HELP! advice for installing A/C in my truck!?

[tsmiff1]

I have a '88 chevy 1ton scottsdale. Great truck, but it is a base model without air. Can someone please point me in the right direction to get air installed the simple, affordable and effecient way? Your advice will be most appreciated, especially if you have either done this yourself or knows someone who has. I cannot afford a new truck right now so please hold those comments.

[geogunn]

sorry--I can't tell you how to do it but it is a huge job. just setting the compressor on the block and changing out the pulleys will be a bear. good luck!

GEO

[Leone LawnCare]

going from hot to cold and back is really hard on your body. my car has ac and i dont use it when im working because it just makes u worn out

[PR0 TURF]

If your looking to reallly save money....our local auto parts store sells a 6 or 8 inch fan that plugs into the cigarette lighter for around $15-$20...Not too sure on what to tell you as far as installing actual AC...

Maybe try posting this in the Truck forum...or Mechanics forum...

:blob4:

[ksland]

You would need a donor truck and a lot of time. I do crazy mecanical swaps all the time but wouldn't attempt that.

[ksland]

You have got a condensor, evaporator, pump, controls, wiring and will probably have to change some of the original stuff that you mightnot even thing would have to be. Good luck. There are aftermarket a/c systems out there somewhere.

[greenman]

The best advice that I can give you........let someone install it. A mechanic that knows what he is doing. Its a great big headache. If it was me, I wouldn't do it. I'd get rid of the truck and get one with a/c:D

[TLS]

An '88 one ton Scottsdale, sounds like the older '73 to '87 era cabs, is it?

If so, I had an aftermarket A/C in my '76 Chevy. It looked real simple! Nice compressor ran off an add on v-belt pulley, and the inside part was non obtrusive. It mounted below the glove box and ran across the lower portion of the dash. That thing really froze you out. Sure wish todays A/C in trucks and cars would cool like this did!

If its not an older body style, your probably SOL for "add ons" but may consider a donor vehicle.

That, or.....BUY A NEW TRUCK!!!

Now you have a legitimate reason to !!!

:D

[mowerman90]

In 1987, when I moved from Pittsburgh to my present location (Central Florida), I priced an aftermarket AC unit for my 1982 S-10 pickup. All parts and installation at that time (1987) would of run me around $1000. I have no idea what they would cost now. I'm sure you can find these units on the internet if you do a search.

[John Gamba]

Try looking up An ARA Aftermarket unit. i Have put them in Older chevys Before with No Problems. But if You have the style that has the dash With the funky Speedo I Have Not Done one Of those. You Can also Go With a Hanger Unit, The Only Problem With Them is They blow from the Middle of the dash and not from The side (HOT LEFT SIDE OF HEAD). If you Need anything else Just Yell.
John

[smalltime]

My best friend had A/C put into his 89 F150 last year. It was done at a local radiator and automotive heating and air shop. The cost was $1200. All new parts were used. There were not add on vents or anything. The only noticable difference inside was the heating and air, head unit had a new decal, that looked factory.

Where in the Midwest are you?

Steve

[Victor]

Take my word for it buddy. You'd be much better off buying a different truck. I've been a Ground Maintenance Mechanic for America West since '93, and can honestly tell you. You really don't want to get into a conversion like that. If you want a/c that badly, just buy another truck.

Victor

[tsmiff1]

Thanks for all the replies. First I would like to address Leone Lawn Care's theory on being hot and cooling off through out the day: Take this from someone who knows personally, being able to cool down when you can is far better than staying hot all day. In 2001 I was using a truck without air and ended up in the hospital for five days! In 2002 I used my personal truck (w/ A/C) and never had a problem and could mow more lawns in a day plus have more energy left when I got home every evening. There was a tremendous difference in how I felt. When I was in the hospital I explained my situation and mentioned not having A/C in the truck; the doctors advised two things 1) Drink more 2) Get a truck with air.
Now, back to getting and funding the A/C for my current work truck. It seems that many of you think its not worth the money and I should just find another truck. I got this truck really cheap from an irrigation guy who was put out of business by the state (that's another story) I'm around $2000 in the good with the value of the truck vs. what I paid for it. So, if I have to spend another $1000 bucks for air then its was still a great buy for me. I've been running it on a daily basis since November and its proven to be mechanically flawless. I don't want to give it up and take a chance on another used truck. The '88 is the first year of the body style that went from 88-98. So it doesn't look in appearance to be as old as it is, very professional with flat bed.
The guys who mentioned the aftermarket hang on type options probably hit on my best solution. Now I just need to know where to find such a setup. Thanks again for any advice!

Tracey

[HarryD]

I myself think this is a good excuse to get a new truck with air rather then spend alot of time trying to cobble it in JMHO ;)

[Brickman]

Do a search for this topic in a thread started by GregInAlaska. Last summer we had a chat about this. You might even try to email him and pick his brain. If I remember right he found all the parts and did the instal himself.

[The Lawn Crew]

I had an aftermarket unit put in a 1977 Dodge D350. Engine had headers and, unbeknownst to me at the time, rotting floorboards, which may have accounted for the so-so ac performance.

Check JC Whitney, I believe they have aftermarket kits. Definitely worth adding air to your truck. My setup was around $800 if memory serves correct. That was installed many years ago.