Rebuilding a factory A/C unit - Done!
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Remove the retainer plates and the heater core lifts out.
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Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Congratulations! You have now completely disassembled a 1971 factory AC unit. Stay tuned while I refurbish everything and attempt to put it back together 
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
One of my biggest fears was that my heater core would be bad. Everywhere I've read here says nobody remans them and I've been unable to find one in all the usual catalogs and websites. Plenty of heater only cores but no heater/AC cores. Not knowing the part number was a hindrance so I went to the Diagrams and Schematics section and looked at the exploded view of the unit. Know the basic schema of Ford part numbers led me to a Google search for "heater core" "-18476-" and down the rabbit hole I went. Google led me to an old Ebay ad for the core I need but referenced a Vista Pro part number 399038 and a Modine part number 702212 http://www.ebay.com/itm/361179250830. This led me to an Econoline forum where I guy said the Modine part number referenced part number C8UZ-18476-A or B but another Ebay ad and Rockauto search leads me to believe the Econoline core is too long. Sure enough, another google search and got a hit for a Vista Pro 399038 at RockAuto and I snatched it up for $12.97! Hopefully it's the right one 
Here's what my core looked like when I got it out. If the Rockauto one doesn't pan out, and I fail to find one, I'll have to try to get it repaired. Looks like the PO tried to pull the unit out and forgot to unclamp a hose so it's bent over and crinkled into the top. Also pretty badly corroded.
Here's what my core looked like when I got it out. If the Rockauto one doesn't pan out, and I fail to find one, I'll have to try to get it repaired. Looks like the PO tried to pull the unit out and forgot to unclamp a hose so it's bent over and crinkled into the top. Also pretty badly corroded.You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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1972hiboy
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
That would be quite a breakthrough if you finaggled a way to source the right heater core for one of these.......keeping fingers crossed its the correct one.
Rich
1973 f350 super c/s 460/c6 22k orig miles
1972 f350 srw crewcab special 390
1972 f250 4x4 sport custom 390fe Red
1972 f250 4x4 custom 360 FE " Ranger Ric"
1972 f250 4x4 custom 84k og miles 390
1971 f250 4x4 sport custom 56k og miles. 360
1970 f250 4x4 428 fe hp60 205 d60
Dont eat yellow snow.....
1973 f350 super c/s 460/c6 22k orig miles
1972 f350 srw crewcab special 390
1972 f250 4x4 sport custom 390fe Red
1972 f250 4x4 custom 360 FE " Ranger Ric"
1972 f250 4x4 custom 84k og miles 390
1971 f250 4x4 sport custom 56k og miles. 360
1970 f250 4x4 428 fe hp60 205 d60
Dont eat yellow snow.....
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Took a few more photos and found a part number on the thermostatic switch. While searching for sources guess what I find? http://www.fordification.com/partnos/ac ... tegral.htm Duh! Why didn't I look here first 
Sourced both switches NOS on Ebay for a total of $70. Probably could have shaved a few dollars off but the other web hits didn't look very promising. Now to find the blower motor resistor...
Sourced both switches NOS on Ebay for a total of $70. Probably could have shaved a few dollars off but the other web hits didn't look very promising. Now to find the blower motor resistor...You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Ok, scored the thermostatic switch for $35. The other switch though was an auction starting at $25. I dropped out when the bidding topped $50. I refuse to pay that for a plain push button switch. I'll check out the one I have and see if it works. Got a call in to Wesley Obsolete on the resistor. Apparently the AC resistor is like hen's teeth. I'm sure the heater only resistor would work just as well and is more readily available? However, FedEx showed up today and dropped off the Holy Grail of heater cores! Allow me to introduce the Vista Pro #399038. 
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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68RGR
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Randy - Before you junk the original fan resistor, please measure the resistance of each coil. Having accurate info will enable folks to get "modern" resistors to replace them.
Also, if you can figure out the current drawn for each speed, a wattage value can be calculated for both resistors/coils.
With those values, each coil can be replaced with something like this:
Or this:
IGNORE THE VALUES IN THE PHOTOS - The photos are only meant to show the types of resistors that might be used to replace the originals.
Also, if you can figure out the current drawn for each speed, a wattage value can be calculated for both resistors/coils.
With those values, each coil can be replaced with something like this:
Or this:
IGNORE THE VALUES IN THE PHOTOS - The photos are only meant to show the types of resistors that might be used to replace the originals.
Bill
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Thanks, Bill! I'll check the resistance next time I work on the unit. Any input as to why it's inside the case instead of mounted and covered on the outside? The heater only resistor is mounted to the interior as well. If it's only function is to serve as a fan speed regulator, why mount it so that it's inside the "hot box"? Could it be because it generates heat and they didn't want it warming things up under the dash, maybe? Since heat increases resistance, isn't that a "self eating knockwurst"? Things that make you go...hmmmm...
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Another search this morning turned up the A/C control switch for a NOS 69 70 Ford A/C Temperature Control Switch PN C9AZ-19A945-A. Looks like the only difference is the mounting bracket. Should be an easy retrofit. Got it for $27 including shipping.
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Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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1972hiboy
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
This is gold right here.......you figured out the heater core snafu congrats!!
Rich
1973 f350 super c/s 460/c6 22k orig miles
1972 f350 srw crewcab special 390
1972 f250 4x4 sport custom 390fe Red
1972 f250 4x4 custom 360 FE " Ranger Ric"
1972 f250 4x4 custom 84k og miles 390
1971 f250 4x4 sport custom 56k og miles. 360
1970 f250 4x4 428 fe hp60 205 d60
Dont eat yellow snow.....
1973 f350 super c/s 460/c6 22k orig miles
1972 f350 srw crewcab special 390
1972 f250 4x4 sport custom 390fe Red
1972 f250 4x4 custom 360 FE " Ranger Ric"
1972 f250 4x4 custom 84k og miles 390
1971 f250 4x4 sport custom 56k og miles. 360
1970 f250 4x4 428 fe hp60 205 d60
Dont eat yellow snow.....
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sargentrs
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- Posts: 9866
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Yeah, Rich, unfortunately, it appears to be the last one in existence. It was a wholesale closeout with 1 remaining at Rockauto. If you check Rockauto again, it doesn't even come up. So sad... 
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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treverd
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Sargentrs,
I appreciate you being so diligent in your updates and pictures. I will be attempting to swap a dealer installed AC from a 1972 Ranger XLT into our 1972 Ranger.
I am watching your progress closely.
Thanks,
Trever
I appreciate you being so diligent in your updates and pictures. I will be attempting to swap a dealer installed AC from a 1972 Ranger XLT into our 1972 Ranger.
I am watching your progress closely.
Thanks,
Trever
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68RGR
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Randy,
Regarding the fan resistors - I suspect it might have been cheaper to build it "open" and then hide it inside the box. Additionally, when your unit is in COOL, the resistors will be cooler! Same could be said when non-A/C trucks are in VENT mode, I guess. The info on the resistors would make it very easy to come up with a universal pair of modern resistors that could be mounted remotely - Even on a metal surface, if they were the gold, sealed type, to help dissipate the heat they generate. Plus, you could customize the two lower speeds - If low was too low or medium was too high, you could change the resistor values accordingly. Going even further, it might be possible to have a variable speed fan! I'm no motor control expert but there almost has to be a way to do it electronically - Like with an SCR or similar device.
Regarding the fan resistors - I suspect it might have been cheaper to build it "open" and then hide it inside the box. Additionally, when your unit is in COOL, the resistors will be cooler! Same could be said when non-A/C trucks are in VENT mode, I guess. The info on the resistors would make it very easy to come up with a universal pair of modern resistors that could be mounted remotely - Even on a metal surface, if they were the gold, sealed type, to help dissipate the heat they generate. Plus, you could customize the two lower speeds - If low was too low or medium was too high, you could change the resistor values accordingly. Going even further, it might be possible to have a variable speed fan! I'm no motor control expert but there almost has to be a way to do it electronically - Like with an SCR or similar device.
Bill
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Thanks guys!
68RGR, I'll get to those resistor values soon, I promise!
68RGR, I'll get to those resistor values soon, I promise!
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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sargentrs
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Re: Rebuilding a factory A/C unit
Teaser photo!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.