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I just completed installing a very nice AC system in my '65 109. The unit is a universal underdash model with a four port adapter plate. There are a few companies out there that sell them and as far as I could tell they are about the same. Most likely coming out of the same factory somewhere overseas.
I purchased mine from Hot Rod Air http://www.hotrodair.com/index.cfm/p...prod/prd94.htm because their "kit" came with a true Sanden compressor (others sell China knockoffs) and what I thought was the smallest condensor around. The condensor is the thin radiator that mounts in front of the cooling radiator. There isn't much room in the front of a IIA.
Unforunately, they sent the wrong unit. I ordered a unit that would do heat and cool but they shipped a cool only. The dimensions they gave me of the condensor when I placed the order we also not correct so the condensor wouldn't fit without heavily modifying the radiator mounts. When I shipped the evaporator unit back, I also shipped the condensor back for a refund because I found a smaller unit at Classic Air http://www.classicautoair.com/Custom.asp that really fit great. if I were to do it again, I would get the entire "kit" from them.
The installation was overall easy. I had to fab a custom mount for the compressor and fabbed a box under the passenger seat to mount the evaporator. The evaporator was a tight squeeze but it did fit without any modifications to the seat box. I had to think ahead when building the box so it wouldn't require removing the AC to get the seat box off for gearbox swaps etc.
The controls for the AC mounted through the front of the seat box under the passenger's left knee (remote control units are available if dash switches are preferred but I liked keeping the dash more or less stock look). I was able to run 4 insulated flex ducts under the seat box so now I have a vent blowing hot or cold air to all four main seating positions. The fan is a 3 speed that has plenty of power to get the air from the floor up into the main passenger compartment.
To maintain maximum engine cooling and get as much air through the small condensor, I fabbed a full radiator shroud. The truck was running a little hot before so I managed to kill 2 birds on that one.
So why AC? My truck is not designed to be a show truck so keeping it bone stock is not a personal problem for me. It's meant to be driven. Because it is all concealed under the seat box, it does still appear to be stock so there's no loss in the cool factor (pun I guess). I do have a 4 cylinder 3.0L engine from Robert Davis so there's plenty of engine power to turn the compressor. I'm based in the Adirondacks so opening windows is not a good idea in the summer unless you wear a full mosquito net or bathe in DEET. If I ever want my wife and daughter to join me on an adventure or trip to town, they definitely want AC. Plus, because it is a heat unit also, I now have floor heat both in the front and REAR seats.
I'm sure AC in a Series truck is not for everyone but for me and my family, it's pretty trick! Anyone looking for more photos or info, please feel free to send me a note. I'd be happy to share any info I can.
I purchased mine from Hot Rod Air http://www.hotrodair.com/index.cfm/p...prod/prd94.htm because their "kit" came with a true Sanden compressor (others sell China knockoffs) and what I thought was the smallest condensor around. The condensor is the thin radiator that mounts in front of the cooling radiator. There isn't much room in the front of a IIA.
Unforunately, they sent the wrong unit. I ordered a unit that would do heat and cool but they shipped a cool only. The dimensions they gave me of the condensor when I placed the order we also not correct so the condensor wouldn't fit without heavily modifying the radiator mounts. When I shipped the evaporator unit back, I also shipped the condensor back for a refund because I found a smaller unit at Classic Air http://www.classicautoair.com/Custom.asp that really fit great. if I were to do it again, I would get the entire "kit" from them.
The installation was overall easy. I had to fab a custom mount for the compressor and fabbed a box under the passenger seat to mount the evaporator. The evaporator was a tight squeeze but it did fit without any modifications to the seat box. I had to think ahead when building the box so it wouldn't require removing the AC to get the seat box off for gearbox swaps etc.
The controls for the AC mounted through the front of the seat box under the passenger's left knee (remote control units are available if dash switches are preferred but I liked keeping the dash more or less stock look). I was able to run 4 insulated flex ducts under the seat box so now I have a vent blowing hot or cold air to all four main seating positions. The fan is a 3 speed that has plenty of power to get the air from the floor up into the main passenger compartment.
To maintain maximum engine cooling and get as much air through the small condensor, I fabbed a full radiator shroud. The truck was running a little hot before so I managed to kill 2 birds on that one.
So why AC? My truck is not designed to be a show truck so keeping it bone stock is not a personal problem for me. It's meant to be driven. Because it is all concealed under the seat box, it does still appear to be stock so there's no loss in the cool factor (pun I guess). I do have a 4 cylinder 3.0L engine from Robert Davis so there's plenty of engine power to turn the compressor. I'm based in the Adirondacks so opening windows is not a good idea in the summer unless you wear a full mosquito net or bathe in DEET. If I ever want my wife and daughter to join me on an adventure or trip to town, they definitely want AC. Plus, because it is a heat unit also, I now have floor heat both in the front and REAR seats.
I'm sure AC in a Series truck is not for everyone but for me and my family, it's pretty trick! Anyone looking for more photos or info, please feel free to send me a note. I'd be happy to share any info I can.
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