wiring.First add the light green/purple hash wire for the a/c clutch. The wire goes in the empty hole in the eight wire green harness plug.I seprated the plug and removed the red keeper.I then inserted to wire into the hole,and reinserted the keeper.   
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline ilvmy76

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2013, 10:11:29 AM »
Last night I studied the wiring diagrams to see if I had to run wires for the compressor clutch and idle solenoid.Turns out the wires are aleady run under the hood.A unused single wire plug near the voltage regulator, black with yellow hash marks,is the wire for the a/c clutch and idle solenoid.Plug for the ambinet temp sensor switch in located on the raditor support. Does any one know where the sensor mounts?

Dave,
  Sorry to hear about the house situation, good to see you working on the AC project. As far as the ambient temp. sensor goes, if I recall correctly, it mounts right behind the grill on the vertical support/ latch support for the hood latch, down toward the bottom. Somehow I get the feeling I forgot to give that to you with the rest of the parts? If I did forget then, damn, sorry. Incase I'm wrong could someone else with an AC car check and verify weather I'm right or wrong please, thanks.
worry does not empty tomorrow of it's troubles, it emptys today of it's strength!

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2013, 10:44:08 AM »
     Thanks Rick. If I dont have all the parts ill have to locate or fab them.So far I seem to have things. I do have the sensor and wiring.
     Continuing on the inside wiring, the a/c blower wires and switch are different from the non a/c cars.The power wire coming from the fuse box,brown orange stripe,is the same color, but is a 12 gauge on the a/c car, 14 gauge on the non a/c.The 14 would more that likley be ok , but since I have the heavier one I decided to install it.I used a pick to bend back the tabs that holds it in the fuse block. Then put the new one in bending the tabs out before installing it so it locks in place. Then put in a 30 amp fuse in place of the 15 amp.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline wbacon8780

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2013, 03:52:44 PM »
Flash, this is the rust hole I am dealing with. This is right side of cowl above ac/heater, any ideas?


Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #9 on: March 18, 2013, 09:29:44 PM »
I have some suface rust on the heater side, but not as much as that.I would either fab a piece of metal and riviet and fiberglass it in to place.From the bottom there is good access in that area. Another though is seeing if Fred Morgan can send yod a rust free section and cut and fit it in.It may be easier. All the curves and bends will be hard to duplicate.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline wbacon8780

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #10 on: March 19, 2013, 06:05:00 PM »
I actually got some sheet metal, I cut it to fit. I used some sheet metal screws and got it to fit pretty good. Then I removed it all and put some por15 everywhere in the cowl I could reach and coated the new sheet metal also. When it dries I am going to put it back in and seal it up good with bondo and fiberglass mat. I do not plan on putting The ac/heater box back in, looking at a small aftermarket unit instead. Your posts and pictures inspired me...Thanks. will post a pic when done.

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2013, 06:59:48 PM »
Your welcome! Thats what is great about this site. We get lots of good ideas and inspriation to keep our cars going! I ordered some parts from Fred Morgan and hope to have them in a few days so I can continue with my install...stay tuned.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #12 on: March 25, 2013, 10:54:27 PM »
Next, cut the 1 3/8 hole for the evaprator drain. Also attach the drain deflector on on the fire wall. The delector keeps the water from driping on the exhaust.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2013, 11:12:01 PM »
After finishing the hole I glued up the insulation and installed the heater/ evaporator box. On thig to note you must remove the blower and air intake to fit the box in.Temporaly wire the air intake in place. One the box is in screw it back together.I have runinto an issue.The heater core tube seal wont fit flush against the fire wall. I may have a piece of insulation blocking it, or am missing a seal. Ill check it out tomorrow.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #14 on: April 06, 2013, 08:39:37 PM »
As best as I can tell there is nothing blocking it and the box is as close to the firewall as possible. I used the old non a/c heater rubble hose seal, cut another hole in it and connected the heater hoses. Then I worked on installing the duct work. I had to pull the instrumnet cluster to run the one on the left side.I also installed the ambinet temp switch behind the grill.I then tested the the blower and the a/c clutch feed wire. The blower works fine all 4 speeds, but I an only getting a couple of volts to the a/c clutch wire. Not enough to energize the idle solenoid. I guess ill have to trace the wire back to find my voltage drop. Any Ideas where to look ? 
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #15 on: April 07, 2013, 11:47:28 AM »
I have full voltage to the ambinet switch. Does any know when the swithch is open or closed? Any way I removed the passenger side inner fender and mounted the vacuum canister.Then I hooked up the controls to test the functions. They all work!   
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2013, 05:32:30 PM »
Got the center vent cut into the dash. Does one by chance have the center duct for the single vent with gauge package? I have the dual center vent one. 
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #17 on: April 09, 2013, 07:46:06 PM »
Today I visited a salavage yard to look for the duct.The yard had a 79 Rally there, so if it had a/c it would have the gauge package and the correct duct.I called ahead and asked if  the red Pinto was still there. He said yes. So in 38 degree pouring rain I went to the yard.I knew where the car was, but it was gone.They had a red and green one, but the Rally was gone. So after a few e-mail phone calls and soggy trip to the yard with no luck I decided to fabricate my own. Tonight I made one out of cardboard. It seems to fit perfectly! So now ill make one out of tin.     
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #18 on: April 11, 2013, 08:48:59 PM »
Made the metal duct and got the inside put back together.I layed the cardboard duct that I made and traced and cut it out of metal. I then pop riveted it together and sealed it with metal duct tape. I want to get the car all cleaned up for now. There is a car show this Saturday. Temps in the 30's , but no rain for once.I still have to remount my CB radio. The a/c box is larger that the non a/c, so i hope my original one fits, if not ill have to install a smaller radio.
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #19 on: July 15, 2013, 07:38:35 PM »
Just over two weeks till the Stampede. Weather in Memphis mid to upper 90's....I guess id better get back to work on the A/C job. So this past weeekend I did. My camera quit so no pics. I did run all the lines and monted the compressor and condenser. I thought I could just slip the condenser right in. I thought wrong and had to remove the hood latch, p/s cooler , bumper, bumper filler. I put the r134a fitting on the low side. On the high side I picked up a tee with a low/ high pressure switch which is mandatory for 134a conversion. Ony problem is the one I have is for the smaller r12 port. I need to find one for the larger port.I did try running it to see if the compressor would come on ...and it did! So as soon as I locate the right fitting I will have it pressure tested and charged.Wish me luck!
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline flash041

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #20 on: July 28, 2013, 07:21:40 PM »
I found the right fitting and switch at Nostalgic AC parts. Put it on, vac test showed no leaks, charged it! Was blowing 47 degrees. After a day it quit working. Compressor running but not cold. I put dye in and found a loose fitting and schrader valve. Tightened them and recharged yesterday. Today still blowing cold. I will drive it the next few days to make sure it works before leaving for the Stampede on Wednesday. I am bringing extra 134a along! Good thing it is only $6 a can. 
1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
1993 Mustang LX 2.3 convertible

Offline not for me

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #21 on: April 23, 2014, 08:20:37 PM »
hello, I hav to ask where did you find the ac unit to install?  I am looking for one for a bobcat 1977 -the complete unit --including dash vents --help --thanks b

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #22 on: April 23, 2014, 11:02:43 PM »
Bummer, I just threw away a complete factory add on AC system couple months ago.. :(
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Offline Reeves1

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #23 on: April 24, 2014, 08:20:11 AM »
I see you found the heater hose locations. The picture below shows them on a 72. Look in the trans tunnel & you'll see the location for the drain hose.
Yes, the fire wall (and likely trans tunnel) are dimpled from the factory.
Best way to fix the box (under front cowl) is to get a spot weld bit & remove them. Weld another one in.
Every long trip is shortened by the first step.



A/C holes next to heater motor hole, welded up.




I have an A/C unit. May still have the ducting ? I'll never use them. Even the heater motor/fan is different than a "normal" one.
Shipping to the States likely killer though.

Offline jeremysdad

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #24 on: April 24, 2014, 04:13:16 PM »
If anyone wants my condensor/drier (the parts in front of the radiator) and hoses from a 72/2.0, I'm getting ready to pull them off. Otherwise they'll meet the same fate the compressor did...the dump. :) lol

Offline dianne

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #25 on: April 25, 2014, 09:44:14 AM »
If anyone wants my condensor/drier (the parts in front of the radiator) and hoses from a 72/2.0, I'm getting ready to pull them off. Otherwise they'll meet the same fate the compressor did...the dump. :) lol

I need one!!!! I'll buy them :) Been asking and looking for one for mine!!!
Vehicles:

- 1972 Plymouth Duster (To be a Pro Street)
- 1973 Ford Pinto wagon (registered ride 195)
- 1976 Mustang II mini-stock
- 1978 Mustang King Cobra II
- 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout
- 1986 Chevy K5 Blazer
- 1997 Suzuki Marauder

FORD: Federal Ownership Respectfully Denied

Offline 65ShelbyClone

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #26 on: June 01, 2014, 12:47:25 PM »
I call second dibs after Dianne.  ;)
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Offline pintoguy76

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Re: A/C install
« Reply #27 on: June 03, 2014, 02:37:12 AM »
Anyone know if a 71-73 AC box will fit a 74??? I know where a 73 with AC is at, if I can just find out if it will work...
1974 Ford Pinto Wagon with 1991 Mustang DIS EFI 2.3 and stock Pinto 4 Speed
 
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