Found an aftermarket AC

[69twotone]

I found an aftermarket ac and pulled all of the hoses, the compressor, etc. I was on cloud nine until I realized that I have a 351 windsor and the ac came off a truck with the stock 360. I have a few questions for the AC gurus.

I bent one of the metal pieces that connects to the unit under the dash . It is on the end of a hose (which disconnects from the unit). The hose runs out to the compressor. Does anyone sell the hoses with the metal connectors?

A compressor is a compressor right if I get a compresor that will fit a 351 Windsor it shoud run the system?

Can you get these charged anymore and if not what updates/changes do I need to do to get it charged.

[fordman]

i am unsure about the thing you bent. a pic of it might be able to help me figure out if it can be just used as is or maybe replace it. if the parts are available. as far as the bracket not fiting your engine. all you need is the bracket and not a compressor. all the compressors should fit the different brackets. and yes you can still recharge them. using the original r12 will be costly. but you can retro fit the a/c charge to r-134a. which is a new refridgerant to replace the r12. when you took the system out of the other truck did it have any gas that escaped? if so good. because you know the system may have worked. also did you get the coil front in front of the radiator. you will need that to have a complete system. if not you can still get them new or used.

[1971fordcustom]

[basketcase0302]

69twotone,

I bent one of the metal pieces that connects to the unit under the dash

Several routes you can take here; I would suggest the following...
The refrigerant hoses can be "custom" made by your local hose shop.
Which is usually a hydraulic hose supply shop.
Once you have your compressor, (the pump that moves the refrigerant that is mounted to the engine bracket/driven by the belt):
The liquid line drier, (round cylindrical usually about 3" X 14" / mounted to the radiator support or fender);
And the evaporator, (the piece where your refrigerant hose "bent or kinked" / the coil located inside the truck.
You can then measure the length of the hoses X the diameter of the hoses X the fitting size on each end of the hose.

A compressor is a compressor right

Not true. All air-conditioning as well as heating equipment are rated by the total BTU output.
As well as different mounting footprints between the two major brands.
Although in the 70's Ford mainly used only a York compressor, there were still several different models/BTU variations.
Very important to keep all these components "matched" as original pieces or their equivalent for the system to operate as designed.
The above also holds true for the compressor.
The different brands, (York or Sanyo) have different engine / compressor mounts as well.
Much easier to get a new Sanyo compressor with the mount for the 351 as new parts rather than even mess with an old York. I say this because the Sanyo's are designed for R134A where our York's were not and do not operate half as efficient using R134A.
Although they make fine underhood air compressors!

Can you get these charged anymore and if not what updates/changes do I need to do to get it charged.

Yes, you can get the refrigerant circuit re-charged, (once you have re-installed all the components and leak/pressure tested the circuit).
Forget that R-12 even existed!
R-134 is the "new" refrigerant that you would use to re-charge.

Several different on-line A/C companies to get all the pieces and parts from. Or, you probably have a local automotive A/C shop near you if you want to "do-it-yourself".
First and foremost...all the components should already have the ends "taped" or sealed up. Contaminents inside the refrigerant circuit are any A/C's worst enemy!

Basketcase

[Nausea]

Contaminents inside the refrigerant circuit are any A/C's worst enemy!

Amen! Moisture is enemy #1, debris in lines #2. The moisture will be removed when a deep vacuum is pulled on the system, but replace the old line drier - contains dessicant to absorb moisture and once they've been opened to atmosphere for awhile, they're useless to put back on.

R12 can still be bought (if you look hard enough), but at about >$30/lb cost, ouch! Forget R12.
MP39 is a great drop-in R12 replacement, but getting a tech to install it in a vehicle might be a challenge (epa doesn't want it used for that) - it is even compatible with the mineral oil already in your system and operates at almost exactly the same temps/pressures, costs about $13/lb.
R134a doesn't behave exactly like R12 even though dupont calls it a replacement. You'll need all new hoses because what was sufficient to hold R12 will leak 134 - its a blend of gases. R134a runs around $4/lb (plus markup) and it doesn't like mineral oil so you'll need to switch it to polyalkylene glycol instead.
For reference, here are a few places that sell underdash A/Cs, hoses, fittings, etc. (I've never dealt with them tho) http://www.acsource.com/index.asp?PageA ... tegory=382
and http://www.vintageair.com/index.asp

[Nausea]

Here's the bracket...
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ac/for ... ts-30.html

[fordman]

sorry what i meant by a compressor is a compressor. is that it will fit on either bracket.