AC install - will this work?

[House Money]

So I'm not running a hood or side panels, because of that I'm trying to hide some things or minimize their appearance. For example, I really don't see a good place to mount the heater control valve on or near the engine. Another is the heater hoses and AC lines, placing them per the manual is an eyesore in my opinion. So I came up with this as an option, it is only a mock-up as this point and held in place with clecos. The manual state to mount the evaporator 1-3/16" in from the corner of the frame tube, with this I'm close to 7".

Is this going to work? I plan to drill and route the heater and AC hoses through that one section that does not yet have the sound insulation installed.

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[bnelson]

So I'm not running a hood or side panels, because of that I'm trying to hide some things or minimize their appearance. For example, I really don't see a good place to mount the heater control valve on or near the engine. Another is the heater hoses and AC lines, placing them per the manual is an eyesore in my opinion. So I came up with this as an option, it is only a mock-up as this point and held in place with clecos. The manual state to mount the evaporator 1-3/16" in from the corner of the frame tube, with this I'm close to 7".

Is this going to work? I plan to drill and route the heater and AC hoses through that one section that does not yet have the sound insulation installed.

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That's exactly what I did. It was a pain getting all the hoses routed but hid everything real nice. Took me a few try's positioning to get all the hoses to work out. I ran all the drain lines down through the opening in the cowl. Am going to build a drip pan under all the hoses to be sure condensation dose not drip on floor.

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[House Money]

Thanks for your reply! By chance do you have any pics showing the progression of your install? I have to say I'm impressed that you even found room to install the dryer inside too. With everything installed and all the hoses it is sort of hard to see how you mounted the components. I did look at your build thread too, nice to see that you had no problems fitting your gauges with the evaporator where it is.

[bnelson]

Thanks for your reply! By chance do you have any pics showing the progression of your install? I have to say I'm impressed that you even found room to install the dryer inside too. With everything installed and all the hoses it is sort of hard to see how you mounted the components. I did look at your build thread too, nice to see that you had no problems fitting your gauges with the evaporator where it is.

I looked and don't have any that show clearly. I need to pull my dash to finish up some interior work so take a couple. Plenty of room between gauges and unit. I actually have the wiring terminal for the gauges in between as well and still plenty of room. I think the Dakota Digital don't set in as much as the stock gauges but I measured for the stock gauges when I first did and was plenty of room. I'll try to get some pictures posted later today.

[bnelson]

Here's some pictures. Its real hard to make them clear due to all the wiring, hoses et but you can kind of piece it together. The valve I drilled and tapped the out most firewall brace that is at a 45 degree angle. Used threaded rod to stand it off a bit to make hoses fit better. Also had to add some 90 degree elbows on the water hoses. The drier I built a bracket and attached to top of valve bracket. The drier is just even with the body opening but the dash protrudes out a couple inches at that point so makes room. I did have to modify the underside unit bracket due to moving it over above the trans tunnel. Hope that helps :)

Bruce

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[chuck35truck]

I wish I had looked more deeply into the forum before installing my AC. I tried to follow FFR’s instructions. They said to locate the evaporator 1-3/16” from the weld on top bar. No way that would work. I was afraid of moving it to far to the center of the cab, but your photos and text indicate that there would not be any interference. THANK YOU and House Money.

[bnelson]

I wish I had looked more deeply into the forum before installing my AC. I tried to follow FFR’s instructions. They said to locate the evaporator 1-3/16” from the weld on top bar. No way that would work. I was afraid of moving it to far to the center of the cab, but your photos and text indicate that there would not be any interference. THANK YOU and House Money.

You know what they say. Hundred ways to skin a cat :) There was a lot of room to move things around. And I really wanted to move everything from engine bay to hide it. Just try to think ahead a little and work around your personal situation. I made so many variations from the manual I cant even begin to go over them all. The one thing I learned is the manual is a general guide but in no way covers all the different situations you may run into. Just use your imagination and do it how you think is best!

[FLFrank35]

I am also not running a hood or side panels and want to hide as much as possible. I mounted the valve bracket under the evaporator (I have since installed the vale but don't have a pic). It is hidden by the dash and does not seem to interfere with the passenger's knees.

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[chuck35truck]

I didn’t think about mounting it under the evaporator. That is a great idea. I was going to move the evaporator and follow bnelson or now I have your idea. Your idea saves moving the evaporator. Thank you for sharing.



I am also not running a hood or side panels and want to hide as much as possible. I mounted the valve bracket under the evaporator (I have since installed the vale but don't have a pic). It is hidden by the dash and does not seem to interfere with the passenger's knees.

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[chuck35truck]

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Here are the photos of my installation. I appreciate the help and suggestions that were posted above. I couldn’t find anyone in my area that could crimp my AC hoses. I bought the Masterkool tool and it worked great. I have not added the coolant yet, so I don’t know if I have any leaks. The heater hoses do not leak. I would be glad to crimp hoses or lend my kit.

[McGuyver]

Nice work there Chuck. I centered my evaporator like Gary and Bruce. Once I finish up wiring, the heater valve/dryer and routing through the firewall are next on the list. If I don’t find a crimper locally I’ll shoot you a pm and check on loaner status.